Day 9 : Panch Pokhari (4039m)- rest day
The constant rain and cold can be very tedious and depressing. Fortunately we have the appropriate gear and have waterproof sleeping and eating places. Our enthusiastic staff sure help to keep spirits high. Just when you think you can't take another freezing day you awake to sunshine and dramatic views. This morning could not have been scripted better. Warm sunshine, excellent for washing hair and drying clothes (corrugated roofs excellent for this).
Our Nepalese laundry
All up early strolling paths to the Shiva Gompa, around the small lakes and up mountainsides (Bob). Rocks slippery with black ice and lots of snowy sections to manoeuvre. Spirits lifted immeasurably.
Breakfast and usual conversation about how many visits to the loo in the night and navigation problems.
As it's a rest day Satish and Pasang took us on a hill climb, still in the glorious sunshine. We ascended to a peak, from where we could see the trail back the valley to Nasim Pati and the corrugated roof of the large kharka. There was a clear view of the mountains not visible from the camp, a fabulous display of a gliding Lamageira (a native vulture) as we marvelled above him. We also found animal prints, probably a mountain goat. Meanwhile high on the slopes, Pasang was taking the opportunity to comb the countryside for the illusive caterpillar-producing aphrodisiac.
All in all, a delightful hour or so.
Lunch and the weather closes in again, cloud merging from all the valleys surrounding us. This time with the added joy of hail.
From here on there is no marked path, so Satish has sent an advance party of five off today to mark our trail for tomorrow.
The heavens opened with thunder, lightening, high winds, fog and hail spreading over the campsite like snow. We had an early evening meal with Khem baking an orange sponge cake to lift our spirits. Amazing what he produces on 2 kero burners. Into our tents before dark.
Feeling much colder than we were at breakfast time.
M&M
9/5/2014
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