Eventually got quite warn in the night by both being in one single bed under all of the covers. Did not get a wink of sleep due to all of the nocturnal prowling and toilet using. Decided to get up at 2am and attempt the summit, and see how it went – the only other option was to stay in the cold noisy room for a further 4-5 hours, which wasn’t particularly appealing. Got ready, with head torches and gloves, had breakfast, and met Dimmy at 3am. Lou not feeling great – chest infection, altitude and runny nose make climbing and breathing hard work.
First upward section is very steep – it’s 3 hours climb to the top for sunrise, and Lou is struggling after first 10 minutes, having to stop every few steps. Ieuan has headache. After 45 mins of climbing, we make the very disappointing decision to turn back, as we are concerned that even if we get to the summit in 3 or 4 hours, that we still have to climb back down the whole mountain that day. We have already passed a few people who have turned back.
We head back down, very sad, but it is the right decision. Pass more people coming up, including the superfit Belgian couple. Back at the base, we go back to bed until 7am, then more breakfast. Chat to Aussie fellow who lives in remote farm – was very nice. Meet Dimmy at 8am to start the down climb. Down far easier than up but is hard on the legs so frequent breaks needed. Overtaken by Aussie fellow. Made it down in 4 hours – the last 1km being really hard on the knees for ieuan. Minibus back to KK via homestay – traffic bad coming in to KK so don’t get back until nearly 3.30pm.
Go for lunch – try the Hyatt hotel and have very nice salad there. Head for some shopping and cake and Secret Recipe café. In the evening, we went to Little Italy on the corner, and had delicious bruschetta. Staff very friendly – although they questioned our choice of red wine apparently it's an acquired taste (or something of that nature - hmm it's wine we say, serve it soon please!!)!
First upward section is very steep – it’s 3 hours climb to the top for sunrise, and Lou is struggling after first 10 minutes, having to stop every few steps. Ieuan has headache. After 45 mins of climbing, we make the very disappointing decision to turn back, as we are concerned that even if we get to the summit in 3 or 4 hours, that we still have to climb back down the whole mountain that day. We have already passed a few people who have turned back.
We head back down, very sad, but it is the right decision. Pass more people coming up, including the superfit Belgian couple. Back at the base, we go back to bed until 7am, then more breakfast. Chat to Aussie fellow who lives in remote farm – was very nice. Meet Dimmy at 8am to start the down climb. Down far easier than up but is hard on the legs so frequent breaks needed. Overtaken by Aussie fellow. Made it down in 4 hours – the last 1km being really hard on the knees for ieuan. Minibus back to KK via homestay – traffic bad coming in to KK so don’t get back until nearly 3.30pm.
Go for lunch – try the Hyatt hotel and have very nice salad there. Head for some shopping and cake and Secret Recipe café. In the evening, we went to Little Italy on the corner, and had delicious bruschetta. Staff very friendly – although they questioned our choice of red wine apparently it's an acquired taste (or something of that nature - hmm it's wine we say, serve it soon please!!)!
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