Mark Wood's Expedition Journal
An established polar explorer and adventurer who operates within the extremes of our planet.
6 years ago after my solo expeditions to the North and South Geographic poles I ran an education programme called “My Life in a Freezer”
Part of this was to hold one day where schools could meet our polar teams, understand modern day exploration – learn about environmental issues and have fun. We did this at the Coventry Rugby Club / UK. This is the first time I met the students and teachers of Sherbourne Fields Special school. Continue reading “Inspiring teachers and students”
I arrived back into the UK late this evening and for the next 3 days I’ll be staying at the Frontline Club in Paddington / London.
I have meetings with various companies about the work in Nepal and on the 14th I’m going to attend The Explorers Club – Great Britain and Ireland Chapter evening function.
On reflection I have chosen 20 of my favourite photographs from the Himalayas. I hope you like them.
Tom and myself flew from Pokhara to Kathmandu this morning. We have one day in the capital before heading to the UK tomorrow.
It’s been a wonderful trek around the Annapurna circuit but what made it special was the team.
Here is the team along with their names and nicknames…
Left to right
Kamal (the boy), Myself ( the talent😂), Ram (Para Reg), Maili (hair stylist), Devendra (the fixer), Tom ( Ron Howard)
Here are a selection of photographs from today’s trek along a dusty road from Jomson to Kobang ( 2560m)
If you go back 10 years the Annapurna circuit was one of the most beautiful treks in the world – nowadays parts of the trail have been widened to develop the main highway from Tibet to India. Highway meaning widened dusty road that cuts through the once tranquil Nepalese villages. The affect of this has been devastating to the local communities as trade has dropped considerably.
After feeling sore from the walk from Muktinath and crossing the Thorung Pass the day before I needed to re focus on my health. At times you push yourself too hard – So I tended to a couple of blisters, took some pain killers, washed my feet ( no showers) – re arranged my kit I was carrying and most importantly I ate some healthy food and had an early night.
Last night the Everest – Expedition 8848 Camerman Tom arrived in Muktinath (3760 metres)
I have been trekking for about 7 days now and today was literally the cross over point. Last night I trekked 4 hours to Thorung High Camp at 4925 metres. After a sleepless night watching the snow falling outside my window I packed up at 04.30am and headed out into the dark snowy night.
It was grim! Cold and wet. But the option was clear – keep moving! I crossed the high point of the pass at 8am – at 5416 metres. I was wet through with sweat but the movement of my body mixed with the sun on the far side of the pass should warm me dry.
The descent was the worse bit for me ( an old man of 51) – I suddenly realised where my knees were as the 1800metres drop hit them hard. I always carry sticks for these sort of moments and after a hot shower in the town of Muktinath 3670 metres I feel back to normal again.
Ghusang had been a welcome stop. I had my evening meal of noodle vegetable soup on the roof of the lodge over looking the mountains.
