The Walk

The past weeks have passed quickly. With the departure of Dr. Sarah Halvorson, I accepted a new companion, Ben Logan. He will be joining me for the summer as my mountain partner. His presence will facilitate the ability to travel freely and safely throughout the At-Bashy Range and the country. Since his arrival we spent a few days rock climbing at Chong Kurchak, a canyon outside of Bishkek before heading to Ala-Archa National Park for a week. The referendum and a venomous snake bite (foreign country, unknown snake species… who wouldn’t want to pick it up?) prevented me from joining Ben and some friends on a climb of Corona Peak. My hand has resumed a normal size and the referendum passed with an overwhelming majority so we were able to spend the past week climbing, brushing up on our crevasse rescue skills and helping with the Intern Training with the Alpine Fund.

Next up, we are headed south to the At-Bashy Range. On foot we will walk the length of the range on the high and remote Ak Say Valley which holds some of the most remote herding pastures in Kyrgyzstan. I have travelled on the northern side of the range, but am looking forward to the adventure of the unknown.