Mountain biking

Today was the first full day in Huaraz. To help acclimatize, we did some mountain biking. We were hauled up to 13K feet on the Cordillera Negra and then headed back into town on dirt roads and some single track trails. It was pretty hard for me, but with some coaching from Julio, I improved significantly over the day. Definitely gives me new found respect for the mountain bikers. The vegetation shows huge and I mean HUGE aloe vera plants, like 6 feet high and 10 feet across. The mountain ranges are awe inspiring and the sky is virtually cloudless. It felt like 70F today with bright sun. My idea of winter.

Tonight, we ate at an amazing Thai restaurant here. The husband is from Thailand, via California and has been here 11 years. His wife is Colombian and met him here in Huaraz. They ahve a place in Colombia near the Darian Gap and split time between Huaraz, Colombia and traveling to Thailand for ingredients (among other things). Really great food.

I feel great. There's a slight dry cough but more likely secondary to a little reactive airway disease. Head is totally clear. Tomorrow we drive to the trail head and start out for Llamacorral, leaving from Cashapampa.