We're currently sitting in a PC-bang in Gimcheon City (김천) taking stock of the first 170km of trail. Our last night out was on top of Samdo-bong (삼도봉). It was another chilly sort of day on the ridge, the nagging wind never really abated and kept us pushing hard to cover ground. The grey skies, naked birch trees and pale light all contributed to an almost folorn and wintery atmosphere, as lone crows swooped on the breeze. Spring has not quite arrived on the higher ridges of the Daegan. Thoughts of a warm sauna, a break from ramyeon (라면) and - for Mark and I especially - the possibilty of unlimited gwaja (과자), were the primary motivations to get to Gimcheon asap. The final section was a punishing 8km with each sharp crest obscuring the true summit. Kathleen was letting out some strangled groans as each of these false hopes were dashed. "You've gotta be kidding me!" is probably the most publishable.
We set up camp on a helipad just off the summit and after a quick dinner, hunkered down for the night. Although cold, we weren't expecting rain - or snow for that matter! It was a ghastly sort of night, wet sleeping bags, freezing toes and 3 hours sleep at best as the remnants of the Korean winter fired a departing shot. Usually I try to keep my distance from the Squire within the confines of the Safe and Flourishing, but the circumstances were such that when our elbows touched during the night I did not pull away, and even tentatively enjoyed the warmth of that contact...
As soon as morning arrived we fumbled around, trying to decamp as fast as our frozen fingers would allow. While Kathleen pondered her frozen bra and shoes, another Korean camper comfortably snapped photos of us in our longjohns, shorts and light summer tents, no doubt slightly worried and pondering the aptitude of these 3 waygooks! We ripped through the 11km descent with heads down until the pass of Udu-ryeong (우두령) appeared and gave us a chance to dry out and warm up. The decision was made to head to Gimcheon a day early and we happily walked 3km down the road where Mark thumbed us a ride into the bright lights of the city.
We set up camp on a helipad just off the summit and after a quick dinner, hunkered down for the night. Although cold, we weren't expecting rain - or snow for that matter! It was a ghastly sort of night, wet sleeping bags, freezing toes and 3 hours sleep at best as the remnants of the Korean winter fired a departing shot. Usually I try to keep my distance from the Squire within the confines of the Safe and Flourishing, but the circumstances were such that when our elbows touched during the night I did not pull away, and even tentatively enjoyed the warmth of that contact...
As soon as morning arrived we fumbled around, trying to decamp as fast as our frozen fingers would allow. While Kathleen pondered her frozen bra and shoes, another Korean camper comfortably snapped photos of us in our longjohns, shorts and light summer tents, no doubt slightly worried and pondering the aptitude of these 3 waygooks! We ripped through the 11km descent with heads down until the pass of Udu-ryeong (우두령) appeared and gave us a chance to dry out and warm up. The decision was made to head to Gimcheon a day early and we happily walked 3km down the road where Mark thumbed us a ride into the bright lights of the city.
Taken after a harrowing night on Samdobong, where bodily contact restrictions within the 'safe & flourishing' 4 season tent were much relaxed!
Hey Gingers and Kathleen. Looking awesome. Bummer about the awful weather at the moment. It looks like it should be getting better by tomorrow. Left you an email Mark
ReplyDeleteHey guys, so good to see that you're on the road again!! But what happened to your long hair?? :-D A small map with your location could be nice.
ReplyDeleteCheers, O-li-veer