The start of our 3rd slot has been very exciting for all team members due to fantastic weather on Monday that accompanied us all the way to base camp. Additionally, the various team members whose interest includes birds are being well served by a great abundance and variety. Marlies in particular was especially thrilled to encounter birds that she was academically familiar with, but had never seen before.
Prior to arrival at base camp we stopped at a herders yurt who treated us to a taste of fermented horse milk. Whilst generous, this treat was not to everybody’s taste 😉
As it did for us during set up, the breathtaking panorama – glaciers beetling from rocky peaks over rolling green glades – grabbed everybody’s attention. Despite the beauty of this first evening, that first night’s temperature dropped to near freezing and reminded everybody of the challenges we will face in this mountain expedition.
Meanwhile, everybody has passed training with flying colours and have just finished their first day in the field. Spirits are high, even Gordon’s freezing voluntary dip in our glacial stream couldn’t quell his enthusiasm.
From our snow leopard volunteering expedition in the Tien Shan mountains of Kyrgyzstan
Biosphere Expeditions: blogs from the frontline of wildlife conservation and the fight for a more sustainable planet 