It was intense, it was gruelling and it was far more difficult than I had anticipated, but it was breath taking, educational, memory making and most importantly it was in aid of a fabulous cause, Chestnut Tree House.
The four day hike on this historical route with a group of 35 fellow trekkers took us over 3 passes, the highest being the aptly named 'Dead Woman's Pass' at 4,215 metres and ending in the city of Machu Picchu at 2,430 metres on the edge of the Amazon.
We were supported by a team of 73 local porters who worked tirelessly to carry the tents, food and other equipment essential for the hike and to ensure a welcoming camp awaited us at the end of each exhausting day. Without the work of these amazing people the trek would have been near impossible.
Joining the team of trekkers were Chestnut Tree House Patron Jodie Kidd and Vice President Ambrose Harcourt, not forgetting our very own QCIS care bear Pollard! As a group we kept our spirits high by remembering the challenges that the children have to face every day of their lives and working together when one or other of us needed extra support. The spectacular scenery coupled with interesting encounters with wildlife including parrots, hummingbirds and alpacas all enriched the experience and made the challenge more enjoyable.
Check out the official Chestnut Trail Challenge video below and see if you can spot Pollard and I tackling the terrain!
To 'summit all up' (excuse the pun!) I can honestly say that the Inca Trail Challenge was the hardest of the three challenges I have thus far undertaken in aid of Chestnut Tree House, but it was certainly hugely rewarding and I feel honoured to have been a part of this superb challenge.
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