August 2004 Field Research at Machu Picchu
Machu Picchu, the site of our 2004 hydrological research, stretches out over the ridgetop like a quilted blanket.
	Mt. Solcantay is still a holy mountain to the Quecha Indians; it dominates the scene from Mount Machu Picchu.
Mt. Putucusi, a sacred peak to the Inca, guards the river access to Machu Picchu.
	The summit of Huayna Picchu is covered with high-status terraces and shrines.  The terraces grew Bolivian tea during Inca times.
Engineer David Foss is shown with unfinished wall construction at Machu Picchu.  One day, about AD 1540, the workers packed up their tools and went home.
	We all admired the fine stonework of the Intiwatana.
The site of our 2004 excavations was this security station on the Inca Trail near Machu Picchu.
	After discovering a long lost Inca Trail high up on Machu Picchu, Ken Wright radios in the good news to our archaeological staff below.
WPI Research  Associate Alexander Merle Smith  was all eyes as he followed the precarious route of the new trail that was high above the valley.
	Our research associate surveys the trail up Machu Picchu Mountain from an ancient viewing platform.
Our machetero kept clearing the new trail even though there was nothing between him and the 500-foot cliff on his left.
	Here a baby llama suckles its mother.  Soon the baby will help keep the grass cut.
The great stone walls of Machu Picchu tell a story of hard work and perseverance of the ancient Inca engineers.
	WPI engineer David Foss documents the newly discovered Inca Trail.
Once we cleared the Inca Trail of 500 years of vegetation, the high quality stonework told us that this was likely a trail for the Inca military to move troops rapidly along the ridge line.
	The Inca solar observatory window splits the sun's rays on the winter Solstice.
Collecting soil samples for laboratory analysis took our crews to ancient terraces high above the river valley.
	Ruth Wright, our historian, stands in a doorway leading to a series of beautiful terraces.
Research Associate Alexander Merle Smith measures an unfinished Inca temple.
	On the way up Mt. Putukusi, we had to watch out for poisonous snakes that hid in the rocks.
Dr. Andrew Earles documents his measurements high above Machu Picchu.  Andrew is a Scientific Hydrologist working on urban drainage practices of the Inca.
	The WPI team was pleased with the discovery of the Inca Trail.
One of our archaeologists conducted a traditional Indian prayer service at the end of our excavations to ask for blessings from the mountain gods.