Made it to base camp and it is absolutely stunning.  Rainbow Valley is well named with rock formations of all colors and otherworldly slices, crevices…looking like gigantic works of art, each unique from the next.  The bus ride complete with a stop to take in the vistas and packs of llamas staring as our caravan drives past.  Tent #14 looks to be chill with only 6 of us radiating out from the middle pole – sleeping bags a kaleidoscope of colors like a maypole.  A Chilean world band welcomed us beautifully with pan pipes soaring above the chatter of participants as everyone found their places and began gathering around the fires already blazing to warm our dinners and, as we are cold, our frozen bums tonight. It’s supposed to be very cold…..I will be thanking my puffy coat and sleeping bag, that’s for sure.  Time to gather and hear the stories of 109 runners from 36 countries (I believe).  See you tomorrow!