So, at least for one expedition member, everything is packed and ready to go (semi-true)- for Alek flies tomorrow, to be joined by everyone else later in the week. With the base camp tent (lets see how Higear tents fare at 4k, eh?), the base camp first aid kit (which is a little bit overstocked) and most of mine and Vlad's kit, I somehow managed to get everything within the weight limit (30kg).
On a final note, we printed off and laminated 7 copies of an Alek-modified 1:50k map of the region. Then we printed off another two 1:50ks and a large 1:50k at 1:100k for approach and scribbling. The meteo and medical (M&M) journal is all formatted and ready and waiting its first observations, and all in all I think we've prepared fairly well.
Anyhow, on Tuesday morning I should, fingers crossed be in Bishkek and in the evening in Alarcha till the main contingent arrives and we have the manpower to lug our 130kg of provisions from shop to truck....
Alek Out.
PS. Alps was cool. Weather was Irish, climbing was good. Long, and long and obscure routes were climbed, kit was tested, ropes were kinked and 'good craic' was had. I'll let whoever can be bothered fill in the gaps there....
