Ica to Nazca was a challenging ride because there was so much truck traffic, the shoulder was very rough, and the constant pounding made my wrist extremely sore. The landscape returned to that of the flat desert with nothing much of interest.

After 85k, I faced a challenge: take the old road or save 7k and use the old road through a dark tunnel. I had to think about it after my crash in the last tunnel. I faced my fear and chose the tunnel. It was a one-lane hole, 800m long, carved through the mountain. I put the van behind me, and when the incoming traffic stopped, we proceeded very slowly. It was dark, and the road surface was rough. We cleared the tunnel, and wow, what a vista far below. A green, lush valley awaited us. First, dry off my sweaty hands and take photos of Bob overcoming tunnel fear. Now, a very steep downhill on the same rough surface. I had to stop twice to give my hands a rest from applying the breaks and to cool them. What an experience.

At the bottom, the Pam Am became smooth, and I could make up some time, but first, we had to stop and view the Lineas, which is why all the tourists come here. We arrived in Nazca for two nights before we headed southwest and back to the ocean.