The Adventures of Pig and Donkey

Here’s a story, two characters, one setting. Donkey, character 1, is built to travel long distances. Sometimes, well, usually, in harsh mountain terrain and in this case, at high altitude. His body is structured with strong legs, the right length and girth for climbing steep things. Stamina, bred for longevity. Needed food and water intact, minimal. Pig, character 2, is built a little differently. Enjoying, and needing lots of food and water, pig lacks the stamina to travel long distances. A genetic dysfunction maybe, just a trick of the gods, or a perfect compliment to body size, the pig’s legs resemble a short woman’s walking stick:  built with strength,yet still having a breaking point.

These are the two characters in today’s story (this unlikely pair manage to fit together even when least expected.)  Set amongst the beautiful Cordillera Blanca Mountain Range in Peru on the side of Mt. Churupita, a mere 17,552ft. Setting off from the Way Inn, 12,178ft, pig and donkey are excited about a hiking expedition. A long day hike to the peak that happily appears strikingly close in distance. A recent theory in distance perspective in the mountains vs. at sea level leaves me to believe the lack of oxygen in the atmosphere skews the perceived distance because there is less distortion in the air. This theory was not embraced until after climbing commenced. So, pig and donkey pack some rain coats, fleeces, a headlamp, a leatherman, 3.5lts of water, a bag o’ nuts, a dry quick towel, sunscreen, and a camera. Chipper dispositions setting in at the prospect of this summit.  They set off down the road, avoiding the company of three eager dogs, chatting and staring at the mountain that lies directly ahead.

Donkey takes off, long legs taking advantage of long strides; moves along the road and up the mountain with ease. Pig, eager to keep up and matted with stubbornness to succeed, scuttles along quickly behind donkey with a shade less grace. The panting ensues and will not cease for pig. Yet, the duo are thrilled to be hiking in such awe inspiring scenery (and yes, they realize this cliche term is well over used, creating the cliche in the first place, and lacks all descriptive characteristics of said place.) To clarify, as they ascend up the mountain, the terrain changes from rocky, everything from builders to pebbles, to a clustered grass that creates an uneven and unvisable land to walk on.  And yet higher, when pig has declared for the 3rd time, her desire to quit, the duo snacks on some mixed nuts while admiring Lake Churupa with its deep blue center and mumm green edges. Watching down upon the lake are snow capped jagged peaks of mountain perfection.

The hike continues, poli poli, with donkey changing the rest schedule to every 30mins instead of 45min. As they climb in altitude the sights they have left behind leave them inspired by their own achievement thus far. The valley below lies still. If you didn’t know there were people, sheep, cows, and dogs milling about down there, you may have thought the valley had ceased movement with your departure. And the summit, still high above your heads.

After a harrowing defeat by pig, brought on by slight dizziness and complete exhaustion both in the lungs and the legs, donkey is convinced to continue on, the summit awaits a companion. Forgetting to communicate any signals in case of distress, donkey takes off, up and down the rocks until he fades out of sight. Thus leaving pig, to realize they had not thought of a way to communicate up in the high mountains. As cold started to creep into her personal space, so did the nerves of what ifs. Apparently, donkey was having similar thoughts as he ascended. Luckily, as dark threatening clouds passed by the duo, the sun giving way just in time for donkey’s summit.  A yell down to pig lets her know all was well.

As she awaits for donkey’s descent, thunder cackles in the distance. Donkey finally appears, a derserved grin streaked across his face. The two quickly converse about the summit before starting the descent. A descent that hopes to beat the huge rain clouds forming over head. Over rocks, through the annoying clumpy grass, down they went. Now, even donkey’s legs of pure muscle step as if infused with jello. Stumbling down, and down, and still down some more they move. Droplets of sleet sometimes appearing to say hello.  Off too far to the right, wrong ridge, and then again, wrong ridge, down they go, finally and rejoicefully reaching flat ground. The jello wobble of their legs glides them back down the road to the lodge. Not needing to know the numbers, pig and donkey crumble with exhaustion into chairs back at the lodge with a waiting fireplace. And now that they know the numbers, 5,374ft ascent in 6 hours, pig doesn’t feel so bad for not summiting and donkey proud for completing such a feet. Together they experienced an incredible day!

The End