Itching for a Change
We were ready to roll long before the 9:00am starting target. The sun hadn't fully crept into the valley and the team was on the move. After a very long day yesterday, everyone was ready to put the period at the end of this run-on sentence. The longer approach was a great introduction, but the desire for a cold beer and hot shower made the reverse seem protracted.
The moon helped to remind us to still keep an eye out for our natural surroundings, because even this last leg held its wonders. (... like condors off in the distance.)
A big change in the two weeks since heading "up hill" is the amount of greenery that now dresses the river's edge. Maybe we weren't as aware on the lead up, but the many thunderstorms witnessed in the distance probably didn't hurt in stimulating growth with the added moisture.
Then, not out of nowhere, but soon enough we could see the finish. That was when New Zealand Rich said the most understated and deeply meaningful statement of the trip, "It's good to be here." The beauty was in the fullness of that simple concept, because he couldn't have been more right.
The first finishers had made an actual "finish line" or line with an "end" spelled out with a water bottle. Canadian Dan made the most of the effort, while Wally recovered in the background from his crawling/sprawling finish (unfortunately not caught on film).
In the distance Stewart and Jim made their "hand holding" team finish, while the rest of the group hummed the "Chariots of Fire" theme. It was a moment of truly shared joy and respect for Stewart's pure determination and strength.
The bus was a jovial place, with everyone eagerly awaiting lunch and raised glasses.
We actually had to wait for the mules to make their final leg of the day's journey, with our gear, so that the expedition could finally head back to Mendoza. Our bags were given one last dirt and manure cristening prior to return.
Consistently, nothing but smiles, Stewart cautiously posed with one of the feckless herd.
A consistent herb used in cooking was rosemary. The gauchos must pick it along the way, as evidenced by the bunch tied to the saddle.
Back in Mendoza, the Hotel was a more than welcome sight. The only thing better than a hot shower was a shave. Even after a complete scrub, I'm sure there were many more layers of filth to be had, but with that the crew was ready for a night on the town.
After two weeks of adequate eating, it was almost exhausting to make my way through this enormous lomo cut of beef. And, after finishing, the "food coma" was almost immediate. With tomorrow night as the scheduled expedition festivity, most simply staggered back to bed, saving the real rowdiness for another day.
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