October 27 2001 - Big Tree Camp (9,000')

This morning we woke up early to go get the necessary permits and get to the trailhead. There were more hopeful crew members than we needed, so Simon flipped a coin and had to send one of them away without a job. After a quick snack, the porters loaded up all of the gear, carrying huge bags on their heads and practically running up the mountain. We took a moderately slow pace for about 3 hours, admiring the rain forest. When we got to camp all of the tents were already set up and a snack was waiting. We relaxed for a minute, and then went to meet the crew, most of whom don't speak english. They're very happy to have work though, and we gave them each hats and bandanas that we brought, and they were psyched. Dinner was asparagus soup, beef, pasta with vegetables, and salad. Good stuff. I've never been so well taken care of while camping in my life.