Attack of the Cacti
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Taray,
Peru
Tuesday, August 26, 2008
I woke up early my last day in Taray to go hiking with Jan and Merena, two of my friends from Germany. They had walked to a waterfall the day before and wanted to continue hiking beyond the waterfall. It was an amazing hike. One of the first things I´ve done in Peru where I haven´t run into a single other tourist. Actually, I think we only ran into two other people during the entire 4 hour hike we took. It was absolutely gorgoues, although slightly scary. There was no trail at times, none of that hiking I´ve done at home with trail markers or anything. We just kind of walked where it seemed feasible to walk. We had great views of Taray down below and the river. The sun was shining, surrounded by mountains all around. We found a spot on the top of a mountain and sat down for a snack and just enjoyed the views. So peaceful and amazing. Just sat in silence enjoying it all for a while.
However, there was one bad part...the attack of the cactus. There were many little cacti, close to the ground and difficult to see. At some point I must have stepped to close to one, it ripped out of the ground and got stuck in my leg. I had no idea what it was but felt a searing pain in my leg and began screaming. When I calmed down enough to figure out that it was a cactus I attempted to pull it out. However it was so far in me that I could not get it out. Luckily, I choose my traveling companions wisely and had plenty of help. Merena is in med school, studying to be a surgeon and Jan was a paramedic for 9 months. So, after some minor surgery, Merena managed to get it out. We continued our hike, with Jan in front of me, pointing out every cactus in the way so that I would not injure myself again. Did get one more slight injury. Not so serious though because it only poked me through my shoe and did not make it all the way into my foot.
But, I did learn a valuable lesson...choose your travel companions wisely...a nurse, paramedic, or med student should always be in the group!
Comments
where are the pictures??
Love it Courtenay! But you must upload some picture for those of us who are literally tied to a desk!! Be safe and watch where you walk.
Re: where are the pictures??
Thanks! Unfortunately I am technologically challeneged and having a hard time with the pictures. But, they will come eventually!