Langtang Trek -Day 3 Sybaru Bensi - Bamboo

Dawn arrived. I think I slept at times during the night, having survived the snoring of my fellow tent companion. Tea arrived at six a.m. followed shortly afterwards by a bowl of hot water to wash in. This was a new experience - how to wash all the parts that matter without offending anyone, without spilling water in the tent, and retaining a sense of decorum. Not an easy task. I struggled with this new test, realising very quickly that I was entirely unsuited to performing complicated yoga moves whilst also trying to wash. I thought it would make a good item on a game show. Of course, the others were all camping buffs and not only did they complete the task without the slightest ruffle they were all packed and ready to go while I, meanwhile, having failed the first test, was now engaged in a wrestling match with the sleeping bag and its stuff sack. Somehow the bag had expanded during the night; surely it was now at least twice as big than it was previously. I made breakfast, just, tucking into cereal, porridge, eggs and toast with lashings of tea. Tony kept encouraging us to down as much liquid as we could and as I got up from the table I felt my stomach sloshing around with the gallons I had consumed. I sounded like a mobile washing machine.

We set off walking at eight. The sun was just coming over the top of the distant hills warming the temperature up which had been chilly up till then. As we passed through the small village near the campsite the lighting was fantastic; it picked out the colours of the trees and provided strong but dappled light on the crew ahead. Crossing a large, but well constructed suspension bridge, we followed the river up a high-sided gorge. At this point I thought we could be anywhere in the world as the scenery in the wooded areas was not at all different to any other wood. Occasionally, we did get views of the snow-capped mountains in the far distance to remind us that we were nearing some pretty spectacular scenery. Meanwhile, the trail continued up hill but the pace was relaxed and we frequently stopped for cups of tea at the teahouses en route.

We lunched at a lodge with the grand title of 'Himalaya Hotel' right next door to the 'Landslide Lodge'. Now there was an interesting name, wonder if had any significance? Neither of the lodges were anything to shout about but the food served up by our trek crew was okay. Another hour after setting off from lunch, we reached the next campsite at Bamboo, a clearing with a packed mud terrace where our tents were pitched. The flow of the river nearby was easily heard and what with all the liquid I had consumed, it meant frequent visits to the loo.

There was little to do once we had finished walking, and it was only early afternoon. I sorted out my kit for the night and wondered what to do next, disappointed that we had only done a half days walk. I also know that there is altitude gain to consider but we are not particularly high yet either. So far this trekking seems easy, but maybe it's early days. What isn't easy is finding my gear in the kit bag - already I seem to have lost the hat that I only bought a week ago. I've gone through all my kit at least three times, but still can't find it. There is clearly an art to this camping lark, which I have yet to master!