Yoga moves and magnificent views

Connectivity continues to be an issue. I managed to speak to Kathryn from Save the Children for just a few minutes who told me a bit about day 1 of the RB Global Challenge 2009. So apparently the trekkers set off for Stok at 7am yesterday (2 June) where they had a big yoga lesson to limber up and get all zen. Then they filled their water bottles and started the climb. Everyone was so excited, chattering happily, encouraging each other and egging each other on. The scenery, she said, was magnificent.  As they continued the long climb up hill they often had to remind eachother to look behind as well as ahead, the view was amazing – from Kathryn’s position in the middle of the group she could see a long line of people snakeing up the mountain, and the same behind her with 50 donkeys holding the equipment bringing up the rear. 50 donkeys!

After a couple of hours climb they stopped for a snack and the group had their first ‘trek toilet’ break… behind a brick wall, men on one side, women on the other. Sounds like fun. The porters she says have been fantastic, always keeping the health and wellbeing of our trekkers at the front of mind. Climbing higher the view continued to inspire – stunning blue skies, deep red mountains and fresh snow capped peaks. I can’t wait to see their photo’s.  Morale still excellent, they were just desperate and excited to reach the top. After lunch (which I’m informed was a delicious cheese sandwich) they reached 4000m. That’s very very high, I can’t even imagine how breathtaking it would have been. At a stupa covered in prayer flags left by the locals each time they pass, they had a big celebration. They were 3 hours from camp and 4000m high, the energy amongst the group was wonderful.

That’s all I was able to hear from Kathryn so you’ll have to stand by for the next installment. If you want to continue to support the trekkers and their cause you can go to the RB Global Challenge Justgiving page. On top of the fantastic amount already raised, in true RB style, they want to raise more! For our last fundraising push while they’re trekking, RB has agreed to match the donations made on this Justgiving page – we’re aiming to raise enough to vaccinate 5,000 more children so RB can match that amount.