Hi, I'm just retired and neglected to introduce myself in 2012

2017ish

2017ish

Thinks s/he gets paid by the post
Joined
Apr 21, 2012
Messages
2,506
Location
Nashville
Much thanks to this forum and its members, although you likely caused us to delay a year or two! :)

DW (OBG) and I (commercial litigator) came to the end of our two years' notice and left our workplaces on 7/28 at 57/56 (aka, "early" for everywhere other than this forum). Today is the first time I've had the opportunity to post--life sure is busy without the distractions from work. :dance:

We are embarking upon a very travelcentric retirement to make up for the lost years and are currently near the end of what DW terms "boot camp" in preparation for our September and October in Peru. Combination of backpacker travel and fine dining with a couple of pricey/cushy expeditions. All in all, the 7-10 mile daily hikes with 5Kg packs should be good for us, I think. :cool:

Still waiting for the days with time to sit and read--which is one of the things we've been anticipating.
 
Congratulations!

Any destination planned in Peru? We were in Cusco and Inca trails are amazing.
 
congrats.

My Brother and Niece completed the hike up to Machu Picchu in April. Not for the average hiker....
 
HillCountry said:
Congratulations!

Any destination planned in Peru? We were in Cusco and Inca trails are amazing.
Click to expand...

We are spending first week in Lima; have reservations at a couple of very nice restaurants and intend to sample the food scene from top to bottom.

Then, travel by bus (cruz del sur?) for approximately a week, with final destination of Titicaca.

Air to Cusco, then 7 day lodge-to-lodge salkantay trek, including Machu Picchu. Seven or so additional days in Cusco for Sacred Valley and a day trek for Rainbow Mountain.

After that, we have tentative reservations for the amazon side of the Andes in the Manu area (may have to change these, as we are only ones committed with our outfitter right now). We will do this area--just don't know with whom or how yet....

After that, probably heading to the Northeast for more amazonia, including an effort to see pink dolphins. Then, back to Lima and explore regions north along the coast, including the truly ancient ruins. Last month is pretty flexible still.

Been interesting getting ready for it; all shots/pills done, but DW still needs her retirement haircut to ensure that we can do it all with carry-on backpacks. :LOL:
 
capjak said:
congrats.

My Brother and Niece completed the hike up to Machu Picchu in April. Not for the average hiker....
Click to expand...

Capjak, did they do the true inca trail or Salkantay--and did they do Huayna Picchu? How did they compare it to, say, the Mist Trail in Yosemite? [e.t.a.--i.e., hardest day of Machu Picchu hike compared to the half-day Mist Hike to Nevada Falls and back.]
 
Last edited:
You should be super thankful for a spouse that is interested in the same kind of travel as you. My spouse never travels without a dedicated shoe suitcase.
 
sengsational said:
You should be super thankful for a spouse that is interested in the same kind of travel as you.
Click to expand...

More the converse: Oversimplifying, she plans/goes and I follow. :LOL:

sengsational said:
My spouse never travels without a dedicated shoe suitcase.
Click to expand...

We were joking about shoes today when we test-packed our bags--she is taking three pairs in addition to wearing her hiking boots, which I thought was outlandish. As she pointed out though, I have plenty of room in my backpack for her camera lens and laptop/notebook, which enables the shoes. :facepalm:
 
2017ish said:
Much thanks to this forum and its members, although you likely caused us to delay a year or two! :)
Click to expand...

Im glad you pulled the plug. The 1 or 2 year delay hopefully gave you 2 enough of a peace of mind cushion so that you can enjoy your well deserved retirement. Keep us posted on your adventures.
 
Congratulation! Sounds like it will be an awesome trip!
 
What a great trip! Glad you are preparing as the altitude and rugged terrain are challenging for the itinerary you have developed.

I spent two weeks in June on an organized tour (not nearly as challenging). A few recommendations:
- Sacred Valley: Pisac is overrated, not worth the time. Maras salt ponds and Moray terraces are underrated and worth a full day between them. We had a fabulous lunch at Chinchero La Casa de Barro Lodge - Restaurante & Bar Chinchero, Valle Sagrado, Sacred Valley, Chinchero in Chinchero (it is also a small inn that looks very charming).
- In the Amazon, we stayed at Explorama's Ceiba Tops Lodge (about 1 hour boat trip from Iquitos). It's considered a "luxury" lodge for the Amazon (which means flush toilets, showers, and air conditioned rooms, vs. open-air with mosquito nets and pit toilets which is the norm). Highly recommend Explorama whichever type of accommodation you prefer - excellent on-site guides well versed in the flora and fauna.

Have a great trip!
 
2017ish said:
More the converse: Oversimplifying, she plans/goes and I follow. :LOL:
Click to expand...
Even BETTER! In my case, neither of us like to plan trips. I do it, or we wouldn't end up going anywhere.

I still have plenty to be thankful for: she and I do have plenty of common travel interests and we have a great time once we get going.

She's up there packing right now, and I don't have the heart to tell her it's 20kg max instead of the usual 50 pound max. I'm skeerd to tell her.
 
2017ish said:
Been interesting getting ready for it; all shots/pills done, but DW still needs her retirement haircut to ensure that we can do it all with carry-on backpacks. :LOL:
Click to expand...

I assume you mean yellow fever shot.

One thing I would suggest is to bring non-cotton clothes. You can easily wash them yourselves at hotels. Anyway the local dryers are not powerful enough.

Have a great trip and come back to report it.
 
HillCountry said:
I assume you mean yellow fever shot.

One thing I would suggest is to bring non-cotton clothes. You can easily wash them yourselves at hotels. Anyway the local dryers are not powerful enough.

Have a great trip and come back to report it.
Click to expand...

Yep. And typhoid pill regimen. Agree on the clothes--I was always "natural fibers" for my suits/work shirts, etc. My eyes were opened reading all the blogs by youngsters talking about one-bag travel. Sure not the cheap polyester/nylon of our youth though!
 
Wow- congrats, and let us know how Peru was. I have been reading your very thoughtful posts for a while now and know you are well prepared- Enjoy it! (sorry this congrats is late- I have been off line for most of the summer) :cool:
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

N
Hi, I am new. Just hit 40. FIRE in 7? How am I doing?
Replies
17
Views
1K
brydanger
B
G
Age 67, retirement in progress
Replies
20
Views
1K
upupandaway
U
J
49 and 6 years to go in TX
Replies
5
Views
316
bloom2708
B
N
Retiring two years earlier than planned
2
Replies
32
Views
3K
Koolau
Koolau
D
Retired in 2017@42
Replies
10
Views
913
Koolau
Koolau

Latest posts

Back
Top Bottom