The breakfast gong was sounded and we then had an open air breakfast of porridge, fried eggs on toast and another hot drink. Whilst we munched away the crew packed up the tents and again these were loaded and sent on their way.
We then had a few minutes before we got our personal kit ready and then we set of about 0830 hrs. Again, this was the pattern for the remaining mornings.
The days trek took us through and over several wooded hills on narrow tracks. Occasionally the trees would part and reveal the snow covered mountain range in the distance. These were part of the Annapurna Range and were peaks such as the Fish Tail (6993m) and Annapurna South (7219m). Luckily the weather was clear and fresh and the mountains were clearly visible.
We continued on our trek and stopped for lunch on a grassy clearing above a valley. Again Laxmi our cook produced another great meal.
We then descended into the next valley and began a climb up the next mountain on a forest road. By now the clouds had rolled in and the views had disappeared. We continued on this road for another hour and half before reaching our next camp site at Panchase Bhanjyang - we were now at 2100 m.
The days trek took us through and over several wooded hills on narrow tracks. Occasionally the trees would part and reveal the snow covered mountain range in the distance. These were part of the Annapurna Range and were peaks such as the Fish Tail (6993m) and Annapurna South (7219m). Luckily the weather was clear and fresh and the mountains were clearly visible.
We continued on our trek and stopped for lunch on a grassy clearing above a valley. Again Laxmi our cook produced another great meal.
We then descended into the next valley and began a climb up the next mountain on a forest road. By now the clouds had rolled in and the views had disappeared. We continued on this road for another hour and half before reaching our next camp site at Panchase Bhanjyang - we were now at 2100 m.
The cloud and mist were making the temperature plummit, so everyone was being quick with their wash and rushing for the comparative warmth of the mess tent. The camp was situated on a mountain saddle and as such had views both East and West. Deepen, our guide, promised we would have a good sunrise the following morning, when the cloud lifted.
Again we had a magnificent meal, this time soup, home made pizza and veg spring rolls. Don't ask me how Laxmi managed to produce such a meal in the basic cooking conditions, but everyone agreed it was probably the best pizza we had ever eaten!
The temperature fell further that night and there was heavy dew. As much as this made sleeping uncomfortable, it was a hidden blessing, as unknown to us it meant the clouds were gone and the mountains were revealing themselves.
This was to prove magical when were were awoken at dawn the following morning!!!
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