Samagoan 6-7 Sept 13

Lhogaon to Samagaon  06/09/13

6am rise for the majority of the guys when Manaslu gave us a brief glimpse of her summit winking between the clouds. The sheer size of the mountain really brought it home and puts things in perspective for the team, mixed emotions all around for the forthcoming climbing phase. A fitting start to the day to when entering the final trekking phase.

A gentle plod over three hours took us up another 500m to the isolated mountain village of Samagaon, thus ending the trekking phase of the exped. We reached our accommodation around midday followed by 42 porters laden with kit and equipment. Payday ensued, then Chris A said a few words of thanks to the porters for all their hard work and a small tip before they made their way down.

Organising a group photo of epic proportions, Jon made a quick dash from the top of the building to the courtyard to beat the 10 second self timer. Goodbyes were said to the porters before tucking into yak steaks.

Samagaon rest day 07/09/13

So the first rest day for the team, we decided to have a lie in 8 o clock although most of us were up before this! After breakfast (vegetable curry) we had to move hotels from the dingy digs we had to the 5 star hotel with internet, heating, clean rooms, and all round brilliant hotel..... non existent although not too bad. We all decided to use the rest day as an acclimatisation day with most people heading towards base camp to gain height, a couple people made it to base camp and even had a cup of tea up there coutesy of HIMEX  Most people felt the effects of altitude sickness but this is expected and nothing to worry about. In other news there are a lot of yaks about in the area and we have been eating them in the form of burgers and curry! Very nice meat, Chris C stroked a very cute little puppy which made his day!!!!

 

We are currently acclimatising to 3500m before moving up to base camp at 4800m in 2 days time, this is partly deliberate and partly because we are waiting for our 190 30Kg loads to be carried up by the super human local porters.