40.08 Nepal: The Mardi Himal Trek and the gorgeous surrounds.

Perhaps, our favorite looking peak, 'Fish Tail', at sunset.




Someone looks quite pleased with herself. At the time, we did not realize that behind us, stood Annapurna South, in all its glory. We realize there's an awful lot we don't know or are aware of. The rhododendrons were beautiful and plentiful, we did notice.




The next day, on our return from Mardi Himal viewpoint, a similar scene to the one above, bar the mist. This proved to be a knockout, we think. Of all the photographs taken, I could not wait to see this one on our return. The first set of structures is 'Badal Danda Camp' and above it is a special viewpoint with accommodation.




Ambling at 6:05am, on the final section after a near on 3,000 foot climb to reach the viewpoint, beginning at 4:30am.




In six weeks, neither Jen nor I took a bath. That's a record for us. We did, however, take showers and where there weren't, enjoyed, if that is appropriate, hand washes with baby wipes. It turned out to be effective, the use of wipes. Put it this way: We did not seem to offend anyone because of dirt or smells. Regarding behavior, that might be a different story.

On our return from the treks, we enjoyed some powerful, frequent showers, for, one of the apartments had what we would call a dal bhat power shower. We mentioned the concept of this national dish earlier or it might still be ahead. The locals love their dal bhat. What's more, this rice-based dish is eaten with the fingers, usually quickly. To say the least, it is an interesting sight and differs somewhat from the western approach.

Anyway, we would like to expand on the concept of the shower in Nepal. Wherever we stayed, we found that the shower stall does not exist. Rather, the shower is the entire bathroom. So when a person takes a shower, the bathroom floor at best remains wet for a lengthy period or is flooded. That is why in most establishments, just outside the bathroom door, sits a small pair of blue sandals begging to be worn. It allows a person to go wading into a bathroom without getting wet or worse, being chased about the bathroom by "an athlete's foot". Makes sense now. I'm rather relieved Jen never peeped for a pair of pink ones—sensible woman she is indeed. While people may snigger at this concept, look at it another way. The bathrooms are bigger.


The power and reach of food.

The trick is never, particularly should you be the second 'showeree', drop your towel or clothes or your pants for that matter. It, unfortunately, would be most foolish. Fortunately, some of these bathrooms do have clothing hooks, then again, some won't. There's a lot to say for a person with experience. What about becoming a shower guide. There's a thought. Talking of guides, one day we were walking through another busy area at an unguarded intersection...aren't they all, both busy and unguarded. We saw a guy trying to reverse his small truck into oncoming traffic. Not particularly wise but he obviously needed to do it. I could not help but place myself behind his vehicle to try to holdup the oncoming traffic so he could advance or was it retreat. Long story short. I could have got seriously hurt because no driver takes a pedestrian seriously and especially one being silly and without a uniform and whistle. Live and learn but you still have to help. So it's back to being a shower guide and chancing not slipping on the slippery soaps or better yet, slippery slopes.



As the storm at sunset engulfs Machhapuchhre, aka 'Fish Tail', we think it's a winner.




Jenni and Krishna, along a cliff in heavy mist shortly before arriving at Q camp or High Camp.




More 'Tail'.




We may have stood before "worse" backdrops than Annapurna South.




On top of the world, or on top of a hill by Nepal standards.




Looking back to where we commenced the final outward leg...hardly looks like a struggle. We suppose you had to be there.




This tickled Jenni. An enterprising guide gets up early to sell tea to the hikers.



We continue to meet interesting and decent people—an extremely important facet of life. Thus far, it has been terrific as we grind our way in the Nepalese Mountains. In fact, we think Nepal is a synonym for high mountains. We met Jason and Barry at the airport as we tried to reach Lukla, the gateway to Everest Base Camp. We then bumped into them on another 4 occasions, at guest houses and on trails. Both gentlemen live in Malaysia, Barry being a Canadian and Jason and Irishman. Aha! Before proceeding, it was a treat being with them, on one occasion as we sat below Mount Everest, fully exposed—that is, the icon.

Each moment of the day, we have to remind ourselves where we are and what we are witnessing, experiencing, observing, not to forget the struggles. We will repeat this comment from time-to-time but bear with us. Nepal is nothing like we have ever experienced. However, as Mom is wont to say, "It's not for everyone." Back to Barry and Jason. Besides all the words of wisdom we heard, including fascinating experiences, Jason made the following comment which I still don't understand but I think it's because of air-pressure issues.

"Jeffrey," he began, "When we both emigrated from Ireland and South Africa respectively, the IQ levels dropped in Ireland while those in South Africa increased." And not once did I even utter the words, "Did you hear the one about the Irish trekker?"

Jason proves there are not only 'wise guys' in the USA.



Apparently an apparition.



Cheers,

Jenni and Jeffrey


Stopping at Deurali camp, on our return, and failing to resist a Coke, the real thing.




The next village down, Pothana, we stop just before a fierce hail storm takes charge.