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HADT - DIARY UPDATE FOR: DAY 17 - THURSDAY 8 APRIL 2004 |
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| After an exhausting day yesterday everyone slept soundly
dreaming of a day of relative rest, however this was not to be!
We were woken up at 0630 with 'bed tea' in preparation for a long
walk into the Hongu valley - the next valley system to our east
and the the route that would lead us into Baruntse. The morning
was clear and sunny with a fresh dusting of snow from last night's
showers. As we turned the corner into the Hongu we cast a last look
over our shoulder's at Mera Peak but ahead of us our attention was
captivated by our first really good view of Baruntse with Makalu
also visible further east. The majority of the team were feeling
tired and still dehydrated from yesterday and the dusting of snow
underfoot made the trail slippy. Not surprisingly there were a few
tumbles as we descended into the valley. Lunch proved to be an excellent stop not only for the food and rest but also for washing as a number of the team braved the glacial river to strip wash and do some much needed laundry. The 'Command Group' were captured on film discussing the fixed rope plan for the mountain as simultaneously the two Seans' competed for who could get the most sun cream on their faces! After lunch the path continued in a steady uphill gradient until after a few hours we reached a pleasant campsite on grass and beside an old lake bed. Using the last of the sunshine we managed to repair a number of tents and Dave recharged our batteries in order for us to write this report! |
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