Leaving Quebrada Cojup

After exiting the steep walled Quebrada Cojup, the valley opens up wide. In the distance are the gentle hills of the Cordillera Negra. Somewhere in between is my goal for the day: Huaraz. I'm carrying a big pack, but if my feet would have been fine, I think I could have made it in three hours or so. They feel a bit raw, but I keep going. It's late, there is no traffic to hitch a ride and the battery of my cell is dead so I can't call a taxi. After descending half way down, I finally reach a couple of houses. They don't have a phone, but by an amazing stroke of luck, a car arrives to bring a big family home - and then take me down to Huaraz. 19 June 2011.