WTF is up with those cheeks?

Day 17

We have been on this trail for a week now, and I fear we are no closer to the elusive "Beard" that we seek. There are rumblings in our party that maybe it does not even exist.

Things are hard for us all, down to no rations and carrying extra equipment because, 3 days back, we had to eat our mule, Guiseppe. The entire expedition is despondent, especially Paco. But, as we drew straws this morning and he was the short one, we're eating him next. I'd be despondent too.