Is it possible to be higher than life?

Yesterday JoLyn, Cal, and I scaled the Andes Mountains.  It was AMAZING.  The Andes are the third highest mountain chain in the world! The views from pictures are better than those you see in postcards, not even taking into consideration how much better they are in person.  We walked around for awhile and decided to take a break for some photos when Cal noticed a section of barbed wire that had been cut off by someone.  So, JoLyn and I followed him into the “forbidden” section of the Andes.  There really isn’t regulation in the mountains and there were actually a lot of others that followed us.  Good work Cal :-).  From there, we walked for about 4 more hours. Cal brought a chocolate brownie which was another very good idea.  When you are 4.5 thousand meters above sea level, you start to get very dizzy and weak.  Chocolate combats the effects of such high altitude (dizziness, nausea, light-headedness, etc.).  In fact, we refused to stop climbing and ended up walking pretty much as far as you can without having gear for the snow.  I can’t explain how spectacular it is to be standing inside of a cloud.  It is so peaceful.  Not very many people make it that high and it is definitely too far away for cars, or other devices, so noise feels practically non-existent.  Also, because there are such low oxygen levels, much life (trees, animals, etc.) does not exist either.  When we reached our highest point we stopped for awhile to soak it all in.  As I looked around I realized: I was higher than the tallest buildings, higher than planes, higher than the clouds, and yes, even higher than life.

PLEASE, if you are in Ecuador, DO NOT miss the Andes Mountains.  If you are not the hiking type, then take the “teleferico” (cable cars) to the 4.0 meter mark.  It is an experience too beautiful to miss.

ADVICE:  Wear layers and bring very warm clothes if you are planning to hike the Andes.  At first it was very hot, but by the end it was so cold we could see our breath.  Also bring something salty (chips, etc.) and chocolate.  This will help with the effects of the altitude. Further, don’t forget a bottle of water—drink it even if you do not feel thirsty!!  It is a good idea to stop midway when there are steep inclines and rest until you catch your breath again.  Definitely stop and rest if you are feeling any dizziness.  Also, if you are fatigued, stretching and a few jumping jacks will cause more oxygen to reach your bloodstream, which in turn lessens the fatigue.