Acclimatization

Hi again :

Acclimatization (n) :
Adaptation to a new climate (a new temperature or altitude or environment).

Excerpts from net on Acclimatization :

When we go too high too fast, our bodies initially develop inefficient physiological responses. There is an increase in breathing and heart rate to as much as double even while resting. Pulse rate and blood pressure go up sharply as our hearts pump harder to get more oxygen to the cells. These are stressful changes, especially for people with weak hearts. For example, if you reach 10,000 feet and spend several days at that altitude, your body acclimatizes to the conditions at that height. If you further climb up, your body has to acclimatize once again.

Some bodily reactions due to this sudden change :-

· The depth of respiration increases.
· Pressure in pulmonary arteries is increased, "forcing" blood into portions of the lung which are normally not used during sea level breathing.
· The body produces more red blood cells to carry oxygen,
· The body produces more of a particular enzyme that facilitates the release of oxygen from hemoglobin to the body tissues.
· Increased heart rates


So : Since we moved from plains to the mountains we need to acclimatize to the conditions at Thoise. We are made to stay for a week at this place in a Transit Camp.

First day : absolute rest.
Second day : Stroll a bit around the Transit Camp.
Third day onwards : increase the distance day by day and climb little heights (on foot).

I obediently followed the instructions for first two days.
Being with an adventurous spirit, I couldn’t walk on a beaten path. It has to become a path after I had trod. So it was good bye regular roads for our acclimatization walks. I took my troops to trekking. Since these men are going to be with me in tough conditions, they better be fit. I used to take them to the nearby mountains, into the Nubra valley – river bed. Enjoyed the valley view from the top.

After all what is there to cherish what everyone has seen?

One early morning I went to the airfield just to watch the big bird (IL-76 aircraft) land and take off. Its amazing and wondering how this hulk can fly actually.

On one of the walks into the mountains we came pretty close to a waterfall - only to miss its sweet water as the darkness was enveloping fast. Once we went into the Nubra (the river that flows there) valley. In the distance we could see some camels.

Camels?
Hold On !!!
In the higher reaches of Himalayas?
Joking? Cant’ be.
But Yes, we did see camels.
Guess what, they are double humped – one of the rare species.
No, not the ones we see even in Hyderabad, which they parade before being put up as meat in a butcher’s shop!!!

One day we strolled into the village and went to a Buddhist temple. Saw the prayer wheels. When you walk by them, you are supposed to spin them around. If you have a wish put it in the biggest one and spin it 101 times (don’t remember the count exactly). Ladhakis take religion religiously !!!!

The operations of Siachen Glacier are controlled by Siachen brigade located in Partappur village, close to our Transit Camp. The brigade staff also has an Air Defence (AD) Officer to coordinate AD operations.

(((Partappur is not even near the Siachen Base Camp. Some of them boast of serving in the “treacherous” Siachen just by serving as DTT (Desk Top Tiger) in the Partappur and not having visited the Base Camp atleast.)))

However, I must not forget to mention the good moral support of these officers. I was very cordially invited by the AD officer (there will only be 3-4 AD officers at the most in Glacier operations at any point of time) for a drink in the evening. Spent some time there in the Brigade.

Families are not permitted in Leh and Partappur areas during winter due to the extreme cold. Families do join officers and stay in the temporary accommodation for 3-4 months from May to October. During acclimatization time there was a Sunday which was a party day near the Nubra river with the families. Had a gala time, chilled beer, ice cold river streams and the beauty (and beauties !!) all around. It was a good party/picnic/afternoon.

Life has to go on and so should we. We are through the acclimatization process. No problems to anyone so far.

Our next stay would be at the Siachen Base Camp. Height - 12,000 Ft.

Catch you later … … … …