Thursday March 17, 2016, 135 miles (217 km) – Total so far: 15,430 miles (24,832 km)
March 17, 2016 We are taking a sick day today as Jocelyn has had diarrhea for the last two days and I got it today. She has been a real trooper cycling through the desert and stopping about a dozen times a day to relieve herself behind a rock or dune. Last night we ate at a truck stop and by 11pm that night I was either throwing up or sitting on the toilet. We were both feeling rather poorly after a brief breakfast as I could only eat a few small pieces of bread. After 2 hours lying in bed we knew we could not make the 100km to the next town. Camping in the blowing desert sands does not seem appealing and the distance between towns is vast. The headwinds have been strong and the number and steepness of the hills increasing as we get closer to Lima which is still about 300km away.
We left the hostel in Huarmey and cycled to another one on the other side of town. To our surprise this new one has air conditioners our first in months! After a visit to a pharmacy for an electrolytic drink we ate soup and spent the afternoon in bed. We are hoping to get going again tomorrow.
Thanks Bruce. We are doing better and made it to Lima where we will have another rest/tourist day. I can’t believe I am still going. It is really tough. Mike
Hope you both are feeling better Mike. It truly looks like a desolate area, and yes, if it was covered in ice, it would look just like your photos of Antarctic. At least you found a place with A/C and a chance to recover. With all the photos you’ve taken during your travels, you have seen just about all manner of weather and living conditions. Hang tough !
Bruce and Judy
I like that – Local flora and fauna. We pulled out another 10 hours on the road today with only a few well placed stops behind the dunes. The rest did us good. Mike
Hey guys,
Sorry to hear you’ve been laid low by the local flora and fauna. Hopefully some rest and A/C will help restore your strength and spirit. Hang in there and best of luck for a good start when you are ready to face the road again.
I am so relieved you are resting in A/C. I opened our door and windows tonight and am enjoying a cool breeze. Warm days lately. I am shocked at the desert pictures of trash and poverty stricken towns. We are so fortunate. Stay hydrated and I hope these memories will rise above the stress….
Love always, andee