Welcome! We're on our way to Amantani Island in Lake Titicaca to help Bev celebrate her big 60! Rumor has it that she also celebrated last night with Scott, Cammeo and Rotary friends. We think she and Scott need a rest!










Our friendly captain and crew. Very relaxed as we started the 3 hour cruise.....then..












the wind picked up and the lake got rough mid-trip. I wasn't nervous until I saw a local putting on a life jacket, and the captain and crew getting excited. I knew it was a little serious when they threw some of their coca leaves into the lake to "Pacha Mama." We then saw the islanders come running to catch us in a tangle of ropes as we landed. Hearty handshakes and hugs to all for a safe landing!

















The Aymara are usually very socialist and tightknit communities, which has been very interesting for us to experience. They DO work as a team, and are always there to support and help each other! Here they are helping a captain pull his boat in for repairs.




All lodging on Amantani is through homestays. This is the view above our home with Bernadina, her daughter, and three grandkids. Bernadina's husband was a phantom....he was busy farming most of the time, so we never met him.










Off to explore the island! It is so tranquil, with a very slow island pace. Everyone walks,; there are no cars, we saw no bikes, and...no dogs allowed. Nearly everyone raises sheep, chickens, cows, potatoes, beans, and grains.


























The Aymara on Amantani still live as they have for hundreds of years...off crops planted in their "chacras", small fields divided by rock fences. We appreciated the respite, read our books, then bid farewell to this peaceful setting and friendly farmers.