Thursday, May 3, 2012

a day in the life: overnight at 4600 meters


john and i made the trek to ice lake a few weeks ago, but the weather was so poor that we could barely see the lake and we could definitely not see any of the beautiful mountains/glaciers that surround the lake.  so, when some very kind spaniards donated a two person tent to the HRA, john and i decided to make our next ice lake adventure an overnighter.  the weather here is usually best during the morning hours. 

we set out after lunch and made the trek up over 1000+ meters.  just as before, my legs turned to jello about 200 meters from the top.  ugh.  after a little rest and a snickers bar (and maybe a twix bar, as well) we made it to the lake side just before the sunset.  here we set up camp as quickly as possible, because the temperature was dropping and it was starting to snow.  we made rara soup (nepal’s take on top ramen) and ate fresh bread that i brought up from the bakery (i still have standards).  we completed our meal with a package of cadberry cookies.  then, it was off to bed.

inside our down sleeping bags we were each very warm, but i could not sleep a wink.  about 5 hours into the night i was really wishing john had brought some of his sleep study medications.  needless to say, if was a very long night.  

the next morning we were able to enjoy the stunning views the entire way down the mountain…or hill.  I will never get used to the idea of a 4600 meter hill.  

side note:  on the way down we saw loads of yarsagumba or “mushroom” pickers on their way up fro the season.  more on that in the future…

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