We got up early and took a boat to Isla del Sol. The boat ride was
long, but the weather was perfect. And, when we got there, the island
was perfect. We hiked several hours, from Yumani to Challa Pampa. It
was very hot, sunny, and beautiful. The terrain is steep, and there are
views of the Andes from the south shore-- where we started. Lake
Titicaca is at 3800m (12,467ft), and the highest part of the island is
4100m (13,451ft). [That is really high!] The hike up was tiring, but I
think we did well, considering that Jim's place in California is only at
800ft or so. The path we chose took us severely uphill until lunchtime.
We stopped to eat at a lodge surrounded by stone walls and elaborate
terraced gardens, with an astounding view of the bay below.The rest of the hike was gentler. We got to Challa Pampa in the late afternoon, and room in a stone hut with a thatched roof, at "Casa de Alfonso." It reminded me of our quarters in Colca Canyon, but there was a bare electric light bulb.We had drinks at a nice outdoor cafe in the tiny village, and went to bed soon after dark. I still had a cold, and I'd gotten a little sun.
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