We rose at 6 this morning and slept well as our camp site was very cool, especially after the storm that hit us at about 8 last night. There was much rushing around lashing tents down and we had to practically sit on the mess tent to hold it down while we ate dinner.

We hit the trail at about 8 this morning but after 15 minutes were surprised when we reached the village of Fururu. Here the locals wanted to wish us success and bless the expedition. A few years ago 2 Dutch climbers had summitted on Makalu but were killed on the descent. The climbers' parents had paid for a water supply to be installed in the village and the people were extremely grateful and showed us great warmth. It never ceases to amaze us how these people who have nothing want to give everything they have. They gave us Raksi (close to meths!), chang (millet beer), curried goat and potatoes - all at 0815 in the morning!

We wobbled on up the trail through Hururu then headed down through some oak forests and broke out onto an open ridge. We were surrounded on either side by burned trees where the villagers have been making room for more farm land. At Mure we stopped and had lunch on a terrace and again were surrounded by local children. Our cookboys surpassed themselves by providing chips, chapattis, mystery meat and courgettes. Large pots of tea were brought at regular intervals to wash down this feast.

After lunch we dropped down the crest of the Ridge towards the Arun Khola Valley and we stopped and pitched camp at Num. Num lies at about 1500 metres above sea level and nestles in a fantastic location, perched high on the ridge crest. The bustling village has a tap and allowed us to do some much needed laundry. The village has recently benefited from the installation of a micro-hydro electric power system, which will bring electric light to village houses for the first time. The project is due for completion in 2 weeks time. A representative from a Nepalese NGO also explained to the expedition leader how a health post has recently been built in the village, which will be a further boost to the region. It will be interesting to see how these developments have progressed when we return through Num in 2 months time.

Tomorrow, we will drop down to the Arun Khola (river), losing about 1000 metres of height before climbing back up to Sedua. We now feel that we are truly on our way but not yet had sight of the snow covered mountains.

SEE OUR CURRENT LOCATION