Party

Mike announced during the Puja that all research testing was off for the day. With much applause we continued to party for a whole 4 hours and finally staggered down the hill somewhat worse for wear (and Chang!).

With much merriment, we staggered into the dining tent, laughing and joking more, handing around cameras and looking at the various images of what was a most moving morning.

With all work cancelled, an afternoon ?matinee? was announced. I was still suffering from the hard day before the team arrived and had been put on antibiotics 6 days before, so decided that it was a good opportunity to get my head down and catch forty-winks.

I woke feeling refreshed and staggered down to the dining tent, where bodies were strewn about watching the film ?Love Actually?. I settled into a chair and thought about my girlfriend Lisa. Although we spoke several times a week, it had been almost 6 weeks since I had seen her and would be another month before we were together again. I felt sad inside, realising how much I miss her as the actors on the screen played out their love for each other. I live for expeditions, but at what cost?

The rest of the day was spent watching films, eating snacks and generally getting to know one another. It felt just like Boxing Day for a big family get-together. I sat at the head of the table next to Mike and looked down at everyone seated. Not one person wasn?t smiling or laughing. With some soothing music in the background I sat there quietly just watching how everyone was enjoying themselves so much.

?You?ve done a good thing Mike?.

?We?ve all done a good thing?

?Well, you?re the one who dreamt up the idea, we?ve just helped it come true. Without you we wouldn?t be sitting here now?

The following morning, it was business as usual. The researchers carried on with their testing, the Logistics team continued to build the camp, adding various touches to bits and pieces. I had a good sort out of the workshop and got it in some sense of order. Our work was almost done and now it was time to just manage things and ensure that all worked smoothly. Our next challenge would be when the Trekkers arrive in a few days time.