I had my own miracle in Peru to share with you....In the middle of the 3rd night I woke up thinking that I was "done" hiking the trail. I was tired and shaking. A little altitude sickness setting in, dehydration (I know I needed to drink more but didn't want to get up in the middle of the pouring rain to pee), and probably hypoglycemia as we all skipped dinner that night. Went down to the bottom of the hill to use the bathroom, It had a horrible smell and I just lost it throwing up. Then I had to walk the whole way up this seeming huge imposing hill for breakfast. Almost at the top of the hill I started to hyperventilate and get faint, just made it into the dining tent and collapsed on Carol's lap. I was hysterical, hyperventilating and just couldn't stop shaking (even though I was not cold). Couldn't see how I could go on. Carol was kind enough to work her reiki with me. That calmed me down enough to not faint away and get my breath. Rony our guide suggested that I go into the cooking tent to sit by the fire and warm up. Sometime during this he gave me oxygen from a portable tank as well. I was in the cook’s tent (which I understood later was a great honor as usually only the working men are permitted in there. I had my eyes closed and the oxygen on when these 2 big strong hands removed the oxygen and I was told I was going to have a healing. I never even opened my eyes but salt was placed on my forehead and a very strong smell placed under my nose. I was gasping. However, with any miracle and healing pure unconditional love from God was transferred from those beautiful hands. I instantly felt better but was weak that whole day. However, I was able to put one foot in front of the other and get through the rest of the trail. Being THE LAST one in that day, the men in the kitchen tent cheered that I made it and I took a bow. Writing is not my strength and I know that I am leaving out bits and pieces, such about how grateful I was that day. I will always remember that healing because I cannot see any other way I could have made it. The night afterward the guides told us "ghost stories" about the "Dead Man's"campsite and how they feel it is haunted. They had felt that there was some kind of dark energy that entered my aura. This isn't really part of my belief system but they did what they thought in their heart was the right thing to do. The workers do not like that camp and those strong men are always with another co-worker reportedly on that spot. I have such fond memories of the Inca trail and how I felt safe and protected by all the workers. I would love to visit you in Peru again but don't know if I could ever hike that trail again. Or, maybe it's like having a baby, you forget all the pain until you are in labor again. I will treasure the adventure forever. All My Love, Carla