05/11 Monster climb today. My ITMB map didn’t show anything amiss when I set out under sunny skies and warm temperatures. Little did I know that I’d be heading up to almost 14,000 feet. The road was paved except for the last 10 miles and then it was rough and muddy gravel for large sections. It was a bit steep at times but nothing too crazy.
A hail storm at 13,500 feet was a treat. That was a first on this trip. Those pellets didn’t feel so great when they nailed me on the head through the vents in my helmet. The rain started soon after the first round of hail and I thought I might have to stop and pitch the tent next to the road. Getting wet at that altitude isn’t a good idea. Thankfully I found an abandoned house so I stood in the doorway jumping up and down occasionally to keep warm. I was out of the rain but it was close to freezing as the storm came through.
The storm lasted almost an hour and then the sun popped back out. My shelter was at the bottom of a hill next to a small lake which meant more climbing. Things leveled out a little after that and I was kind of shocked to see a paved airport runway. I would not ever want to land a plane there. The runway wasn’t even flat for one thing. My guess is the mining companies use it to fly in people.
Quiruvilca was at the bottom of a short descent and it’s unlike any other place I’ve stayed. It’s also probably the highest at 13,060 feet. Everyone walks around bundled up in warm clothes thanks to constant cool temperatures. I’ve never seen a mining town before but if you’d asked me before today what one looked like this would be it. I imagine 98% of the men living here work in that industry. The town is built on the side of a hill so all the streets are dark and narrow. Everything just looks a little unstable.
Found a room for $3.50. It’s about what you’d expect for the price but they have a shared hot shower which works for me. There was a nicer looking hostel on top of a hill but a policewoman told me all the rooms were full as I was pushing my bike up the very steep hill.
The other day I ordered some ear covers to help maintain my sanity. They are basically the same ones that you’d use in a firing range. That’ll be package 5 of 18 waiting for me in Florida. 
Between the stupid dogs barking and the people that run the hostels who forget that they have paying guests, getting a good nights sleep isn’t always easy. I’m looking forward to them about as much as I am my new laptop.
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