Apologies for the lack of correspondence…our charging system is, well, less than perfect. In fact, it just flat doesn’t work. So, base camp life has been reduced to what base camps used to be…quiet, free of electronic bothers like the Internet, subject to nothing except weather, rest and relaxation.
Base camp is comfy, but its charms last only so long before the desire to move becomes overwhelming. That said, it wasn’t very long before we needed to feed the rat…get up, get out, and do something.
Two days after our arrival in BC, we decided to go for a “warm-up” route that climbs to the col between Kwangde Nup & Kwangde Lho. Packing enough gear and food for three days, we found our way up the moraine and settled in for a decidedly uncomfortable night on frozen dirt. We planned to climb the following two days, but were surprised the following morning when the remainder of the approach took three hours!
After a quick throw of the fingers to decide who would lead the “first” pitch, Audrey and Ines set off to fix a line to speed progress the following morning. However, we were surprised again to find that the “first” pitch was in fact nearly 100 m. Everything here is bigger than it looks…and takes a lot longer than one might think.
After another extremely cold night on 5mm foam, we decided that we would leave the high camp in place and return after a few days of rest. So, here we are…resting and enjoying the last day of the year in style…complete with a warm shower and a couple glasses of bad wine.
Climbing tomorrow…we hope.
Best wishes and a happy new year!
Posts
