Green Pastures

Picture them soaking their feet in a stream and surrounded by grass and flowers. They have hiked 20 - 25 miles, gone over a 18,368 foot pass to the next valley, and descended a thousand meters to Khuispan near the base of Laila peak. They are enjoying the view of a 55-60 degree snow slope on the peak and a horse grazing in the camp.

Chuck left early Thursday and headed for Concordia. They camped at Concordia and had dinner with a group of Brits and met a German trekking group. They talked about different ways to go to Ali camp and Chuck decided to go with one of the Germans and his guide and go a different way than initially planned. They ended up at a difficult glacial river crossing that required searching out an alternative way to get to the other side. The crossing was further complicated due to the need to work with some of the German’s disabilities. Two porters came along and with the help of an ice ax, managed to find a crossing. The normally three and half hour hike took nine hours. Dave had Chuck’s tent set up waiting for him when he arrived at Ali camp at 16,600 ft.

They left Ali camp at about 3 a.m. to go over the pass and descended to Khuispan, which is at an altitude of 15,472 ft., the lowest they have been in months. The trail over the pass was in good shape and they had no difficulties.

Tomorrow they will walk for about four hours to Shaitcho camp at 11,070 ft. They will re-pack some of their equipment and then head into the Charakusa Valley where their cook is planning to take them to a secret rock climbing area.

Saturday, August 23, 2008