Last night was the first time this trip I needed to zip my sleeping bag up all the way, and even seal the neck cord. After another large breakfast, I set off at 8:50, all bundled up. After 20 minutes of hiking, and hitting sunlight, I stopped and stripped down to shorts and short sleeve shirt.

Some nice walking today, along the river through a pine forest in the morning to Bhratang, where I had tsampa (wheat porridge) and Tibetan bread for lunch. This area reminds me of the Rockies (except for Annapurna II!)

The afternoon was through another pine forest—my favorite kind. I met up with Steve, Maggi, and Paul, who were stopped at a beautiful overlook brewing tea. We sat facing a huge bowl of smooth rock, at least 2,000’ vertical. We got chilled off and put on some warmer clothes before hiking.