We spent another day in the mountains near the town of Huaraz. Beautiful vertical granite walls, glacier-fed lakes, snow-capped peaks. Reminded me of Yosemite or Glacier Park.
We also stopped at the town of Yungay, near Huaraz. In 1970 there was a large earthquake nearby, and a mile wide section of mountain slid 4000 feet down on this town in a huge avalanche. The town was completely buried except for a large statue of Jesus on a hill in the middle of town. Many people, especially children, had fled to the statue during and after the earthquake, and were thereby saved from the avalanche. Some of them attribute it to divine protection, but I think it might have had more to do with it being the only high spot in town. The church was demolished, killing all the people who had sought refuge there.
Tomorrow will be one more day in the area. We are being taken up on a mountain and given bicycles to ride back down. Sounds like fun!
Then it’s back to Lima for a few days before we return to Phoenix.
How come you’re not riding your bicycles up the mountain and taking the bus back down?
Comment by Donna — July 17, 2006 @ 5:30 pm
Hey, you must be reading this right now as I am typing.
Answer to your question: It’s just because the ladies wouldn´t have the energy at 12,000 feet. Otherwise I would, of course!
Comment by Daryl — July 17, 2006 @ 5:32 pm
It’s 5:35 here now. What time is it there?
Comment by Donna — July 17, 2006 @ 5:36 pm
7:45pm now. We’re on EST.
Comment by Daryl — July 17, 2006 @ 5:47 pm