Atacama Crossing Stage 2- Mar 2012

the day started with 2 river crossing in the first couple of miles, since my shoes are gortex (bad choice) i had to take them off each time.  after that we had to climb up out of the river canyon up the side of a mountain and along a ridge gaining altitude to CP#1. my strategy was to take it easy and not push it with all the climbing.  the course director rated stage#1 as "moderate" and rated today as "difficult"so i took the warning.  Several miles along the ridge and we came to an amazing valley.  the trail ran along the edge to a deadly drop so i made sure to hug the inside.  then the course turned sharply right and you had to run down a sand dune about 1000 or so feet.  it was awesome to go all out and let gravity do the work.  after that was CP#2, i did another sock change to get rid of the sand and began to enter a small section of salt flats.  a salt flat is like walking in soft dirt which the first 2-3 inches is crusted salt.  it is not enjoyable at all.  after that we were treated to yet another river crossing, if you didn't feel you way across with you lead foot you could have gone waste deep.

did another sock change and enter the Valley of Death, yes that is its actual name.  This is where the wheels started to come off.  i was in direct sun for several hours and dehydration set it.  i couldn't eat and felt very sick.  i managed to pull through to the Last Tree.  Got its name because it is actually the last tree before entering the salt flats again.

another tough 10k and i saw the camp#3 in the distance.  man was i wiped, i stopped for a minute to pour water on my head.. or throw up, cant remember which, and thought about my charity and my family and how lucky i am.  it helped a lot. I finished today in 90th place, but was happy just to finish.  it took me 3 hours to rest just to get the energy to come to the cyber tent to send this.  i managed to drink 3 liters of water and started to turn around.   i got 2 blisters and will watch them closely.  tomorrow is said to be the toughest 26 mile stage, so don't get concerned if you see me drop in the rankings. 

thanks for checking in to hear about the race.  if ready this inspires you, its not too late to donate to GRASP. 

tell your friends.

wish me luck for tomorrow.