We passed through the alpine moorland zone where plants are extremely hardy and consist of lichens, grasses and heather to the Alpine Desert Zone. We hiked for about four hours today, the guides are very good at estimating how long it will take to get from one camp to the next. The effects of altitude are now very apparant. When the clouds pass through it is chilling, and when the sun is overhead, it is baking hot. Back and forth all day long. I went from taking three sips at a time from my hydration system to taking two sips at a time. Less energy! John had a headache and tiredness, much of the afternoon. I couldn't sit still because of adrenaline. Today we both hiked higher than we've ever been. The highest I had been was Longs Peak, and John's was Mt. Whitney. It's very dry and more stunning than I ever imagined.
13,600 to 15,230 ft.
We're supposed to have 3-5 liters each day. I usually have 4. John is getting better!!!
Eligi, our assistant guide. His pace is pole pole. He is 63 and statprted as a porter when he was 15. Now you need to be 18 in order to be a porter. When he gets down off the mountain, he takes care of his 96 year old mother!
Every morning and afternoon when we return from walking, we get a basin of hot water.
Robson and Gonzo in the kitchen.
Our very capable kitchen helpers.
The stove which was very warm when I stopped in to visit!
See the butternut squash? We had them for dinner tonight.
The dishwashing area.
John went on the acclimization hike this afternoon and took this picture of our camp on the way down. I stayed around and aired out my dang blisters.
I counted 13 ravens around our camp this afternoon. They're bigger than Wyoming ravens.
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