Huayna Potosi Base/High Camp

After another rest-day in our La Paz hotel, it was time for a return to the hills for the second highest peak of the trip, Huayna Potosi, and sadly my last. We met at reception after breakfast, and on our way by 0830. Slightly different route out of La Paz because of a Sunday market - a narrow and dirt-track route later we were on the high plain, heading in the same direction as for Chacaltaya ski resort. (photo: View down the valley at the dam near lower base camp)
Same dusty track took us to the turning for the Ski Resort, at which point we continued on another track, turning right into the valley leading to Potosi base camp, then deeper into the valley. (photo: Lower base camp)
A further 40 minutes of driving brought us to the lower camp site ........ minus at that moment in time, our tents. Marco drove past the camp site up to the far end of a dam, part of an hydroelectricity complex, with the outflow dropping down to the Yungas (Lowland rainforest of Bolivia) (photo: End of the glacier on the way to high camp)
We eventually returned to the camp site, at which time the equipment had arrived and our camp established. Little for us to do for the remainder of the day, other than rest in the tent. It was sunny, with the odd cloud, but a chilly wind blowing through the valley, becoming considerably cooler in shaded areas. (photo: 'Building' high camp)
Another early night after the evening meal, bed by 7pm, although sleep proved difficult as the strong wind was ‘rattling’ the tent. Had to try and get rest though as the following night would be no time for sleep. We had a leisurely start in the morning as we only had a 3 hour ‘gentle’ walk to high camp. However, by 1000 we had packed and ready for the move to high camp at 17,384ft (5300m). (photo: Lunch at high camp)
A gentle start took us up close to the outflow from the glacier. From here the ground became steeper and became loose rock. After a couple of steep sections and ‘false’ crest, we finally arrived at the high camp site. A rocky shelf to the side of the glacier. (photo: The route starts up the glacier to the left of the rocky section)
Our tents and equipment was in the process of being set up, so we sat around and relaxed in the afternoon sun. The stove was soon on the go boiling snow for a hot drink, plus a large pot of soup was being prepared and ‘brewed’. As darkness fell we retired to our tents having prepared our equipment for the summit walk. (photo: Two walkers can be seen descending the glacier to the left of the rocks)