The expedition before setting off from Bolton School

A TEAM of adventurers from Bolton School has sent its first hi-tech electronic "postcard" back from the Himalayas.

As already reported in the BEN, members of the Bolton School Outdoor Pursuits department are on a three-week trip aiming to climb the Stok Kangri summit in the Ladakh province of India.

And they have packed with them a digital camera, satellite telephone and lap top computer in a bid to keep friends and relatives in Bolton up to date with their progress via the Internet.

They have sent a diary report of their first four days onto their website, although there have been some technical problems with computer users back home accessing it.

The team has also given a progress report to the BEN via e-mail with expedition logistics manager Mike Evans filing the report.

He said:

Day 1, August 4. We met at 1030 at school to do essential last minute preparation tasks.

As with any expedition of this size the final stages were filled with checks and re-checks of tickets and other essential documentation -- like visas and contact details.

Heathrow Airport was reached with plenty of time to spare and we soon met Bryony, completing the expedition team. Much excess baggage seemed to sneak past the Virgin check-in staff, which receives a big thumbs up from us!

Through into departures -- last minute shopping and then onto the brand spanking new Virgin 747 -- next stop India.

Day 2, August 5. Officially this day started somewhere over the former Soviet Union, but all those time zones are confusing, so I'll start from getting off the plane.

We found Asif, who was meeting us and sorted out travel to our base for the night. With minimum of fuss, we piled into cars and sped away and into one of the craziest experiences of my life, Dehli driving. Words don't go close, it was incredible. And in gratitude I would like to thank all Dehli road users for letting me through alive.

Asif took us to his office, which has a flat above, where he said we could stay -- excellent.

Then came exploration time -- it was amazing -- a list of what we remember most vividly is probably best: Bamboo scaffolding, terrifying wiring, sacred cows, kites, open sewer, rickshaw rides.

Day 3, August 6. Travelling again to the mountains. Taxis had been ordered the night before. Into the traffic again and weaving our way to the Domestic Terminal at Dehli Airport.

Alliance Airways is certainly different to Virgin Atlantic -- it was almost a cross between a tour bus and a plane, as the driver/pilot gave us a guided tour by dipping his wings to give us a better view!

There was definitely an altitude hit, when we got out of the plane -- Leh is situated at approximately 11,000ft. Carrying bags became hard work and we were glad for the help of Sandy and his team to sort the bags and get us to the hotel.

A wander into town began to reveal the exciting cultural mix that exists in the relatively small town of Leh. There were Tibetan refugees, Kashmiris and also Ladakhis.

The afternoon in town was spent beginning our education in shopping Indian style -- a bit of healthy bartering.

Day 4, August 7. The sun was shining and the air was crisp when we got up.

The plan was to sort out a few jobs in the morning whilst exploring a little more of Leh and, in the afternoon as the heat began to die, climb onto the hill behind the town to explore the religious sites.

We set off up the hill towards the Leh Palace and, climbing fairly steadily, we reached the site quickly. The building itself was very impressive -- large and built on a steeply sloping hillside.

The views it offered over Leh and the surrounding area were magnificent. It was even possible to watch an English cricket team playing the local side on the polo pitch.

Eventually we decided we should go down and back to the hotel. Once back we found out that we were leaving at 5am, so we had to pack and sort ourselves out for the trip. The team plan to e-mail some photographs and send more reports when they return to Leh from a training expedition at the weekend.