Tonight's trail meal consisted of tender stewed chicken served over a bed of fluffy white rice.
Using the exact same self-heating pouch method she had employed during their midday break, she poured the measured amount of water into the chemical sleeve, sealed the outer foil, and waited patiently for the pouch to heat up.
Before long, a pleasant puff of steam signalled that her dinner was piping hot and ready to be served.
Qiao Meixia peeled open the container and began eating, quietly enjoying every comforting mouthful after a demanding day of heavy trekking. Having a delicious, hot meal waiting for you after spending hours hauling gear up steep mountain paths was truly one of life's most satisfying rewards.
Naturally, she had not forgotten to pack a little something sweet to cap off the meal for dessert.
It was a simple, unpretentious treat, but one she was extraordinarily fond of: a freshly baked loaf of rich banana cake.
