Yesterday, after a short drive to the trail head, the team set out from the mouth of the Vacas Valley. The team hiked approximately six hours  through a desert valley (reminiscent of parts of the Grand Canyon) to “Pampas de Lenas,” the first camp on the approach, located at about 9,000 ft (2750 m). Nigel, Rene and Fermin dined in true gaucho style, with food prepared over an open fire by our arrieros. And cake for desert! Fermin reports that everyone is happy, and doing well. The plan is to move to Casa Piedra today.