70.15 Nepal: After some illness, attempting to reach Shanti Stupa via the jungle, returning down through the villages.

  Another delightful experience was had by two fortunate people! We are always surrounded by magnificent beauty, variation of scenery and the obvious challenges of reaching the high and tricky points. Unfortunately, we both had suffered with sore throats, bad colds and headaches. Other than that, we were just fine, if that's possible. After having to put off the hikes for nearly a week, but for low level walks, we attempted this one which proved to be tough on the climbs. Our time taken was not good but then again, not bad either taking into account the quick loss of strength that invariably follows from illness. We were pleased with our progress, that we undertook a steeper hike the next day augurs well. It will follow soon. 

After a walk through the town, heading to the mountains, we come across a favored place of reflections.
The highest of the peaks of Annapurna prominent although with cloud covering.
The magnificent Machapuchare, regal, dark and distinguished. Before it, some 18,000 feet lower is the village of Sarangkot on a peak. Note the symmetry of the two peaks. It's as if the tower on the lower mountain is modeled on the higher peak.
Jen, following a cold and sore-throat, makes her way through a beautiful and calm jungle.
Cool as a cucumber, she makes the dip-down without missing a beat.
We break-out of the jungle and are confronted with Shanti Stupa below and Shiva Temple above.
While still inside the jungle, we peer through an opening and view part of Pokhara.
Closer to the western side, we are able to photograph the lake edge between the trees.
Jen just leaves the jungle and looks for her buddy.
The hanging branch shot of the lake.
We approach the buildings, hotels/restaurants/tearooms upon leaving the jungle an attain beautiful views of the lake and city below.
Casting our eyes higher as we continue to rise, the mountains as a backdrop to Fewa Lake are always magnificent.
A couple of weeks back, Jen and the "tiger-dog" had an altercation. Fortunately, it is now a settled issue and Jen begs for forgiveness. "Tiger-dog" plays it very cool after taking a blow to his pride previously.
We climbed through the jungle to the peak but returned through the villages using a mix of steps, paths, sand and stones to get home. The loop is delightful.
While in the jungle, there are only two places from where one can view the lake. This is one of them which is rather attractive.
After the exit from the jungle, Jen turns away from our target and heads to the flagpole at which position we will have brunch. Jen can be seen in the distance along the sand path. She is wearing a maroon top placed roughly in the center of the picture. The two stupas are behind and above her. The building protruding above the rock, before Shanti, is where we stop for beverages and the occasional snack, which is becoming less occasional
For perspective, across the way are the two towers of another favorite hike along the way to Mattikan. (Blog 70.11)
Uphill on the way in, all down on the way home.
Passing Fewa Dam on the way to the jungle trail. Is that yet another reflection? Indeed it is. Thank you for noticing.
Annapurna bids you a 'goodnight'.
Cheers, 

Jenni and Jeffrey 

Just let Mom off the bike and now for some real action...got to love Dad with helmet and hard-headed kids.

"I'm not going to wait for you to get into gear, Mr. Taxi, while the grass grows under my feet. "