0km - 5571km, rainy 22C, wind?, 0 shots, 0 Lenin, Camping
Sadly, the early morning start didn't happen due to a number of setbacks. The first few stores that we went into were completely out of things to rent, and each put us on a wild goose chase to the next place to find the goods. Eventually we found a run-down bed and breakfast renting out run-down equipment. Picking out the one bag with all straps present, but big on holes and short on waterproofing, and a somewhat modern single element burner, we all met back at the campsite around 1300h. The next step was figuring out how to eliminate equipment redundancy (e.g. extra tents, cookware, toothbrushes, etc.). By 1500h we were all packed
, and I had somehow secured the lighter food pack (which lightened as the days went on!).
We grabbed a taxi from Karakol out the 15km Jeti Oguz, and then headed up the valley to the sanitarium - our hiking trailhead. After arguing with the taxi driver for 10 minutes over his attempt to rip us of 50 som ($1!), we started up the trail with ever-thickening clouds an increasing rain. Staring at a elevation of about 2000m, we hiked for 2 hours up into the valley and eventually were shut down by a massive thunderstorm. Fortunately, we paused at a farmer's hut and, after banging on the door, were invited into get warm by the fire and have a spot of tea and some home-cooked bread. 
We were invited to spend the night, but, with the new found sun, decided to push up the hill 500m and find a (free) campsite for the evening. Stopping at a bend in the road, we set up camp and, after a futile attempt to start a fire using wood pulled out of a small cave, broke open the stoves and had to live with our wetness for the evening. 
Sadly, the holes in the rental bag and the lack of waterproofing led to some wet spare clothes and a few negative thoughts. Hopefully, the sun will be out tomorrow morning to help dry things out ...
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