Dad and I are completing Day 1 in Peru. We are in the Sacred Valley tonight after smooth transfers in Lima and Cuzco. There is NO doubt that we are at 9,000+ ft. elevation --- what happened to the oxygen??? No oxygen infusions yet; we're relying on Cocoa tea, a LOT of bottle water, and Tylenol; the 3-hour nap today helped, too.

Susan Walsh called yesterday just before I left for the airport. She received word that a just announced "Peruvian farmers' strike" was going to require changes our itinerary, both as to our days in Machu Picchu and hotel selections. More phone calls and discussions of options. All is well and it appears that our "adjustments" will be minor.

So, off to our room for some extra rest before heading to Machu Picchu tomorrow a.m. Who knows what kind of internet we will have the coming days, but we'll post reports when we can. Let us know if you want us to scout locations or obtain info for you.

Luke, what a great trip for you and your dad to enjoy. Sounds as if you are off to a great start. Please, keep posting. Love to hear all the details.

Thanks for checking in, Luke. I'm looking forward to reading your trip. Safe travel to you and your dad.

Here are a couple of e-mails that I sent to Paula, Meredith, and Oz today:

Noon

An incredible morning started at 5:30 a.m. ... dressed and had a leisurely breakfast. Our guide, Rudy, and driver (EddieJohn (?)) met us at 7:15. Rudy will be with us our entire 3 days at MP. We were not on the Hiram Bingham train, but had FRONT row seats on the Vistadome, complete with a picture window (the only thing between us and the track). You can imagine the number of pictures I took and I know you can hear GrandDaddy's "oh my goodness!" at every turn.

It was an AMAZING train ride (1.5 hours) to the village at the base of MP (we kept wanting Taylor at our side to identify and describe the varied geological formations). That was followed by an AMAZING 30 minute bus ride up switchbacks to our hotel (MP Sanctuary Lodge) ... a quick glass of cocoa tea, agreeing to meet Rudy in 2 hours for lunch and an afternoon intro to the ruins. We were then led to our AMAZING SUITE, complete with a patio (one of only 2 suites among the 31 total of rooms) surrounded by flora (including orchid plants and bromeliads).

GrandDaddy is BEYOND thrilled --- and we haven't even been to the ruins!

Possibly the most AMAZING 5 hours in a single day that I have ever experienced (besides, of course, family events).

More soon.


5:30

We are in the bar following 3 hours in the ruins. Dad is speechless .... Our guide rivals Elena in St. Petersburg ... Rudy is going at Dad´s pace with great assistance, patience, and personal attention. I even got a photo of the Inca Wren .... this is the ONLY place in the world this bird is found ... Rudy drew it to us via a recording on his Treo.

OK, time to shower before dinner.

Kudos go to Susan Walsh for helping plan his trip (I know those accolades come as NO surprise to you). In fact, Susan talked to "someone" recently and "somehow" arranged our upgrade to a suite. We feel so lucky that Dad and I tempted to buy a Peruvian lottery ticket, or at least a ticket in the Texas lottery when we return home.

Sounds amazing, Luke. May you and Dad continue to have more adventures in the days to come!

Luke, thanks for keeping us posted while you're on this amazing trip with your Dad. Both of you stay well and safe. We eagerly look forward to seeing your photos when you return.

Luke,
I am just so pleased to hear that you arrived safely and that you are enjoying your suite at Sanctuary. Thank you for your kind words. It is certainly my pleasure to assist in any way possible and I am so excited that your father is living his dream. Sounds like the weather is cooperating. Look forward to your post after your enjoy the Hiram Bingham on the return. Hope the farmer's strike doesn't affect your trip much.

Luke - your trip sounds like the dream I have of visiting Machu Picchu. Staying at the Lodge must be the BEST. Please continue to share the adventure.

Margo

One of my favorite places in the world. There's something about the Sanctuary Lodge - not just its setting - that simply calls one back.

I'm so glad you were able to see the wren! One more reason for me to return. Rudy, bring the treo!

Your dad must be thrilled. Hope you enjoy the rest to come.

Cheers, Anne

I apologize for not posting more during our trip, but the time was diverted to sightseeing, visiting, and, of course, resting. In fact, I simply "soaked up" each moment like a sponge. I will work to summarize highlights in the coming days.

In the meantime, here are a few pics from Machu Picchu ... now I need to find time to wade throught the other 3,500+ photos ....

Peru Photos

Luke, the pure joy on your Dad's face is evident. I'm so glad that you were able to enjoy this fabulous adventure together. I look forward to reading and seeing more about your trip.

Loved your pictures Luke! It is such an amazing place and a trip of a lifetime. So happy you two could go.

Great photos, Luke. Your dad looks so happy! Can't wait to read more about your trip.

What a magical place, a fairytale picture.Your Dad has more stamina than I would have. Good for him and you for giving him the chance to visit.

Luke,
What wonderful photos! What a special trip you had with your dad. You will both have such great memories forever. AWESOME!!!!!