Rest day high above Jomson , in the most spectacular campsite with views across to the Niligris. Time to meet yaks, find gentians, and to identify a soaring Himalayan Gryphen. And to read, play cards and rest up after the last two busy days. It was only minus 5 here last night, relatively warm! Tomorrow we will descend 1000m to Marpha, the end of our trek. Sad to be leaving the mountains behind but looking forward to a long hot shower!
Monday, 23 October 2023
Sunday, 22 October 2023
YB Connect Message from Robert Withers
What a day! Last night was a chilly -18c (-14 in tents). We got up early to get a headstart on a long day. 1 1/2 hours up to Dampus pass where the Annapurna massif appeared ahead. Then long arduous traverse- 5 miles going up and down the 5000m contour through deep snow. The cloud came in and it made navigation tricky. Then we started to head steeply down to tonight's camping spot below the snow line with yaks grazing around us. We're perched high above Jomsom with views of snowy peaks all around. The tents are pitched on grass tonight, a lot warmer than snow.
Saturday, 21 October 2023
YB Connect Message from Robert Withers
French Pass A hard day in awe-inspiring scenery. Finally we were high enough to see Dhaulagiri i and ii in all their glory. It was a long tiring slog up to French Pass 5360m and then down into Hidden Valley through deep and tiring snow. Now camping at 5050m - v cold already. We check our blood oxygen saturation each night - expecting scores in high 70s
Friday, 20 October 2023
YB Connect Message from Robert Withers
YB Connect Message from Robert Withers
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Rest and acclimatisation at Base Camp. Temp dropped to -13c last night. A few people chilly in bed. Temp in tent a balmy -11c. Today the clear night led to sunny morning and the temp rapidly rose. Avalanches and rockfalls all around. There are definitely places where you don't want to be! Just done crampon practice and the sun has gone in. Tee shirt replaced with thermal top and down jacket immediately Big day tomorrow over French pass.
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Thursday, 19 October 2023
YB Connect Message from Robert Withers
YB Connect Message from Robert Withers
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Dhaulagiri base camp 4700m We're now up at Dhaulagiri base camp camping on the rocky snow covered glacier. The weather pattern has been pretty consistent- clear mornings gradually clouding over to rain/snow in the afternoon. Temp last night was -7c - colder this evening. Everyone feeling the altitude- average speed 0.8mph this am
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Wednesday, 18 October 2023
YB Connect Message from Robert Withers
YB Connect Message from Robert Withers
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Day 9 Rest and Acclimation Snow cleared overnight to reveal a rocky and snowy landscape. Bridget is feeling better and James worse (although improving over the day). Doing anything fast is already becoming an effort making the guides rock moving wall the more impressive. Our tent was moved to slightly flatter ground. Dhaulagiri base camp tomorrow.
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Tuesday, 17 October 2023
YB Connect Message from Robert Withers
YB Connect Message from Robert Withers
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Day 8 Definitely more serious today. About 600 further up the valley to Glacier camp. Progress was slow. Scenery spectacular until clouds and snow arrived. Bridget varying between feeling mediocre and awful. Spirits remain high. The guides hacked a campsite from a snowy rock field like the top of Scafell pike while it was snowing hard. We are in awe of them.
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