Breather

JG: Leaving Copacabana, Bolivia shortly. No postings due to sketchy wifi. Stayed here for 4 nights to catch a breather from the logistical whirlwind - yesterday marked 7 weeks on the road and Sandy and I counted we've slept in 18 beds and on one overnight bus ride during that stretch. Other than a day boat trip to Isla del Sol and a ~8km mostly uphill @ 4000m (12 400ft) hike through some ruins, we've been taking in the small town and catching up on some sleep (this altitude is no joke). And Sandy has continued her fixation on strange animals and consistently wants to take stray cats and dogs into our hotel room, which this time by the way, was a quirky and impressive facility where no two units are the same. Next stop is a 4-hr bus ride to La Paz, where some serious adventure lies ahead.

SS: I may have adopted my own dog here (Max) and maybe a sweet little kitty (Garfield) but they are such amazing animals and just need some love. I'd give them a bath and let them sleep inside if John would let me.
The altitude is serious here. Walking up stairs leaves you breathless, never mind trekking mini mountains. As we head to La Paz and start some crazy adventures we will have to prepare ourselves for another 2000m (6200ft) for a total of 6000m (18600ft) with only 45% oxygen. Let's see if Gil can cut it! Haha - kidding.
We have been relaxing in a totally pimped out pad for a rockstar price of $35/night (splurging) that is complete with private hammocks, huge room, kitchen for breakfast, fireplace with plenty of wood, massive comfy beds that overlooks Lake Titicaca. I'm not sure if it gets better than this. You will all be proud of Johnny - "I am MAN, ME make fire!" His fire building skills are pretty good.

Oh, quick update - John's one shaved temple and one cockeyed sideburn are almost grown back in, but the "design" will still need a few weeks.