17/10/19 Belung tp Pokora

Another 7am start to the walking, clear skys and super hot already. Again a short walk on the flat and then a punishing up hill walk until 4pm. Undoubtedly the steepest climb is the part that runs up through the rice fields, the pathway running through the fields is near vertical which is a killer when carrying a 20kg backpack. 

The Nepali volunteers are amazing. They not have much if any experience in trekking and Raleigh provides them with loan kit. Alisha, is one of my Nepali volunteers. She is endlessly cheerful, even though she clearly struggles with the backpack (its nearly as big as she is) and always last. To top it off, the sole came off her brand new hiking boots. Rather than moan, she was laughing about the crappy Chinese boots she'd been given. I superglued the soles back on for her and she carried on.....right at the back and smiling as usual. 

We made Pokora by 4pm and we were shown to a cowshed. Upstairs we managed to cram 13 of us, plus all of our bags and washed kit. Before leaving to eat at the general store, we all had a shower using a hosepipe and freezing water. By the tine it was my turn the ground was a bog and the leaches had come out to play! 

Dal Bhat for lunch and dinner. 

Tomorrow is another long day, so an early sleep tonight.