70.28 Nepal: A hike to Methlang, onto Sedi, and back home...loved the coloring.

The blossom-trees have something that touches the spot within us.
Not too bad either. Nature sure has a way of creating beauty.
"So how's the shape? Do you think I should trim a little?" 

'Are we talking of the flowers or something more personal?' 

There's a beautiful shape as the lake edges inland.
Across the lake at the mountain top is the hotel complex we pass on the way to Buddha Park. (See earlier blogs.)
The flora are gorgeous.
Lords Shiva and Buddha take it easy at the Rock Garden.
After elevation of over 2,000 feet, we arrive at one of our favorite places. It's where we stop for breakfast and meet our young (very) friends. Even to enter the premises one has to climb steeply. The first hut is where 'non-family' members have to put down a deposit. (Refer to an earlier story.) Roshni senior (20), Roshni junior (19) and Denys work at the restaurant, a truly lovely trio of friends. Lately, when Roshni senior is on duty, soon after we enter, the music changes from what was playing to classical instrumental music that is truly beautiful. Thank you, Roshni.
At the top, you can see the 'hand that feeds' us.
Upon continuing further on, heading down to close a loop, we turn around and view the restaurant...the arm and hand are prominent.
Look, Buddy, we've been standing on two legs all our lives.
Frankly, we'd suggest you select a much softer tissue paper to complete your ablutions. Just saying... 

  Back to business. Jen climbs a rocky area.
At the blue house ahead, we'll leave the road and walk back into the forest. In front of us is Sarangkot Tower, a destination reached the previous week. This will be an easier hike.
Another perspective from deep in the jungle.
Jen continues down after I took us on the wrong route when we came to a fork in the path. Win some, lose some.
A frequent, beautiful sight. The blue building on the lower mountain is on our route in one of the approaches to Sarangkot.
Cheers, 

Jenni and Jeffrey

Goodnight.

And top of the morning to you...after a snow fall the previous evening. (Note the two hotels below the 'big mountains'.)

70.27 Nepal: Kalabang visit via the mountains, temples and lake, part-2, completion.

  This concludes our 2-day overnight visit to Kalabang via the various temples and villages across the mountains overlooking Fewa Lake below and the Annapurna Range across the way plus the many local sights along the journey. 

Jen returning as she heads down to Shanti, situate to the right. The approach is from the left.
Flora power 'waves' to Jen as she continues down the steep slope and steps.
Views from height are invariably good; this one was superb.
Probably the highest point of the hike with steps thrown in for good measure.
On the ridge passing through villages, we head to the Buddha Icon in the distance. The route follows the ridge.
A view down below from the ridge.
Jen heads for dinner...it's called 'working for food'.
A youthful Buddha relaxes while Jen struggles to reach the icon.
From the temple, we notice where the locals like to enjoy a meal on a weekend outing.
When Lord Shiva travels, invariably on a cruise ship, he prefers to have a presence of himself in some form at the temple during his absence.
The price of eating food with the hands on a hike is calculated as 'egg-on-the-face', hard-boiled, of course.
An elderly woman has precedent for a pose with Lord Buddha.
Down below is a smallholding which is some 3,000 feet above the lake.
Following the ladies' performance, the Mormon Tabernacle Choir will sing a song to Shiva as they bid him a relaxing cruise. While some might sing for their supper, others are more than happy to sing for a Coke (across the way).
One of us was fortunate to spot this rare species in the bush close to sunset. It is a very attractive but rather shy creature that tends to enjoy the outdoors but prefers to sleep indoors. Go figure!
As we return to the town, the water makes a dam(n) wonderful impression.
Cheers, 

Jenni and Jeffrey 

The basket's purpose (or case) on the tree is as yet, unknown.
This was a tough negotiation with young Atira, a delightful and nearly independent girl of 16 months. We paid 'top dollar' (rupee) for the cabbage which she reluctantly released. Proud Mom, the proprietor, watches closely.

70.26 Nepal: Rupakot Resort, reaching over 3,000 feet (part 2), with video.

  This is part-2 of the second climb and return from the luxury resort of Rupakot. It's in a beautiful position atop a mountain and surrounded by very little but the natural elements. While we love the climb and return, staying there is a little outside what one expects from Nepal. To be plain, we prefer the ordinary life rather than luxury. It somehow does not fit with the culture of the country.

  Actually, after completing this intense climb, any relaxation following such an experience can be considered luxury. To paraphrase Jen's sentiments, the effort expended each day on trails and the adventure in general, have proved to be a daily blessing. 

As we commence, the sun has not influenced life at ground level, yet.
Walking down a steep mile to reach the bridge in order that we can reverse our direction upwards. Nature is not always considerate.
Machupachare is ghost-like in the distance. Not a bad sight to view each day.
Part of the Annapurna also in view.
More mountain but the bridge in view providing perspective.
We reach a position at which we are able to view Begnas Lake.
Jen just crossed the bridge on return and climbing steeply, for a change. Rupakot Resort sits on the mountain at rear.
Looking through another beautiful Nepalese blossom tree.

A good perspective of the bridge across Rupakot Lake.

From the patio of the resort, we view both lakes, Rupakot (left) and Begnas.
A view of the bridge through the telephoto from the patio.

Below is a video of some of the highlights, including Jen's partial path to the peak. It was a wonderful experience, yet again, as we changed direction and did something different from the previous occasion. 

To watch the video, follow instructions and ensure you press the 'full screen button', the square icon.

 

70.25 Nepal: Twin Towers above Kristi with emphasis on the flora and steps.

  This hike was another vist to the towers at the peak, another tough but rewarding day. We have included a video pasted at the end which shows the magnificent coloring enjoyed during this early, spring period. A number of photographs show Jenni in the climbing stages, many steps, as well as the beautiful flora scenes. Heck, what's not to like (love) and enjoy. It was a cloudy day and so the fabulous Himalayas took the day to rest from continuous showing off. No matter how often we view the range, one cannot tire of them. 

The twin towers in the distance as seen from the halfway stage.
Jen hangs on at the final climb, admittedly, a rather dangerous position.
A classic position while climbing the steps.
We found this stunning. We've seen these trees over the region.
Someone is not that happy following a typical stiff climb.
The previous week we hiked to Buddha Park, to the left of the hotel (white building) and past it, at the horizon. On the right, looking through the branches, is Shiva Temple, a midpoint.
A view from near the peak of the river below.
Could not resist another showing.
As well as part of the City of Pokhara.
A little more color near the peak...mustard seeds. This is a very high-positioned terrace which cover a sizeable portion of the land.
Below is a video of some of the highlights, including Jen's partial path to the peak. It was a wonderful experience, yet again, as we changed direction and did a loop, somewhat different from the previous occasion. To watch the video, follow instructions and ensure you press the 'full screen button', the square icon. Unfortunately, I 'lost' the music so it will be a quiet 2 minutes.

 

Cheers, 

Jenni and Jeffrey