Inca Trail--Day 4 and MACHU PICCHU!!

     How does one define the "butt crack of dawn"?  Is it the first sight of daylight?  Is it when the rooster crows?  No matter, we were up well before it on our last day of hiking.  3:30am, that was the time we awoke to complete the last leg of our journey.  Distance: 4 miles.  Destination: Machu Picchu.

Entering onto the trail.  Things just got real.*

Rise and shine!

Candid?*

More stairs, but today we have a goal.  The main event: Machu Picchu!!

The train station and town of Aguas Calientes.  Where those, what some may call, "smart folk" take the train from Cuzco, sip on their wine, and walk about Machu Picchu all clean and stuff.  We like it rugged.

We were going to make this a family photo, but somehow our lens fogged up.....and Maya didn't want to do the trek (something about her legs).

Our first stop, Intipunku, meaning Sun Gate, which overlooks Machu Picchu.*

Waiting for the clouds to lift, so we could see Machu Picchu.  We tried blowing all at once, but they wouldn't budge. *

Passing the time by taking some pretty photos at Sun Gate.  The clouds never lifted.

Please don't touch the Chinchilla.

After Sun Gate, we stopped at a large, sacred rock where three mummies were found.

     Some of you are probably wondering what the deal is with Machu Picchu.  Well, first, it is one of the Seven Wonders of the World.....5th grade knowledge, guys, come on!  Second, it is an Inca ruin untouched by the conquistadors, preserved throughout the years by its hidden location, and only recently found by Hiram Bingham (a Yale professor) in 1911.  This lost city was believed to be an estate for the incas (kings), or really a getaway with religious benefits.  It was built on and around mountains that hold high sacred meaning to the Incas.  Additionally, its location is in alignment with key astronomical events.  We can only guess that it wasn't the Incas that built this in 1450, but instead, aliens; it's the only explanation.

     So after 26 miles of walking with 20lbs on our back, not showering for 4 days, sleeping in a tent for 3 nights, using the wilderness as a restroom, and experiencing the microclimates (from rain to dry sun to fog to wind), we finally arrived at our final destination....

AND......WE MADE IT!!!

Moments to stop and take it all in.*

Happiness is walking for 26 miles to a place you can get to by train.  No just kidding, the sense of accomplishment and the purpose behind the hike will always be a treasure.

Sexy posing for like the millionth time.

I asked Moses to part the clouds like he did the Red Sea, and he must've heard.

Loving life.

Spectacular views.

Postcard!

From the top of the world.

Baby steps.

Jazz hands.

Similarities?

Life is just too awesome.

Baby steps?  Machu Picchu (old peak) mountain is in the background.

Is that a mad scientist?  No, just a fellow hiker.

Manny teaching us about the Temple of Wind.

Feeling the nice cool breeze in the Temple of Wind.*

Into the skies.

The Temple of Sun.  The two windows were constructed at perfect angles to determine the timing of winter and summer solstice based on the shadow angle......aliens?  I'd have to agree.

Where the Flintstones got the word "bedrock."

Sitting in the Inca's (king's) quarters.  No worries, we were cordially invited.

Maybe not this guy though.

Everybody look!.....or not.*

The different types of stonework.  Unbelievable how their pieces fit together perfectly.

Running water for like 500 years now.*

Cheese!

No horseplay among the rocks!*

The quarry, where the Incas selected and carved the perfect rocks for the perfect fit.*

Suave.

Some lovely looking ladies, especially after 4 days without showering....or curling irons, mirrors, or make-up.*

Llama or alpaca?

Iguana or lizard? 

A photo opportunity.*

To infinity and beyond!*

Relaxin'.....Not to be confused with chillaxin' for the heat was on.*

The size of this place was unbelievable.....no, magnificent.

A scene from Glee; PDub had the lead.*

One last shot before we immerse ourselves back into society. 

So, uh, what are we going to do about that rockslide that blocked the road?*

Because sometimes beer and pizza should be your first back-into-society meal.

Cuy, or guinea pig.  It's a delicacy in Peru.  Tasted like chicken.

If I can't throw it, can I place it gently somewhere?*

All we wanted was a real toilet, running water, and some alcohol.  Love our new Australian friends!!

Life is what you make it!  Quite frankly, I've made mine amazing.

*Thank you to my fellow hikers for letting me use your pictures.