June 2001 

Trek Day 3 -- Over Two Passes:  From our campsite high above Mahuey, we climbed even higher to our first lake (Laguna Saracocha) and then crossed our first pass -- the Milacancha (15,250').  From the pass, we got our first view of the incredible Huayhuash peaks, including Jirishanka, Yerupaja and Rasac.  We then descended about 1,000 vertical feet and then climbed very steeply up to our second pass (Paso Hurao, 15,600').  From this pass, we could see the Cancanampunta at the very northwest end of the range, the high pass over which we would cross tomorrow.  We descended from the pass without our burros (they climbed over a different, less steep pass to reach the mining road and joined us at camp) and ultimately crossed the mining road to reach our camp.

Our second camp, above Mahuey

Our initial view of the Huayhuash from the Milacancha pass at around 15,000'.  Our second pass, the Paso Hurao, is the obvious saddle near the left top corner of the photo.

Dana and I with the peaks of the Cordillera Huayhuash (from left to right:  Ninishanka, Jirishanca (set behind), Rondoy, the shoulder of Yerupaja Chico, Yerupaja and Rasac).

Close up of the incredible NW face of Yerupaja.

As we climbed towards the Mila Cancha, we got our first view of the mine above Popca.  We were glad we took the alternate route through Quero.

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