Nicholas Rice: Manaslu Dispatch

2009 Solo Manaslu Expedition

Dispatch Fifty: May 12th, 2009

Day Fifty: Pika Mouse Makes My Tent Its New Home

Today, the weather continued to be bad, dumping snow on us most of the day. The forecast is hopeful as it says that in the coming days the weather will slowly improve. We look forward to more details in the coming days. In other news, a pika mouse has decided to take refuge from the subzero temperatures of base camp in my tent. I found it sticking out from under my sleeping bag after lunch today. Mario and I built it a small house and put a piece of the dry cake the cook made for us a few nights ago inside to tempt it out of my tent and into what we believe to be a very good new home. After this, we made dinner; Punjabi Chhole, an Indian dish made with Chickpeas and spices filled with protein, fiber and potassium; very nutritious, and finished off with ginger tea.

Photos: Left: The Mouse hiding under my sleeping bag; Right: Pika mouse in the corner of my tent