Acclimatisation
Acclimatisation in the
Himalayas involves lots of walking between 2500 and 3600m for the first four
days along trails through rhododendron, magnolia and azalea forests. The
flowers and bird song give beauty to what we see. Then on the fifth day a col
at over 4000m is the next challenge. The team copes very well except it snows
and snows. This is abnormal for this time of year and is not good news as it
puts in jeopardy the objectives of the expedition. There is lots of evidence of
wet avalanches. We proceed with care.
We arrive at the place where
we are staying overnight, it is cold and bleak; low cloud and snow brings a peculiar
atmosphere, one which can dampen the spirits especially when you know how
glorious it could look in sunshine. Sitting in a mountain hut with a frozen
floor and snow falling outside is a cold experience.
After managing to fend off the bitter cold with my down and
Primaloft jackets, mountaineering trousers, many base layers a short nap
overtakes my body.
Waking up sees the snow stop
and blue skies dawning. We need more weather like this.
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