Cuya to Huara

I am setting up my tent minding my own business and thinking of having a good sleep. The police station is not too far from where the trucks have to register. so you can imagine the noise. A surprising visitor comes knocking, Curt. He has hired a vehicle for the 2 days and has driven all the way from Iquique to see me in Cuya. After reminiscing about all the day's activity we settle in, he in his tent and I in mine. Clever me, I've brought along earplugs, what a blessing. Eish, just when you think you covered all your angles, what should come buzzing in - the mozzies and did they have a field day. 
By 5a.m. the next morning, Curt and I are up and by 6a.m. I am on the road with flashing lights and head lamp. The valley is quiet, not a breeze, my beam of light pierces through sea of darkness as I cycle. The valley floor is flat and after 20km I cross over at Peunta Chiza. Yesterday was a day I would like to clear out of my mind and a good night's rest did just the trick. Now the dreaded Alto Chiza is about to rip me back to reality and with kindness introduces itself to me again. Two days in a row! There must something here I think but with strength of mind I bite the bullet. The climb is only 18km long, the weather is not too bad, the first part of the climb is shrouded in mist.

I continue hoping it will stay like this for some time but it does not last and up ahead the mist is being burned away in front of me and before long the scorching sun is blazing down on me. The sun saps away all my strength and energy. The climb stretches on forever and the top eludes at every turn and the on the final bend the hill is eventually conquered. On the top of this pass is a truck stop with a single cafe. What a godsend. I buy something cold, have lunch and recover.

Once on top of the pass  you stay on the Antiplano. the terrain is undulating and the  wind, my dreaded friend, is there to put a stop to all my  fun. I have now come to understand the dramatic climatic conditions that take place on the Antiplano. The wind has fun with me in the afternoons, I  discovered haha! From here the Puenta Tana (just a bloody dry river bed crossing) comes and with all speed you head down the valley and up the other side with much cursing. My first sighting of the Geoglifos Tiliviche. 

Geoglifos (rock art) Tiliviche

It goes by too quickly. Back down the valley one more time to cross the river bed of Tiliviche and another long climb out.

The crossing to Pisagua is a wonderful time to take a breather. From this point I have another 47km to go to Huara. Its not all plain sailing for me as my funny friend wind has yet to deal me a fair hand. I have to struggle to keep the bike upright and the battle continues all the way to the end ... I'm finished at this point. Distance covered:125km  Time: 8h43