Today was an easy less than three hour hike going from 12,750 to 13,600 feet. We walked through the High Alpine desert zone. The group decided last night to not have a layover day at Lava Tower and instead hike to Moir Camp. This is a little used camp, a bit out of our way, but has the advantage of slowing our ascent and giving us more time time acclimitize. It feels great to be the only group at a camp. The winds have been gusting all day, maybe to the 30's, and the dust is blowing, which is a great reason to hole up in the tent. John went on the extra hike and I stayed back to give my now three blisters a well deserved break. The acclimatization hike is where you hike up several hundred feet above the camp and turn around and go back. It's believed to help with acclimatization to hike high and sleep low.
Porters greet us when we come into camp by singing and dancing. The first night it happened, at Shira 1, I was really moved, not expecting it. My porter, Robson,welcomes me by taking my daypack and setting it next to our tent. Porters are very special and amazing people, who carry loads of 50 plus pounds, set up camp, cook, filter water, serve as waiters, and always want to make sure everything is good for you. We were each allowed 16 kilograms, but then they have to carry their stuff in addition. It sounds like they have a pretty good time at night after the work is done, laughing and carrying on in the porters tents eating popcorn.
Looking down into the Moir Camp as we approached.
Breakfast, lunch, dinner, and afternoon tea (usually with popcorn) in the Cabella's mess tent
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