There is a violence to the landscape here. A harshness and a reminder of the intensity of power that is within this earth.
The truth is, the mountains here unsettle me. They are proof that this world is still a dynamic place and one that cares naught for me. Here, there is evidence of the earth opening and sending chunks of its mantle over 22,000 feet high.
You can see sublimations and upheavals, the strata of the rock ascending vertically, rather than sitting calmly in a relaxed horizontal fashion-a la Kansas. It seems that they are the reason South America exists, that they pulled the land right up from under the ocean.
The jagged peaks don’t hide their history under trees and grasses, they announce it and leave in me a feeling of awe, an awareness of how small and inconsequential I am, as well as, how short the time span I will be on this earth really is. They remind me how very tiny people really are. That is not to say that they are not beautiful, it is just that they are more than that.
As I pedaled up today, to 8,530 feet, I followed a wending river. The sun became brighter and brighter, giving everything a silvery tone. I felt a bit light headed, like I had blown up one too many balloons. I met Kim, a fellow bike traveler, who has been touring for seven years. We laughed and hugged and shared stories in the broken languages of Korean, English and Spanish. We were giddy at our meeting—like long lost friends—it may have been the altitude.
Now exhausted, I have stopped 15 miles from the border because the wind has come on hard. I can walk faster than I can bike. I am staying in a little hospedaje on the side of the road, very grateful for the respite from the sun and wind. I feel like I am in a dream.
If I am lucky, I have 4,000 more feet to climb tomorrow and then I will go down-boy does that fill me with all sorts of emotions.
WOW,wow wow -no words strong enough for our admiration!
Have a great rest of your climb and wheee, downhill!!
XoNancy and Scott and Bowie
Beautiful and revealing photos-thanks.
Ah, Kim. I’ll teach you some Korean this summer; just enough for next time. If you see him again in the next day or two, you can always say, “Kim, Sugo-ha-sayo.” You have worked hard, Kim, and I appreciate it. This, given all the hard work you’re both putting in to getting over these mountains.
Buen Camino, Leah!
Wow, take it easy in that elevation!! Quite dramatic scenery! Nice you met a fellow biker! 🙂 🙂
Simply glorious, Leah … the landscape, the ride, the story, the writing, all of it. Thank you for letting some of us tag along with you.
Leah—
Jess alerted me to your trip and blog. I’m glad she did. Your writing is terrific! Made me want to binge-read (Is that a thing?) from the beginning until I got caught up. Thank you for sharing your adventure. I feel like I’m being carried along, and getting some taste of this part of the world I know little about. I look forward to your future posts.
You are AMAZING! Thank you for sharing. I look forward to your posts every day. Once your post comes in, I have to stop everything to see what your day was like.
Wow Leah, you amaze me. Your determination and bravery abound. Glad you are making your way, one day at a time. I am with you in spirit as I am sure all the rest of your fans are. All I can say is ride on Lady! You are in my heart and mind sending you strength – no that you need mine.
Glad you got your glass of Malbec BTW.
Enjoy your adventure!
I’d say you have some pretty strong words there lady – “The jagged peaks don’t hide their history under trees and grasses, they announce it and leave in me a feeling of awe…” I love that description! And wow – the Andes!
You describe your journey so beautifully. Thank you for letting me share. I do worry about the altitude, among other concerns, but you travel under a good sign. Soon, I’ll worry about the motorcycle.
Wow.
i enjoy reading this everyday
love reading about all this!!!!!!!!!!!
once again I am moved to tell you how i have and continue to enjoy yout dharing your journeys
thankyou
heather