Gluttons for punishment

So, not too long ago, we climbed a mountain.  The night before that trip, I had made the following comment to Jill.  "I'm going to say this tonight because I don't know if I'll be willing to say it tomorrow.  (after we climb the mountain)  I think it would be really nice if we could visit Sra. A one more time before we leave for convention rounds since it will be kind of a long time before she gets another one."  Thought shared and acknowledged.  And remembered the following day when were in ascent.  "Yeah, I would still try and be willing to repeat this experience within the next month."  However, to our delight, Sra. A told us that the very day we were thinking to return for another visit was the very day she was thinking to come down to Ayacucho.  "Perfect!  We'll see you there!"  Then another "however" came into the picture.  Because of her schedule in town we weren't completely sure she would be able to make it to the 4:00 Gospel Meeting in Ayacucho, and we couldn't stay around after that since we travel to Quito the following day.  So, we're back to plan A - up the mountain again.  "Are you free to have us on Friday?" we asked.  Yes, that would work.  So this past Friday, for the second time in the span of eight days, we filled our backpacks with water, leaving just enough space for our Bible and hymnbook, and headed up, up, up.  We made this trip in record breaking time!  

8:45 - 9:10 - canoe ride

9:10 - 10:40 - ascent  (down from 2 hours the last time)

10:40 - 12:10 - lunch and study with Sra. A

12:10 - 1:30 - descent (down from 1.5 hours last time)

1:35 - caught 1:30 canoe (We were thankful that he was slightly behind schedule!)

We are glad to report that this trip seemed easier (not easy, easier) and that less recovery time was needed afterwards.  Looks like we're making progress!

Looking back up at the canoe launch place from the water

Melania had the day off of school and bravely volunteered to accompany us again.  (She went with us the first time when it was muddy.)

Franc B. also joined this expedition.

That house in the distance is where we're headed.

Our first water break

Smile.  Or grimace with teeth if that's the best you can do.

The last time we went up, I dumped ice water over myself at intervals, which helped my inner furnace a great deal.  On this trip, Jill looked back at me at one point and asked, "Did you dump water on yourself again?"  Nope, that's pure unadulterated sweat!  

When we remember to look, the view is beautiful.

Ah, we reached the flat bit at last!  

This group of school children wasn't quite sure what to make of us!

Ahhhhhh!!!

And we have that much more for the way down!

Shower on the left, toilet on the right

You can take this ladder straight up to the porch kitchen or take the stairs on the front side of the house to go to the living room.

Sra. A flanked by the uniformed sister workers

And now its time to head back down...

Pictures cannot convey what the "trail" is really like, but perhaps some of our descent "positions" will help illustrate.  :-)

I left my other leg on top.  Didn't think I'd need it.

Where are the foot holds???

The final stretch

Waiting for the canoe

(We were aiming for the 2:00 one but then happened to spot one heading in our general direction.  We flagged him down and made it back to Poza Honda by 2:00.  Yay!)

The required shoes / feet pictures:

We usually wash our feet and shoes in the reservoir during the canoe ride.  It's quite refreshing and does make a bit of difference as far as appearance is concerned.

And we lived to tell about it!  When can we go again?!