Hello Sierra, I’ve been considering the questions you presented about our trip to Machu Picchu. It was fabulous for me. I had no fears, although there were obstacles to overcome. Dr. Norm Shealy taught me that the most wholesome way to move forward in life is to go with no expectations, no need to know why, with complete trust in the Divine/Heaven. I make every effort to live in that wisdom.
The journey began last year when my friend, Carol, told me about the trip. I didn’t even consider going because I’d lost so much weight/body mass during the major grief period because I quit eating and exercising. But because of the information received during Boot Camp for Goddesses 1, I sought the counsel of a nutritionist who did a test to find out what nutrients were lacking. Although there were many, my nutrition needs were met and I engaged in healthful exercise, relaxation and laughter/fun. Even though I didn’t feel ready, I did want to go to Machu Picchu with my friend, Carol. I just hoped that Heaven would support me in this endeavor And, as usual, Heaven did.

Packing for this trip was somewhat difficult as I wanted to take everything, just in case. Carol and I had talked about this earlier and I took the bare necessity’s, in my mind. I had read that on the trail we could take a bag weighing forty-eight pounds, including our sleeping bag and clothes. That is how I packed. I learned later that we had to regroup, and thank God, I was rooming with Carol. We are two sides of the same coin, so it wasn’t difficult for us to cull our stuff to make the forty pounds with our stuff combined. I don’t know that I would have done if I hadn’t been with Carol. I don’t think I would have been as calm and objective.

The guide team was informed, brave, helpful, and encouraging. The Peruvian guys/guides were the best.  Our escort team was fabulous too. I always felt totally safe and secure. The toilet situation was somewhat difficult and I wasn’t thrilled with the lack of running water, but Carol and I were as prepared as hikers on the Inca Trial can be.
Walking on the trail daily was the bomb! It only got difficult on the third day as we climbed to and over “Dead Woman’s Pass.” That was the hardest day. I could feel Sierra and Freddie’s prayers and offerings. I also meditated on the names of the Goddess and ran them in my mind with each step that I took. The pass was very/most difficult. And I’m not the typical woman who works in an office, etc. I will safely say that hiking the Inca Trial was as or more difficult than telephone pole climbing school. And I successfully accomplished that. Actually I was quite good at it and that skill has served me well with trimming trees and cleaning gutters at my house in the city.
We were a group of amazing women on that trail. There were professionals…nurses, a pharmacist, photographer, massage therapists, and just regular people who love and trust Sierra to know Spirit and keep us safe while having a grand adventure.
Actually the mountain was the easiest for me. The most difficult part was the street vendors. I thrive out doors and being outside in Peru was the most fabulous best. The people were very allowing and beautiful. I would do the trail again.

I had a sense that we were Sierra’s maiden voyage with the Inca Trail.. I am grateful to have had the opportunity and participated in this journey!