Rotarian Ray Calnon was this week’s speaker, July 23rd,  and enlightened the club when he gave a very interesting account of his sponsored walk in Peru with his son Peter raising money for the British Heart Foundation.   Ray began his training much earlier in the year but nothing could prepare him for altitudes up to 4.200m or the change in  the climate conditions that he would have to endue.  He left the UK on the 24^th May and having arrived in Peru he traveled to the starting point of the trail.  There were a total of 28 in the group and he soon became aware of the importance of camaraderie and team moral that would support him throughout this challenge.  Ray became very ill at the start of his journey and with medical assistance at several rest points, it became evident that there was a strong possibility that he may have to abandon the walk.  His slide presentation reflected how ill he was and the dilemma that was facing him.  However Ray did manage to overcome his problems and completed the walk.  Visiting Cusco and the amazing trail to Machu Piccho he experienced the amazing dawn scenes at Sun Gate and stunning mountain views.  Ray had nothing but admiration for the porters that accompanied the group carrying all their equipment and setting up base camp ahead of the walkers.  On one occasion a porter had to carry one of the trekkers and this meant that his load was shared amongst the other porters.   The slide presentation gave the members a chance to see the wonderful mountain scenery and the ancient ruins of this truly amazing country.   Ray admitted that this had been a difficult trip and having finally reached his destination he was at one point overwhelmed with emotion.  Monty Spandler thanked Ray for sharing all his experiences with the club.

The Group Tour in Cusco.                                 Ray receiving treatment at altitude.                The donkey helping Ray up the track.

Parts of climb, steep and perilous !                      Overnight tents on the way up.                              Up and up to Macho Picchu.

The final destination !                                             An exhilarated Ray at reaching his goal, despite the setbacks !