Afternoon - Monday - August 17th - Atacama Desert

  I took a hike this afternoon on the trail that people followed as early as 3000 years ago to trade with neighboring villages.  At first they traveled using Vincuna...then lllama...and mules.  After the trek that I had...I have no idea how they did this with animals and supplies!  The uphill climb on the rocks was quite difficult...and the trekking on sand...really tough!  But...what I was able to see was phenomenal!  The way nature has carved the mountains and dunes is beyond majestic!  It's time we realize how incredibly creative and powerful mother nature is...and how meek we are!

Petroglyphs!

The Shaman - you can tell by the radiating tendrils from the face!

the rock pile here was used as a demarcation of territory!  The people traveling would have to stay in the area for a year at a time to feed and fatten the cattle for sale in the towns and oases!

Just enjoy the scenery!

Just one of the many incredible sights as I hiked through "devil's throat!"  It was amazing to see everything from the ground up rather than the top down!

Tomorrow I go for a horseback ride in the morning...and then begin the trek home! The experience has been life changing...I only hope I can hold on to my feelings, emotions...and beliefs!  I look forward to sharing it all with you in person!  See you in NY!