The High Roads

Thursday was a bit of a washout. After leaving Cajabamba a decision was needed about 30 miles out of town; take the high mountain pass to Pallasca or continue down to the Pacific coast? Thunder, lightening and torrential rain made the decision to proceed to the coast an easy one. The high road was not a rational choice.

Peru is known for its mineral wealth and before the rain came the sight of a massive mountain top removal project revealed itself. Gold and copper are extracted from this mining operation.

Trujillo is  home to several pre-Inca archaeological sites, I passed by one but did not visit. The priority for the balance of the day was to get the gear dried out and retire early, hoping that a sullen mood and the cloudy skies would both be lifted by morning.

An early start under bright skies and dry, fast pavement on the Panamerican highway that runs down the coast delivered a boost to my spirits and moved me 70 miles south to the town of Santa by 9am. The coast of Peru is mostly desert, though irrigated and farmed in places. The change of scenery was also welcome; an overnight stay in Trujillo was the right medicine.

Breakfast was taken a a juice bar in Santa where I met the three fellas in the picture below. Miguel, Tupac (an Inca name, not a US rapper musician) and the guy at right, whose name escapes me, who introduced himself in Japanese! He was floored when I responded in nihongo myself, having spent a lot of business time in Japan. Miguel is running for mayor of the town, he gave me one of his campaign badges and I believe I am eligible to vote. Our conversation was held variously in Spanish, English and Japanese. The girls behind the counter were bemused by it all.

Leaving Santa on route 12 the road gently rises through a fertile valley in an otherwise arid landscape.

Route 12 eventually merges with route 3N, the point where I would have emerged the day before over the high pass; this area is known at Caňon del Pato; the Canyon of the Ducks. The road required the construction of 35 tunnels, some modest others more substantial. As the road climbs the canyon narrows and greenery starts to appear. The ducks were not much in evidence, food for the construction workers I fear, never to return.

The light can just be seen at the end of the tunnel.

The next two nights were spent in the town of Caraz exploring and riding through the Cordillera Blanca. The area has been described by others using grandiose terms; it did not disappoint.

Cheers. T2