Peru Part Seis: Let the long march begin!

This is it! There's a palpable sense of anticipation - and not just from the walking stick hawkers - as the bus disgorges another load of victims at the staging area. Devan makes some last minute adjustments to his walking stick while Mei looks for her pack. No wonder she can't find it, she's already given it to Rock.

TeamPhatJ00ster is go! Look at those bulging muscles and rippling physiques. They don't make trails tough enough to stop this chisel honed crew. Let's move out! Sir, yes sir!

And they're away! Hmph, this isn't so hard. Show me a challenge! What next, an escalator?

The dark side beckons. Last chance to to take the quick and easy path, as Va... just about every other tourist did. Down one path lies an air conditioned 40 minute scenic ride to the city in the clouds; down the other path lies dizzying mountain passes, steamy cloud forests, desolate ruins, freezing nights, 5am starts, and long drops. No contest.

Camino Inka. Inca is so much cooler when you use a k. You know, like in Inka Cola. Ok fine, not the best choice of illustrations. Well like Rock then. Except that uses both... never mind.

Rock shows off his passport to pain.

Look at these greenhorns. Clean clothes and enough energy for childish pranks. If only you knew what was coming.

Whaddya mean we've only been going for 45 minutes? I could have sworn it's lunch time.

Coming through! The Red Team has all the latest designer gear.

Oh look, another hill. There's plenty more where that came from.

Jared tries to decide if the camera or the bag weighs more. Tough call.

Devan spies a party of orcs in yonder valley.

Yeah, I'd have enough breath to laugh too if all I had to carry was an oversized pair of sunnies.

Spirits are high. Either someone called Jared lame, or there must be food approaching.

The first ruins of the trail. Actually the second, after Rock's knees.

A blast from the past. True J00ster fans will know I'm not talking about the ruins in the background.

Yes, I mean that photo... From a long time ago, in a galaxy far, far away. Like Nal Hutta by the looks of it.

Is it lunchtime yet? Why of course Mei, it's just around the next bend.

Guides don't come any better than Victor. Anyone who can drag a bunch of city slickers out beyond blackberry range deserves some kudos.

Rush hour on Camino Inka.

Whew, finally it's time for some grub. Of course the porters have already been here for hours, after casually zooming on ahead with rather embarrassing ease.

Who's got energy left for a spot of hackey?

Mei's just happy the trail isn't headed towards that monster.

Majestic.

Get used to photos of break stops. You're going to be seeing a lot of them over the ensuing bytes.

What, bedtime already? How can I check facebook?

Mei wonders which pack the 500 thread count Egyptian cotton sheets are in.

Nothing like the brisk mountain air to get the competitive spirits flowing.

The real driving force behind the expedition. Rock has enough trouble carrying a beat up sweater up the mountain, but the cooks breeze on up carrying full uniforms and then whip up a five star meal before Team J00ster has even caught their breath.

Cards by the flickering light of a gas lamp. It doesn't get much better than that. Especially after Jared hits a losing streak muahahahahahaha.