Up up and away...

A massive THANK YOU to everyone who took part in this challenge - everyone has done amazingly well at their fundraising - a big pat on the back to the group.

Please read the snippets of what our challengers were thinking as we trekked the days away...

Concern Peru Challenge Diary 2007

23rd October

Everyone has arrived safe and sound in Lima. After the 12 hour flight we are delighed to have showers and get things reday for another early start tomorrow. Bound for Cusco...

24th October

Margaret's summary of the day ''We had a great day today, there was a little walking to get us aclimatised which gave us a good glimpse of what is ahead of us''.

25th October

Aidan's summary of the day '' Nice, easy relaxing day and everyone was delighted to get walking. We had a bonus in Ollantaytambo where they were celebrating their 150th anniversary in the main square with children dancing, very festive and very colourful. Food is very good too, no one in the group is starving....''

26th October

Meadhbh's summary of the day "It was like 3 days in one.  The school children and ceremony was enjoyable for everyone and the sun was already shining at 8.30am it was really hot.  Then the lunch which as always was excellent.  Charades again as the evening entertainment - boys vs girls with the girls winning again - I think I have found my hidden talent...."

27th October

Micks summary of the day "The word challenge was invented for this day.  A cold dark rise at 4am incompassing heat, thunder, lightening, rain and even hail stones.  But the weather took second place to the most amazing scenery climbing to altitudes of 4450 meters prooved tough for all but the spirit of the team carried everyone over the finish line.  This day alone makes the whole trek an incredible experience that I know we will remember for a long long time...."

28th October

Carla's summary of the day "The walk was lovely the team is great and the team leader Lynn is the best.  Absolutley fabulous.  The group is young and old and blending well together and it was great to see the traditional meal where the cooks went to great effort - delicous.  The memory will last a lifetime...."

29th October

Gerry's summary of the day " After a hard days walking yesterday everyone came back to an extremely well located campsite.  Everyone relaxed at a campfire after 4 days of hard trekking.  Everyone enjoyed their first alcoholic beverage.  After a late late late night the following day was the shortest day trekking which was welcomed by everyone into another fabulous campsite with amazing facilities after 5 days in the wilderness...."

30th October

Orlaigh's summary of the day "The start of the day was quite tough with amazing sights along the way.  Going up the steps to the sun gate as a group was brilliant and then seeing Machu Picchu was awesome..."

Niall's summary of the day "FABULOUS.  Far better than I could have expected..."

31st October

Kevin's summary of the day "As the clouds slowly lifted and the unique location of Machu Picchu revealed itself I knew then that the journey here was worth it all..."

Derek's summary of the day "Simply awesome.  Views were breath-taking and it lived up to all my expectations.  A day never to be forgotten....."

1st - 2nd November

Aine and Liza's summary of Cusco "Vibrant city.  Full of life.  We totally enjoyed it's diverse culture the friendliness of all people.  And without a doubt me cheesy night clubs rock!..."

After saying a fond farewell to many friends we have met in Peru its time to embark the flights bound for Dublin.  I would like to thank everyone who fundraised for this Challenge, Lynne (Expedition Leader), David (Expedition Guide) and Laoise (Doctor) from Across the Divide and all the local staff for making this truely an experience of a lifetime for one and all - see you at the reunion.....  (Zoe Holyoak)