The first night of camping was pretty cold. After awhile the sleeping bag was unbearably warm. I had to take my socks off it was so warm. Cory kept waking me up so really it was more like taking a series of naps. We were woken up promptly at 6 a.m. with hot tea and a warm bucket of hot water. The porters found Garrett’s bag. Supposedly something happened at the beginning of the trail where they must have transferred it incorrectly. The head porter said that he had left it at the hotel but maybe it was somewhere else. Nobody knows but Garrett was happy to have it back. Breakfast was pourage and eggs. After breaking down camp we were off up the hill. All I can say is that was the toughest 6 miles I’ve ever climbed. It started off a little rugged. I was feeling fine. It wasn’t until about 2 hours into the hike when I felt the altitude take over. At around 3500 m we were gasping for air every 10 feet. I was in the last pack to finish to the top of Dead Woman’s Pass. Jessica and Laura were with me most of the time. We peaked at 4200 meters and boy we were tired. Some of the guys stuck around to cheer us on. I’m glad I didn’t pass out. There was a girl at around 3800 that had to be carried up. Looked like she was suffering from dehydration or not eating enough. Anyways we peaked the highest part of the trek (Dead Woman’s Pass 4200 meters) and I was relieved. I took a few pictures up top and headed down to camp. Camp was about 2 miles downhill. The steps were very steep. Good thing I brought walking sticks. I gave one to Laura as it looked like she might have needed it.

Now we’re chilling at camp. It’s a little higher than yesterday at 3800 meters and a little colder as well. Total time on the trail today was about 9 hours. Tomorrow’s leg is supposed to be the longest. Hopefully there’s not a lot of elevation gain like today. Right now I’m exhausted and in dire need of some sleep.