Machu Picchu Overview

This is an overview.  Just to the upper left of center is the "royal" section, built higher on the mountain with more attention to detail (and the first area to receive the water).  Just beyond that is the "sacred" section where religious ceremonies were held.  To the right and lower on the mountain was the area for the workers.  The stone terraces provided both an area for agriculture and stability of the soil.  It's simply amazing.

Machu Picchu

Yes, we actually were at Machu Picchu.  My first impression upon seeing it was, "this is MASSIVE!"  There was lots and lots of rock terracing in addition to a substantial number of buildings.  And not only that, it was perched high on a very steep mountain at an altitude of 7970'.  There was lots of grassy area which added both softness and color to contrast with all the stone.  And the rock work was amazingly intricate, especially considering the toughest metal they had was tin.  The Inca really knew what they were doing.

A Short Bus Ride

A bus similar to this one took us from the village up the rather steep mountain to Machu Picchu.  As you can see, the road was very narrow and buses had to carefully choose where to pass.  I found it interesting that the curves (and there were quite a few) were paved with square rocks.  We encountered some road maintenance work, all done by hand -- more of that man power that was so evident in Peru.

To Machu Picchu

On Day 5 of our Peru tour we were at Machu Picchu, the primary highlight of the trip (though more good stuff was still to come).  We had an early start to our day as we went by bus from the motel to catch the train that took us to Machu Picchu Village in a couple of hours.  We had assigned seats in a nice train car which had big windows and was clean, roomy and comfortable.  An attendant even served us a beverage and cookies or a muffin.  The route followed the Urubamba River and was quite picturesque as we got deeper into the rainforest.

It's always fun to ride a train.  I've yet to have a bad experience.

Turquoise Kumihimo

For this necklace I started with a focal bead I purchased in Oregon.  There are two shades of turquoise, a light blue and red.  It's really quite striking.  You'll have to take my word on that.

Update And A Card

In case you haven't heard, our CO house is under contract with a closing date of 3/13 so we are hoping Friday the Thirteenth is a lucky day.  AND we are also under contract to purchase a new house in Redmond OR and the closing on that one is 3/16.  This process has taken a year-and-a-half but now everything seems to be falling into place as if it was meant to be.  Things are really hopping.

I've been asked if I will continue to do my blog and that answer is yes!  I have to get you back home from Peru.

With snow making a return in our town it seemed an appropriate time to post this wintery garden bench card.  There's spots on snow on the ground and clinging to the tree branch.  The clouds are die cut, as are the wreath and birds.  I didn't have a die cut or punch for the mittens so I hand cut them from felt.

Things To Be Happy About

railroad museums

puppies

kittens

markers

scissors

grins

giggles

vintage photos

excellent movies

talented musicians