Friday, February 20, 2009

Friday, February 20th, Sky High Geysers in the Andes












Greetings!

Early this morning, we boarded a bus for a ride up the most rugged road to the highest point we've been without an airplane. Leaving the desert behind, we climbed to geyser field, where the precise temperature of the earth around them combines with the heat of the water to unleash the spurts and gushes that attract the tourists from all over the world. It's the highest such phenomenon known, and the only advise I can give you should you decide to make the journey is to wear layers. It was cold. I, like a complete idiot, wore sandals, thin pants, t-shirt, and a light golf jacket. Pat was smarter, and got to stay out longer and see a bit more.

The air at 13,400 feet is also thinner than I expected, and I wasn't as quick on my feet in pursuing the right shot angles. I think you'll get the point by what was captured, however. And no, we didn't swim in the large thermal pool near the parking lot. These people are far more rugged (or crazy) than we are.

On the way back down the mountain, we stopped to see vicunas (un-domesticated llamas), llamas, flamingos, and lots of great landscapes. A small town offered views of life at this altitude, and a chance to eat llama meat (we declined).

For a look at the photos of the day, click on: Sky High Geysers

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