Day 11 (July 6) Rest day in Cerro Azul

A DAY AT CERRO AZUL
     Pulled in shortly after dark from Nazca the day before.  Cerro Azul is a resort town, Peruvian style, on the coast.  As we found in Camana, it is almost completely devoid of tourists since this is the off season.  There were obvious signs of tourist hoardes, and the provisions for them, but it was almost as if we had the beach to ourselves.  There are huge rock formations where the surf has formed caves and crevices we could climb into to watch the waves come pounding in.  The crevice floors were made up of rolled rocks in all different colors ranging from green to red, to purple and all the hues in between.  These rocks would roll against each other making an almost deafening roar.  We had a lot of fun getting as deep into the crevice as possible without having the waves crash against us!  There were paths up the rock cliff sides so being the MK's we are, (even though we've lived in the very cautionary U.S. for many years), began to clamber up, higher and higher  making our way to the lighthouse.  Along the way we would peer over the cliffs at the surf roiling and crashing below on the rocks.  We had to duck as the sea birds tried to chase us from their nesting places.  It was an amazing view of the cove and of ancient village remains on the other side.
     For dinner that night we had a parrillada.  Jay Holcheck who is on Team A & B, with the help of others, purchased beef, fresh fish, little tiny potatoes, onions and aji amarillo to make skewers for grilling on an open fire right on the beach!  He also made a sauce to baste the skewers with while they were grilling.  And, there was roasted corn on the cob with an avocado sauce to spread on.
     Toby taked with us about some of God's character from Wild At Heart and we all went to bed with the sound of the waves, very blessed.
by Tina

Day 16 Huanuco to Huaraz

Incredable morning start, out of the Hostel gate by 7 15am, took the sceanic route through the city of Huanuco, and finally hit the open road....litterally!  Began with pavement, then pot holes,  gravel, and finally on to dirt and mud.  Single lane, goat trail narrow, switchbacks threaded our way up steep mountain sides, and with in seconds when you looked back, you were hundreds of feet above where you came from. 
Fringes of  Eucaliptus trees, lined the path, the fragrance filling the air, very up lifting.  George Manus drove like a pro, we were flying off road and having a blast (in the 4x4 rescue sweep truck)!  The view and sites along the way, impossible to describe adequately, mere words cant do justice to the majesty of Gods handywork. Even the pictures we took, pale in comparison to the real life experience.  Breath taking heights, at 17000feet, made you feel like you were on top of the world, until you glanced acrossed and saw the snow laced caps of Mt. Huascaran (22000 feet high), nestled in a puffy bank of cotton candy clouds.  You realize it is more incredible and you are not even close to the top of the world.  With nearly all feeling the effects of the hight, we quickly loaded up and dashed down to the valley.  Breathing much easier, initially the valley looked completely barren, till you came close, wondrous flowers blooming, cactus flourished and in bloom all over the place, again convienced that this is the most beautiful place I have ever seen.  Till we make the next turn....as the day began to close, light fading.  God blessed us with an incredible sunset!
Light fading from pink, to yellow and finally a brilliant orange as the sun sank behind hand carved mountain rang, as a crowning to the day.  Arrived at our Hostel Churup in Huaraz, to great beds and HOT water, the best accomodations we have had so far!