This morning’s exercise is a gentle walk (normal boots) up the ridge above the village we’ve named Peter’s Ridge (because he went for an afternoon stroll up there two days ago, just for fun).
The top, after 300m of ascent, has some lovely views.
We meet two female climbers up there in their Mamut jackets, one in trainers the other in crocs (because someone stole her trainers from outside her room!)
They get into a debate with Jangbo over which peak is Ama Dablan;
It’s one of these, or is it!?
We’ve taken the village dog for a walk.
New team mascot? Probably not. Back at the village he’s gone.
After lunch, it is time to practice with our climbing gear. Mostly it’s a precaution insists Jangbo. Mera is not a technical mountain!
Here we are putting harnesses on.
Jangbo demonstrates rappelling, on the practice slope…
…then detailed instruction.
I’m using the Juma ascender – making it look easy!
Can’t resist a late afternoon picture, the clouds as dramatic as the peaks.
After an early dinner we’re off to pack bags for High Camp and the summit. Here we all are – last supper!
Tomorrow is the moment we’ve been building to for 11 days.
First we trek in big boots and crampons to High Camp at 5800m. We spend a night there under canvas then leave at 2.00am for the summit Mera Peak Central at 6417m.
Gulp.