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Mariano Sánchez Pellegrino
It's cold. In the mountains very cold. The first night in "The trenches of Soler" -the most inhospitable and hostile shelter of the journey, the temperature drops to -4 C. The camp consists of three -two collective tents for men, one for women and smaller shops, with capacity for 2 or 3 people in the gendarmes, soldiers and officers of the Army-spread, is on a flat surface between where mountains and runs a small river water for consumption is removed. Sometimes it is transparent, but often the water runs hot chocolate. Tired for the first ride of four hours bodies to cold and height are not used: sore head, knees, legs, and hands not endure machu picchu sound outdoors, so you have to take your gloves all the time . The first is the hardest day of the trip, because it still is very close to the feeling of a hot shower and a soft mattress, and too far back, when no matter how uncomfortable because leather is harder to resist inclement. A group of people every February emulates part of the historic crossing of the Andes, but there is a substantial difference in lead technology applied to fabrics, thermal waterproof boots, rain gear, sunglasses and sunscreen 65. Furthermore, the only charge transport which carry mules in reality it is more clothes than they already have set, Extra thermal leggings, sleeping bag, -fundamental- insulation and blankets. The Espinacito, the steep giant ago two steps and curbs. Turn your head to the right and squints, as if asking for a truce. Her heart leaves the body. Search oxygen, but the puna tightens and air drowns out the flame. The air is not enough. Forward is a row of horses and back the same. The mule is tired. To raise the Espinacito, do it along a path 60 inches wide that draws a greater sign on the side of the mountain, from the base to the top. It is the highest peak of the voyage and adds 4,300 meters above sea level. Scary. The wind is cold and all face cover almost complete. They have placed caps, hoods, machu picchu gloves, leggings. Above, the view is immensity. Forward mountain ranges that never end and bottom, left, Aconcagua are. It's a thrill to see the Aconcagua each occurrence. It is like the father of the range. In that lonely summit, in a single hollow rock cliff, there is a checkpoint with the image of a virgin. Those who believe the salute, and some who do not believe too. Get off that monster and a little comfort is welcome. Not you have to be afraid. Confiá in the animal. You stretch your legs, lies well forward and pulls the body back, so the mule aids with weight. She lowers only repeats Isaac Arce, an ever attentive to the inexperienced and fearful gendarme. In one of the horrible curves in the middle of fall, when there is no possibility of getting off the animal, to go back and closing his eyes the neck and head of the mule are suspended on a cliff. Despite the fear, follow. Always follow. That is the most striking crossover: there is no other option but to do it. The group contains despair, but requires delivery. Road to Refuge Valle Hermoso The drought has more than five years in San Juan, so the caravan of animals raises a lot of dust. That dry land is like a paper towel in the body: remove all moisture and no cream that helps. The skin becomes sandpaper. After downloading the Espinacito are still three hours of ride through undulating valley and at times it becomes tedious, because animals are tired and run to arrive. An hour and a half from Refugio Engineer Sardinas-where they spend the next three nights-appears a river and is a lifesaver. While the sun is very strong and hot, a small hill climb and the cold wind whipping again. In addition to the rider skills are acquired with the passing hours, Too