Looking Back
Machu Picchu had cast a mystical spell and changed every one of us that wandered this sanctuary. An elixir of mystery, beauty, and intrigue, deriving power from every footstep along the Inca Trail, every story told around the campfire and the ever-growing anticipation of reaching the Sun Gate, when Machu Picchu would come into view.
Mountains and grappling with the difficulties of hiking at high altitudes have
a way of bonding a group. The greatest lung-bursting effort is front-loaded into
the first day and a half when the most dreaded section of the Inca Trail, "Dead Woman's Pass", at 14,000 feet confronts you on day 2. A few not as physically
fit as they thought struggled but with encouragement from others made it to the summit. Fever hit one in the group and a solution was found that saved her trip.
Blistered feet, pulled muscles, and fear of heights on sketchy sections of the trail all overcome with the help of others. By the third day, a strong comradery had developed. All walls were down, masks were off. One group, along with our porters with just one goal - To help each other reach one of the wonders of the world. The destination and the journey to get there can be summed up in just one word----MAGIC.
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25 years have past
Holly Whistler, our trip leader in Peru, continues to lead journeys along the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu for Wilderness Travel. She made Peru her home and has now adopted a deaf son. This short documentary is about her plight to improve
the lives of the deaf in Peru and around the world.
She is an extraordinary person and we will never forget her.