Renmin University Self-Travelers2014Mountaineering&Public Welfare Scientific Expedition Team Departure’s Warm-up Prelude—Haituo Training
7Month5to6Day,The mountaineering team and public welfare scientific expedition team of the Self-Travelers Association at Renmin University of China embarked on their first outdoor training session of the summer vacation—a high-intensity hike across Haituo. After the intense exam week, this training session served to review and practice various mountaineering skills previously learned. It was the final warm-up and team-building exercise before the expedition. The challenging Haituo training helped most team members restore their physical condition to a better state in preparation for even greater challenges ahead. The Self-Travelers mountaineering team and public welfare scientific expedition team are about to set off separately for Sichuan’s Queer Mountain and Tibet’s Amdo.
Morning assembly and departure from Renmin University’s East Gate
7Month5On the morning of the6, all team members gathered at Renmin University’s East Gate, ready to set off.6:40, and then departed for Haituo.8:40, the entire team arrived at the entrance, disembarked to repack and began entering the mountain. On the way up, there was a steep slope called the “Soul-Selling Slope,” with an incline of about60degrees, made up of large and small rocks piled haphazardly, stretching all the way to the summit with no end in sight. Coupled with the scorching weather, it posed a significant challenge for the heavily laden hikers.11:40, after about an hour of hard work, the team finally got through the “Soul-Selling Slope,” significantly increasing their pace. The main group continued toward the campsite without hindrance. Not far from the campsite, the team split into two groups: the men, carrying tents, went ahead to set up camp, while the women selected a site to practice knot ascending and descending. Later, the men returned to conduct synchronized training.
Roped team practice
Group photo at the summit
Descending during the march
The next day, the mountaineering team also practiced rope teaming, self-arrest, and crevasse rescue among other alpine skills, and successfully summited Haituo Mountain. They then broke camp and began the descent. The downhill sections had steeper slopes than the ascent, and the prevalence of small loose rocks reduced ground friction, making slipping a constant risk. As a result, the team moved with extra caution but maintained good speed thanks to mutual support, arriving an hour earlier than expected at Beer Creek. The cool stream water washed away the heat and fatigue of the past two days. Returning to school,19:00the main group returned to Renmin University’s East Gate.
We would also like to thank Kailas, Ezon Watches, Toread, Lvyechina Outdoor,MBC, and Gaotey Eyewearfor providing us with excellent gear and support. High-quality equipment is our greatest safety guarantee on the path to the summit.