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The bad weather had cleared the air and we woke to clear skies and low temperatures. The ground was frozen like the water on the tents and the dog was still curled up under the blanket. Bed-tea was not due until 0700 hrs but many of the team were up and exploring from just after 0500 hrs. The sun came up over the Pandim Range and the team dried and sorted equipment. Our guide suggested an alternative route to Samati Lake and the team took up the offer. We set off at 0845 hrs up a steep slope leading to a ridge off the Pandim Range. The views to Kangchenjunga were magnificent and the ridge appeared to go on and on with many false summits. The team were quite strung out as they moved along the ascending ridge but everyone was in good spirits due to the mountain views. Several of the team continued up the ridge to 4489m where the terrain dictated the end of the road for trekkers. They picked their way down a steep slope to rejoin the rest of the team who had contoured round to a plateau.
During the day we saw: Rheum Nobile (Himalayan rhubarb), various primulas (mostly in bud), yellow potentilla and hundreds of azalea shrubs. We also saw lots of birds including: Blood Pheasants, Lamagier (eagles), Blue birds, and finches. The team relaxed in the sunshine before starting the descent to our next campsite. During the walk along the valley bottom, one of the team started to feel the effects of the altitude. After some rest and food he started to recover his strength. We arrived into camp in bright sunlight but looking back down the valley it was obvious from the dark clouds that bad weather was on its way. We sorted our equipment into the tents and went to the mess tent for lunch. The rain started and quickly turned to hail. Most of the team stayed in the mess tent to play cards but a few took to their beds to keep warm. The yak boys sat around a large fire burning dried yak dung and the cook team gathered in the make shift kitchen that they had constructed in a derelict stone building. The team gathered for the evening meal and as soon as it was eaten they all went back to their tents to get warm and sleep before the final challenge tomorrow.
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