Afternoon in the trenches
Trip Start
Jul 02, 2007
1
15
38
Trip End
Aug 03, 2007
Kafnu,
India
Friday, July 13, 2007
We headed down to Rekong Peo for breakfast and to use the internet before we start the trek. I had a interesting toilet experience in a random restaurant - the room had a ceiling-to-floor window looking right out onto the busy street. It had one-way sticky stuff on it, but still it took a bit of a mental run-up. As we sat eating breakfast, the sun emerged and we were treated to a blinding white view of the high peaks. I took this as a good omen but it wasn't to be. As we headed back over the bad road from 3 days ago and then up into the hills on the other side, the weather closed in and it started to rain.
At Kafnu the approach gave us a dreary view of the field we were to spend the night - 4 tents in a green field. We huddled in the main cooking tent waiting for a break, and then dashed around madly trying to get our bags under shelter.
I'm sleeping with Katryn tonight, and it turns out I picked the one old tent and it has a couple of leaks. Great. To combat the problem, the guide dug a trench around the sides, funnelling the water downhill around the tent. A face appeared at the door-flaps and kindly offered hot orange 'tea' [an instant mix called Tang]. As I let mine cool Katryn went outside, warning me over her shoulder not to spill it. Of course, I later knocked it slightly and while I was mopping it up I glanced up to find Katryn stood 3 metres away, watching me. I must have looked like a guilty school child caught in the act.
Then we all said our goodbyes to Cookie - I got some significant looks and smirks from the group. Horrible lot!
We all had a relax - I slept a little - while the rain eased off. It cleared up quite a bit, leaving us hopeful for tomorrow. Dinner was simple but tasty - beans, rice, chapattis and a yummy potato dish. I feel the beans are a bad idea, but they're such a good source of energy. Then fruit from a can - not sure why it needed to be dyed bright pink, but I guess it's the Indian need for garish colour.
Then back into the tent. Evening entertainment is rather limited, especially after 7 when it gets dark. We talked for a bit, sorted our bags for tomorrow and then went to bed. The sleeping bag is great - really warm.
