Introduction

Welcome friends! Within these pages you will find the tale of nine American city-folk and our journey through the Andes Mountains and the Inca empire to the ancient spiritual city of Machu Picchu. It's a story of trial, a story of hope, a story of burning calf muscles.

For four days and three nights we would trek through all kinds of terrain, from rainforest to driving, freezing rain, until we reached our final destination. The Inca Trail served as a pathway for ancient Incas on pilgrimage, and in a way it would serve as a pilgrimage for us as well. I know that at least for me, this was the most challenging physical feat I have ever taken on.

This trip was put together by Greg Wegrich, executive director of Hike 4 ALS which is an organization that raises awareness and funds in the fight against ALS or Lou Gherig's disease through a series of local hikes and annual "signature hikes." ALS claimed my mother over two years ago and the disease continues to affect healthy and productive people all across the planet with no apparent cause and no cure. We made our trek to Machu Picchu in memory of those who have already left this world, in recognition of those who continue to battle through this disease, and in hope that some day we will find a cure and end ALS forever.

Last year Greg, Dad, and Barbara trekked with Hike 4 ALS for 14 days to Mt. Everest base camp AND made it back home in one piece. For more information, please visit www.hike4als.org.

So now, dear friends, join us as we embark on our journey to Machu Picchu, where we will uncover the mysteries of the ancient Inca empire, meet new and interesting people, and climb more steps than a stairmaster on overdrive.