Sep 27, 2016.  Cerro Blanco and Antonini Museum, then night bus to Arequipa.  Casablanca Hostal.

• Left at 4 AM with my guide and a driver to the base of Cerro Blanco: 2078m above sea level, and  1176m from base to summit, which is higher than the tallest mountain in England.  The climb up, carrying a sandboard, was not as difficult as I had envisioned, although my guide had earlier asked whether I had spent any time at altitude before, and kept stopping to ask how I was feeling.  

• Beautiful scenery, beautiful sand dune, and a fun series of runs down, one of more than 800 meters.  I wasn't very good, sitting on the board for all the runs, but my guide was able to do some standup runs.  Still, it was lovely to be on top of this huge mound of sand, under blue skies, with nobody around for miles.

• Stopped at a ceviche place for the best yet - I treated my guide and driver.  Cost of adventure: $60.  Worth every penny.

• Another great bus ride that evening, this time with nobody in the adjacent seat.  Slept like a baby.  It costs no more to take one of these night rides than to stay in a hotel - and they even include a meal.  Checked into the Casablanca Hostal, recommended bythe New York Times 'Frugal Traveler', right off the corner of the main plaza.  About $30 a night (including breakfast), my most expensive lodging yet (not counting the time with the buddy brothers), but very nice, quiet, and a balcony overlooking a fun street.  Washed the sand out of my clothes and once more slept like a baby.