THE GUIDE, A NATIVE of pure strain from the Huanuco highlands, pointed the narrow and sinuous path of cornice, scarcely two feet wide dug on the side of the mountain. Above and below the hillside fell with an angle far greater than 45°. Teresa looked both sides with apprehension pleading that there was an alternative pathway. Francisco spoke in quechua with the man and then translated to Jimenez:
“There is no another way forward than that path. The problem is that its width is variable and as nobody maintains it, there may be loose rocks and landslides interrupting the passage.”
“Well” said Jimenez swallowing saliva, and heading to the climber Ovidio “ do you think that we should go through with our entire team?”
“We will have to leave the entire heavy luggage at the base camp. Only th
