First Round Hikers Have Begun

Our Issyk-kuhl expedition is divided into two groups. Dan really wanted to try a new route, so he took a group with him for an additional two days of hiking prior to meeting us on Thursday evening for dinner. This group will cross four different passes in their six days of hiking to Kyrgyzstan! I took them up to Chimbulak ski area for the beginning of their hike this morning. The lifts were not working since construction is being done on the mountain, so they were in for a full day of hiking! I later heard from a friend whose brother works in the area that he thinks they talked the operators into letting them take the second lift part of the way up the mountain, however. I certainly hope so. . . We have done the first part of this hike before and it is a long day. . . They had a beautiful morning for starting their adventure! The prognosis for the next few days is NOT good, however. . . we are praying for clear skies!!!
The rest of the fifteen members of our expedition were busy today gathering items and packing and weighing backpacks. It is going to be a fun hike!!