The last day, we were up before sunrise.
We had a long day ahead of us.
We had a long day ahead of us.
Despite a clear morning, the clouds again moved up from the valley early.
Intiially, we followed the ridgeline uphill to a knoll passing several clearings which normally had expansive views of the Yodda Valley but unfortunately low cloud obscured the outlook.
We continued down (and up) along the ridgeline before the real descent began.
The descent was steep, slippery and unrelenting.
We found ourselves back under the rainforest canopy, thick with pandanus and bamboo. Clambering over massive tree roots, the terrain slowed our pace barely making 2 kms per hour.
I was being particularly cautious, very careful with my foot and pole placement.
I am always slower on descents, but I was conscious that I was slower than usual.
It was tedious work, requiring the utmost concentration.
Intiially, we followed the ridgeline uphill to a knoll passing several clearings which normally had expansive views of the Yodda Valley but unfortunately low cloud obscured the outlook.
We continued down (and up) along the ridgeline before the real descent began.
The descent was steep, slippery and unrelenting.
We found ourselves back under the rainforest canopy, thick with pandanus and bamboo. Clambering over massive tree roots, the terrain slowed our pace barely making 2 kms per hour.
I was being particularly cautious, very careful with my foot and pole placement.
I am always slower on descents, but I was conscious that I was slower than usual.
It was tedious work, requiring the utmost concentration.
We lunched at 1230, stopping for 30 minutes only, rain forcing us on.
At this stage, our estimated time of arrival into Komo Village was around 5pm.
We headed downhill, along the never-ending ridgeline, intermittent rain all afternoon making the track slippery, raincoats on, rain coats off, slowing our pace even more.
At this stage, our estimated time of arrival into Komo Village was around 5pm.
We headed downhill, along the never-ending ridgeline, intermittent rain all afternoon making the track slippery, raincoats on, rain coats off, slowing our pace even more.
Down, down - bone-jarring, foot-sore, weary.
Regular stops to drink and snack every hour
The showers turned to heavy rain, treacherous conditions, the pace slowing even more.
Regular stops to drink and snack every hour
The showers turned to heavy rain, treacherous conditions, the pace slowing even more.
Every bit of concentration required, no twisted knees or ankles needed now....
Trying to get in before dark, our estimated time to destination getting pushed back later and later.
Light fading, energy flagging.
Light fading, energy flagging.
The trudge turned to a slog.
I was determined not to be walking in the dark.
Onward and downward.
Don't stop.
Keep going.
We finally reached the plateau of gardens and marched into Komo Village in fading light, just before nightfall.
A archway garlanded in flowers and a bamboo table with fruit platters welcomed us
I think the stats speak for themselves - 10 hours, 10 kms, 2000m descent - what a day!
Pure relief.
I was done, in every sense.
I was determined not to be walking in the dark.
Onward and downward.
Don't stop.
Keep going.
We finally reached the plateau of gardens and marched into Komo Village in fading light, just before nightfall.
A archway garlanded in flowers and a bamboo table with fruit platters welcomed us
I think the stats speak for themselves - 10 hours, 10 kms, 2000m descent - what a day!
Pure relief.
I was done, in every sense.
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