August 17, 2006

We received the following dispatch from Jason Martin this afternoon:

Hello! Here is my final trip report for Peru 2006.

Today we went to a barbecue at our outfitter's house. At the barbecue the outfitter and his family prepared an excellent meal. They provided us with a number of different kinds of meat that were cooked under hot rocks buried in the ground. This technique of burying and cooking meat is a common custom in South American countries. Last month I saw a similar technique used in Bolivia.

Though the meat, fowl, and fish were cooked in an unusual way, each had an excellent taste. Our lunch feast included chicken stuffed with peas, beef, and trout.

After the meal, it was time to say goodbye to those who helped make this expedition a success. Many participants gave gifts to our cook, porters, and Peruvian assistant guide. These included everything from sleeping pads to long underwear.

Of all the gifts, one stood out as exceptional. Tim gave Peter, our Peruvian guide, his ice tools - a beautiful pair of Charlet Moser Quarks. These are tools that a South American guide seldom sees, much less own! It is likely that now Peter will be the envy of all the Peruvian guides.

Tonight we will have our last dinner together in Huaraz, and then...we'll see you soon!

Jason D. Martin

Photo by Andrew Wexler: