September 6, 2013
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- Base Camp Hike
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- Yaks at ABC. (Ang Jangbu)
IMG leader Mike Hamill reports that the weather was cold, clear, and windy today and that the team is doing well with only a few slight headaches. They had a good acclimatization hike today, climbing over 1000 feet to the west of BC and getting some great views of Cho Oyu and the surrounding area. We also had the good news that Chhewang and Mingma Tenzing made it up to ABC at 18,500 feet with 30 yaks (and the local yak herders). On this first trip up they moved a good quantity of tents, food, fuel, and gear to start getting ABC established.  Then, the yaks and yak herders will head back down to Base Camp to make a second carry in the next few days.  In the autumn season the yaks are stronger (since they have been grazing all summer) so they can carry 25 kg on each side, for 50 kg total per yak  (in the spring season they are weaker from the winter and can only carry 40 kg per yak).
Eric Simonson