Monday, March 7th 2011
"Miguel informs us of the recent landslides. The previous few weeks had a lot of unexpected rainfall. The mountains had become a slippery slope and mudslides were happening daily. The road up into the mountains would be hard to pass, so we must prepare ourselves for everything. We get some rest, as the adventure starts tomorrow."
Tuesday, March 8th 2011
"Miguel wasn't kidding. A day is not complete until you pass seven landslides. haha. Our drive is continually stop and go, unload the van, move rocks, assess the situation. Can we walk through the mud? Do we have to wait for the bulldozer? It amazes me that bulldozers can maneuver on such tiny mountain roads. I'd be afraid of falling off the cliff! We've switched vehicles so many times, I can barely keep track. A local man has just allowed us to sit on top of his delivery truck as he drives into the next village. We'll take that ride, as it gets us one step closer to our clothing delivery."
Wednesday, March 9th 2011
"We finally arrive to the major landslide. An incredible sight to see an entire mountain range collapse. Over 20 people died from the initial slide. The rest of the villagers were evacuated before their houses collapsed. Their refugee camp is on the far side of this revine. A flowing river of rocks starts high and falls into the canyon below. Locals say it will continue for two weeks! UNBELIEVABLE!
Two cable car systems have been set up to carry small loads across the canyon. We debate which to take, as the foundation for each becomes less and less stable. My hand shake as I take footage of the cable car...fingers crosses that we make it across.
It all happened so fast! I climbed into the cable car, and everyone was yelling in Spanish. Another man sat down next to me, two bundles of clothes were loaded in, and we were off! Weeeee!
I would have enjoyed the ride much more had I not been holding on for dear life. We glide toward the center of the canyon, where the cable starts to dip. At the center, wur cart slides back and forth until settling into a hault. This is the halfway point. We started pulling our own weight the rest of the way. I couldn't understand my companion, but I imagine he was telling me to PULL, PULL, PULL! I do, and finally, we reached the other side."
