Leaving the Andes

Posted on by

Saying goodbye to a trip is always hard. Over four months later I am still writing about Bolivia and today is the very last post. Life has been so busy that it all feels sometimes like a blur. That is what has been so rewarding about having this blog. It has been a way to remember special moments in time and relive that experience through pictures and words.

As we left the Condoriri Valley after two wonderful successful hikes, I felt a sense of pride. I made it and wasn’t so sure I would given a hip injury that had kept me from running. But I did make it and I felt great, physically and mentally. Even more important is I made it with my dad.

Packing up our gear

Packing up the mules

We set off following the short hour and a half trail we arrived on just three days before. Unfortunately my stomach finally caught up with eating at 15,500 feet and I was sick making the walk back particularly grueling. But I focused on the spectacular views and tried to ignore the discomfort.

My favorite view of all. The morning reflection.

“In three words I can sum up everything I’ve learned about life: it goes on. -Robert Frost

As we meandered down the rocky slopes and near the end of our hike, I reflected on what an amazing journey life is. The path is unknown and it is up to you to decide which one to take.

I also made a decision. After 15 years of dreaming about climbing Kilimanjaro, I finally am going to do it. And I am going to do it for a cause to help women and girls in Sub-Saharan Africa. I am thrilled to be part of an international team of men and women climbing Kilimanjaro this July on behalf of Solar Sister where we will climb to new heights by raising money to improve the lives of women and girls. Much more will be coming soon on my next adventure. Stay Tuned…

 

This post was inspired by the Weekly Photo Challenge: Blur. To read more entries, click here. 

Author’s note: This post is a continuation of “The Grand Finale: Climbing Austria Peak“.

 

52 thoughts on “Leaving the Andes”

    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      No there isn’t Janet! My dad always tells me to “go for it” so I guess I am! 🙂

      Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Thanks Amy! 🙂

      Reply ↓
  3. Leya – Sweden – Love my family, photography, art, literature, architecture, flowers, trees and dogs, but most of all Nature itself. I also keep on travelling...
    Leya on said:

    A great journey in a great landscape. And all my best for your next quest!

    Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Thanks Leya! 🙂

      Reply ↓
  4. JF – New York City, Queens – I am close to 80 and have a lot of interests. I am looking for talented, creative people who are young at heart and want to be happy, want to share their knowledge, feelings and love. My greatest love and achievement is my family. I love people. Photography and reading are my best pleasures. I am going to share with you photos I like and books that I read and like. I enjoy playing chess and go. Please join my blog and see what other interests are in my life.
    JF on said:

    Wonderful post and photos! Enjoy your blog very much!

    Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Thank you so much! Love to hear those words of encouragement!

      Reply ↓
  5. Sas – Cardiff, UK – I'm vegan. I love to travel. I challenge myself to visit at least one new place and try at least one new activity every year. When I'm not writing, I like to ski, rock climb, keep fit and bodyboard.
    Sas on said:

    Can’t wait to hear about your preparation for the Kilimanjaro trip Nicole 🙂

    Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Thanks Sas! I’m so excited!!!!

      Reply ↓
  6. Kat at travelgardeneat – Life sometimes gets so busy, we forget to stop and smell the roses. Travel.Garden.Eat is a reminder to slow down and enjoy the things that make good memories and replenish the soul!
    Kat at travelgardeneat on said:

    What a reflective and beautiful goodbye … and what an incredible adventure you have ahead of you!

    Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Thanks Kat! I seem to never stop, do I?! 🙂

      Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Thanks Sue! Glad I’ve got experience with long distance hikes otherwise I’m sure I’d be intimidated. 🙂

      Reply ↓

  8. Pingback: Weekly Photo Challenge: BLUR | The Adventures of Iñigo Boy

  9. lexklein – I’m a restless, world-wandering, language-loving, book-devouring traveler trying to straddle the threshold between a traditional, stable family life and a free-spirited, irresistible urge to roam. Even when I was young, I always wanted to be somewhere else. I was the kid who loved camp, vacations, sleepovers, and all forms of transportation. Did my restlessness spring from a love of languages and other cultures? From a fiction fixation and all the places I’ve visited on the pages of a globeful of authors? I think it’s more primordial, though, an innate itch that demands scratching at regular intervals. I’m sure I won’t have a travel story every time I add to this blog, but I’ve got a lot! I’m a pretty happy camper (literally), but there is some angst as well as excitement in always having one foot out the door. Come along for the trip as I take the second step …
    lexklein on said:

    Intriguing … Kilimanjaro has been on my list also. I just wrote to the contact email address on the Solar Sister website for more info!

    Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Awesome! They are wonderful! A fellow blogger and dear friend of mine knows someone who works at Solar Sister and she told me about the opportunity! I know they would love more people! Let me know too if you have any questions. It is going to be a fabulous trip and would be awesome if you could come too!

      Reply ↓
      • lexklein – I’m a restless, world-wandering, language-loving, book-devouring traveler trying to straddle the threshold between a traditional, stable family life and a free-spirited, irresistible urge to roam. Even when I was young, I always wanted to be somewhere else. I was the kid who loved camp, vacations, sleepovers, and all forms of transportation. Did my restlessness spring from a love of languages and other cultures? From a fiction fixation and all the places I’ve visited on the pages of a globeful of authors? I think it’s more primordial, though, an innate itch that demands scratching at regular intervals. I’m sure I won’t have a travel story every time I add to this blog, but I’ve got a lot! I’m a pretty happy camper (literally), but there is some angst as well as excitement in always having one foot out the door. Come along for the trip as I take the second step …
        lexklein on said:

        I got the info! This is the route I’ve been wanting to do, but now I’ve got to figure out if I can take another trip this summer. I’m already going to be overseas in June and have two U.S.-based moves to do later in July and August. Might be a stretch to squeeze all this in, but I’m going to see if it’s possible!

      • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
        thirdeyemom on said:

        Great! keep me posted!!!

    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Can’t wait!

      Reply ↓
  11. maamej – Australia – I'm a single white Aussie mum of anglo-celtic background with a teenage son whose dad is from Ghana in West Africa. I’m blogging to share experiences, insights & funny stories about living in a mixed family. I also blog about health, politics, culture, racism and food.
    maamej on said:

    Wonderful pics. All stunning but I particularly like the two mules against that vast space. Good luck with Kilimanjaro! Have you also thought of trying the Rwenzoris sometime?

    Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Thanks! I liked the mule photos too. Where is the Rwenzoris? Never heard of it! May be a new place to hike!

      Reply ↓
      • maamej – Australia – I'm a single white Aussie mum of anglo-celtic background with a teenage son whose dad is from Ghana in West Africa. I’m blogging to share experiences, insights & funny stories about living in a mixed family. I also blog about health, politics, culture, racism and food.
        maamej on said:

        It’s a mountain range on the border of Uganda & DRC, also known as the Mountains of the Moon. Not quite as high as Kilimanjaro but more spectacular. I saw them from the bottom once, & couldn’t believe how high the peaks went, but then I live in Australia where our mountains are more like large hills.

        I believe they’re extremely challenging to walk into but also amazing. Definitely something for the bucket list, tho I’m not sure I’ll ever have the strength and stamina for them.

      • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
        thirdeyemom on said:

        Sounds fabulous!

  12. Pingback: Photo Challenge; Blur | tnkerr-Writing Prompts and Practice

  13. Angeline Suze – Love travel and photography. Living in Northern California. Photos of locations visited are personal file photos. I’m on Instagram: suze.munoz
    Angeline M on said:

    You are amazing!

    Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      You are too kind Angeline! I just like to follow my motto “carpe diem”. 🙂

      Reply ↓
  14. danbalva – United States – My name is Dan, and I am a graduate student at Florida International University, studying to receive my Master's degree in Mental Health Counseling. I graduated from the University of Central Florida in May 2014, where I majored in Creative Writing and double minored in Spanish and Hospitality Management. I recently completed my first book, a self-help for teens, with hopes of it being published in the near future. This blog is meant to give you a deeper look into the life of a young adult wanting to become a published author, as well as offer tools and tips of advice to help you ultimately achieve the life-long goal of Happiness.
    danbalva on said:

    What an incredible experience and awesome pictures!

    Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Thanks so much! It was a special trip indeed!

      Reply ↓

  15. Pingback: Blurish | My Atheist Blog

  16. Your thoughts and pictures of your trip are beautiful. We grow so much when we travel, isn’t it?
    Inspired me to try out Kilimanjaro as well! 🙂

    Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Thank you so much. Yes, I have loved travel all my life. My parents started me young and I never stopped. It is my passion and I hope someday my children feel the same way (instead of saying “Mommy, why are you leaving again?””

      Reply ↓
  17. Cityontravel.it – Milano – Cityontravel hotel in tutto il mondo! Sconti strepitosi sugli hotel in 70.000 destinazioni in tutto il mondo. Giudizi degli ospiti e miglior prezzo garantito per gli hotel di qualsiasi categoria.
    Cityontravel on said:

    Reblogged this on Cityontravel.

    Reply ↓
  18. Tina Schell – I am passionate about photography, love traveling and exploring new places and faces, and seeing the world from different perspectives. My lens is always on the lookout for something beautiful or interesting.
    Tina Schell on said:

    Wonderful captures Nicole – looks like you had quite a productive trip and have some wonderful memories from it.

    Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Thanks Tina! It is hard to take photos on the fly while hiking but I tried my best. Good thing is it is so beautiful there!!!

      Reply ↓

  19. Thanks for sharing your journey with us. The images are so memorable and remind me of our adventure to Machu Picchu. I love your line about choosing the right path in life, made me think of my grandfather whose words of advice to me when I was 13 were, ” In life Andrew there are always two roads, a right road and a wrong road. Make sure you always choose the right one.” Climbing Kilimanjaro, that’s wonderful and for such a great cause; definitely the right path. I shall look forward to reading all about it. Warm wishes, as always 🙂

    Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Thanks Andrew! Machu Picchu was my very first big hike that I did with my dad and from that point on, I just didn’t stop.
      My dad always taught me “carpe diem” and that is what I do. Go for it. Thanks so much for support. 🙂

      Reply ↓
  20. Alison and Don – Occupation: being/living/experiencing/travelling. In our sixties, with apparently no other authentic option, my husband Don and I sold our apartment and car, sold or gave away all our stuff and set off to discover the world. And ourselves. We started in Italy in 2011 and from there have travelled to Spain, India, Bali, Australia, New Zealand, SE Asia, South America, Egypt, Japan, etc. - you can see the blog archive. We travelled full-time for nearly six years, and then re-established a home in Vancouver. We now travel 2-3 months per year. We are interested in how the world works, how life works, how the creation of experience works, how the mind works. As we travel and both "choose" our course, and at the same time just let it unfold, we discover the "mechanics" of life, the astounding creativity of life, and a continual need to return to trust and presence. Opening the heart, and acceptance of what is, as it is, are keystones for us both. Interests: In no particular order: travel, photography, figure skating (as a fan), acceptance, authenticity, walking/hiking, joy, creativity, being human, adventure, presence, NOW. Same for Don except replace figure skating with Formula One motor racing.
    Alison and Don on said:

    Wonderful post Nicole. Beautiful photos of truly spectacular scenery. The whole story reads like the journey of a lifetime and one I’m sure you’ll always remember. The highest Don and I ever got was 16,404 ft – also in Bolivia, but we drove there. We hiked up to 15,953 in Ecuador, and then turned back due to heinous weather. I can’t imagine being able to tackle what you and your father did. Kudos! The whole journey must have been amazing. The photo above the Robert Frost quote is my favourite.
    And congratulations on the decision to climb Kili – another journey of a lifetime!
    Alison

    Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Thanks Alison! That is wonderful that you ad Don are hikers too. Where in Bolivia did you go? I would love to see Ecuador someday too. But for now, I’m so excited about Kili! Its been on the radar for 15 years now! 🙂

      Reply ↓
      • Alison and Don – Occupation: being/living/experiencing/travelling. In our sixties, with apparently no other authentic option, my husband Don and I sold our apartment and car, sold or gave away all our stuff and set off to discover the world. And ourselves. We started in Italy in 2011 and from there have travelled to Spain, India, Bali, Australia, New Zealand, SE Asia, South America, Egypt, Japan, etc. - you can see the blog archive. We travelled full-time for nearly six years, and then re-established a home in Vancouver. We now travel 2-3 months per year. We are interested in how the world works, how life works, how the creation of experience works, how the mind works. As we travel and both "choose" our course, and at the same time just let it unfold, we discover the "mechanics" of life, the astounding creativity of life, and a continual need to return to trust and presence. Opening the heart, and acceptance of what is, as it is, are keystones for us both. Interests: In no particular order: travel, photography, figure skating (as a fan), acceptance, authenticity, walking/hiking, joy, creativity, being human, adventure, presence, NOW. Same for Don except replace figure skating with Formula One motor racing.
        Alison and Don on said:

        We did a 3 day 4×4 overland trip from San Pedro de Atacama (northern Chile) to Uyuni (central Bolivia) crossing the alti plano, then went to Copacabana on Lake Titicaca. It was an extraordinary journey, definitely one of the highlights of South America for us.
        http://alisonanddon.com/2014/01/20/unboliviable-the-high-desert-and-altiplano-of-bolivia/
        http://alisonanddon.com/2014/01/31/salt-flats-and-bowler-hats-uyuni-and-copacabana-bolivia/
        http://alisonanddon.com/2014/02/22/reeds-rocks-pumas-and-gods-lake-titicaca-bolivia-and-peru/

      • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
        thirdeyemom on said:

        I would love to have seen this part of Bolivia but just not enough time on this trip. Looking forward to checking out these posts. Thanks for sharing!

  21. Kilimanjaro! How absolutely fantastic. I am definitely staying tuned in for your new adventure, but I’ll miss your gorgeous photos of the Andes.

    Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Thanks Debbie! I am so incredibly excited as I’ve wanted to do this for 15 years since my dad did it. I can’t wait!

      Reply ↓
  22. jules – Western Australia – I am an educator and published writer. I am a fully qualified Emmett, Reiki, MSTR (Scar Therapy) and AromaTouch practitioner. I am an active member of the Greens party and I believe we should be transitioning to a more sustainable and equitable world.
    jules on said:

    What a brilliant journey. And fantastic photos. A place I’d love to visit, having made it at last to Nepal last year.
    I climbed Kilimanjaro many years ago in the 80’s the first time I lived in Tanzania. I gather it is a lot more ‘touristy’ now, although that has led to more routes being available. It is a breathtaking mountain and a wonderful country. Make sure that you have time to visit other parts too.

    Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Thanks so much! I did Nepal 4.5 years ago which got me to start this blog. I loved it. I know Kili is very touristy these days. Hopefully it won’t be too bad but I’ll just have to tune it out and enjoy the climb and of course the cause! 🙂

      Reply ↓

  23. Why am I not surprised you are planning to climb Kilimanjaro? Looking forward to hearing all about that adventure. 🙂

    Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Ha Ha you know me too well LuAnn! Ever since my dad did it 15 years ago I knew I had to myself. It just took a little longer than I expected! 🙂

      Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Thanks so much!

      Reply ↓

  25. Pingback: Upward Mobility | litadoolan

  26. Nilzeitung – West Europas – Danke für ihren Besuch.!!"dieser Seite im Aufbau". Es stimmt, dass es keine Freiheit ohne Pressefreiheit gibt. Wahrer Frieden des Journalismus ist eine der Säulen der Demokratie (Salah El-Nemr) se/nz.
    nilzeitung on said:

    Reblogged this on Nilzeitung.

    Reply ↓

Leave a ReplyCancel reply

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.