This morning we were up very bright and early at 5 AM so we could have breakfast before heading out at 6 AM for Nazca and an over flight of the famous Nazca Lines.
We headed south of Paracas on the Pan American Highway. First stop was Ica where we had a quick but necessary stop. This is a city of approximately 500,000 people, and is capital of the district. It is known for its production of wine and Pisco. There is also a good chocolate
factory, though we did not have time to check that out. The city is surrounded by sand dunes and is also known for its production of cotton.
As we headed from Ica to Nazca, we saw once again the pattern of many plots of land occupied by a small hut or house for the purpose of laying claim to the property.
This may be by individuals or large corporations. Barbara our guide thought that the main purpose for the
land eventually will be agricultural. We also realized there were miles and miles of small Hauranga trees planted along both sides of the highway. This has the effect of greening the space and controlling some of the sand drifts.
We had been travelling mainly through desert land, with mountains off to the left (east). When
we turned off to Nazca we immediately entered a very mountainous region with switch backs, deep valleys and rocks on either side of the road.
These rocks were devoid of any vegetation, so
when we turned a corner and encountered a very green fertile valley – it was a
very strange sight. In these fertile valleys are grown tangerines, watermelon and several other fruits.
Upon arriving at the Nazca airport we were divided into groups and arranged into three different flights. We all had to get onto the scale so that the 12 seat planes
could be loaded to the best advantage. As we waited anxiously for our turn to go up in the airplane – we also had the opportunity to get in some last minute shopping at the little market just outside the airport.
The Nazca lines were first discovered in 1911, and a mathematician named Maria Reiche spent
50 years studying the lines in an effort to discover the meaning or purpose of the lines.
It was an interesting flight for each of us. As the plane banked and turned, one was glad
not to have eaten too much breakfast or snacks, but we all made it through the experience in good health, (That is – except for Margaret L. Who hit her head and needed medical care – but she will be fine!).
Here are a few pictures, which may or may not due the lines justice.
After we had all accomplished our flight it was time to head back, but not before a pleasant lunch in a neat restaurant in Nazca.
We determined to forgo the wine tasting in exchange for a few extra minutes before supper in our hotel.
After a delightful supper accompanied by wine, beer and other drinks – thanks to Rostad – we had a great time with our gift exchange with our secret pals. Again – this was lots of
fun 
and 
we all left around 9:30.
Tomorrow will be an easy day – check out time is 12 noon – some will venture to the market at 9 AM in time for lunch return and check-out. Most will enjoy time around the pool. We leave Paracas at 3 PM and head to supper in Lima, then home to Canada.
We headed south of Paracas on the Pan American Highway. First stop was Ica where we had a quick but necessary stop. This is a city of approximately 500,000 people, and is capital of the district. It is known for its production of wine and Pisco. There is also a good chocolate
factory, though we did not have time to check that out. The city is surrounded by sand dunes and is also known for its production of cotton.
As we headed from Ica to Nazca, we saw once again the pattern of many plots of land occupied by a small hut or house for the purpose of laying claim to the property.
This may be by individuals or large corporations. Barbara our guide thought that the main purpose for theland eventually will be agricultural. We also realized there were miles and miles of small Hauranga trees planted along both sides of the highway. This has the effect of greening the space and controlling some of the sand drifts.
We had been travelling mainly through desert land, with mountains off to the left (east). When
we turned off to Nazca we immediately entered a very mountainous region with switch backs, deep valleys and rocks on either side of the road.
These rocks were devoid of any vegetation, sowhen we turned a corner and encountered a very green fertile valley – it was a
very strange sight. In these fertile valleys are grown tangerines, watermelon and several other fruits.
Upon arriving at the Nazca airport we were divided into groups and arranged into three different flights. We all had to get onto the scale so that the 12 seat planes
could be loaded to the best advantage. As we waited anxiously for our turn to go up in the airplane – we also had the opportunity to get in some last minute shopping at the little market just outside the airport.The Nazca lines were first discovered in 1911, and a mathematician named Maria Reiche spent
50 years studying the lines in an effort to discover the meaning or purpose of the lines.
It was an interesting flight for each of us. As the plane banked and turned, one was glad
not to have eaten too much breakfast or snacks, but we all made it through the experience in good health, (That is – except for Margaret L. Who hit her head and needed medical care – but she will be fine!).
Here are a few pictures, which may or may not due the lines justice.
After we had all accomplished our flight it was time to head back, but not before a pleasant lunch in a neat restaurant in Nazca.
We determined to forgo the wine tasting in exchange for a few extra minutes before supper in our hotel.
After a delightful supper accompanied by wine, beer and other drinks – thanks to Rostad – we had a great time with our gift exchange with our secret pals. Again – this was lots of
fun 
and 
we all left around 9:30.
Tomorrow will be an easy day – check out time is 12 noon – some will venture to the market at 9 AM in time for lunch return and check-out. Most will enjoy time around the pool. We leave Paracas at 3 PM and head to supper in Lima, then home to Canada.
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