Expecting a big splash from the plane, the water buffaloes take cover. "Phew! That was a close call and we're still nowhere near Lukla. Guys, there's a lot to be said for doggy-paddle. Flying is overrated. As for those tiny, 'leather' seatbelts..."
"'Great Escape'? I saw the movie but I don't think a tunnel works up here. Maybe a rope." A little cruel tying a dog to the small balcony; what do we know?
My favorite non-mountain shot. Besides the human elements, and there were many fortunately, Jenni looks gorgeous despite challenging conditions. (That should buy me some respite for at least a day—ever the optimist.)
We realize one of us is developing more favorites than non-favorites … huh!
While we accept not being the brightest of twosomes, it makes sense that we spend much time in the dark. Despite this frank admission, we think we've discovered a magical formula. Like all inventions or we should clarify that a bit and rather mention many instead of all. We noticed the higher we reached in altitude, the more nauseous we felt. Furthermore, either nausea or high altitude, or the combination thereof caused our appetites to diminish. Add dosages of heavy exercise with corresponding high burn rate of calories and much lower intake of food meant we could almost see trails of fat following us, the excesses of our body left in the dust, snow and dare we say, dung. This should not be confused with other regular excesses.
Although we cannot advertise it as a "Weight Watchers" special even though we said we could if not see, certainly feel the weight leaving our bodies. Perhaps "Weight Losers" might work although modern marketing types may see "Losers" as a negative. Our marketing problem is that Jenni has been instructing me on the finer points of tact, a euphemism for 'white lies'. Having learned this, it appears we no longer have friends-, or don't know of people-, or there are no longer humans- who are overweight. What to do about this concept? It may have to live or die on the great Himalayas.
Last year we visited the blue Danube meandering through a number of European countries (both we and the river); this year the blues are even more meaningful.
The previous day, Annapurna South was covered; this day it boldly declared its standing in the Himalayas.
Can 'Fish Tail' be overexposed? We suppose so if Jeffrey (and Joanne) has his/(her) way.
One more; this time at last light.
Coming from high camp below and heading for Mardi Himal viewpoint (behind). Enjoying the views and positions.
We hope humans never set off an explosion of this nature; the implications are horrific.
Farewell to Mounts Everest, Lhotse and Ama Dablam, in all their glory.
Getting more serious, we were dismayed to learn of bad behavior by some, hopefully a few, up on high. A mixed young couple relayed this event while we chatted at one of the better tea-houses'. She, Rachel, a Scottish lass and Sam, her English beau spoke of a couple who reached close to base camp but felt too tired, lazy or had some other excuse and decided to feign ill health and try to have their insurer send a helicopter for their alleged necessary rescue. Even below the mighty Everest, people bring bad behavior to this 'hallowed' giant. And the kicker: they mentioned their intention in their social media content.
Rachel also mentioned that a few young women, in close to freezing temperatures, posed semi-nude and posted such pictures for viewers to 'admire'. I think I'm far too old fashioned as well as too old for this new age. I trust the locals will overlook these indiscretions under Peak XV (Everest). Continuing for those over 65 years old, I can't believe the ignorance and arrogance of these young women baring their bodies in front of the Ama Dablam. What were they thinking? The shapely Ama Dablam? No contest! (Forgive me).
Before the deaths on Everest, for the record, Jen and I discussed what we thought was inappropriate behavior under the hallowed Mount Everest and fellow peaks. Because of the tragedies, it behooves us not to offer comments currently. I will add in passing, upon seeing the line of climbers queued close to the peak after our return to San Diego, it seemed to be a 'desecration' of the great icon. End of commentary.
I remember as if it was yesterday. We played, when we were kids, games such as cowboys and crooks or Indians. Today, one is supposed to be careful about naming groups not so much that it offends the people of the group but rather to avoid offending the self-appointed 'police' who themselves despise the police. It gets complicated but then we understand these world-fixers are busy reorganizing our lives for their satisfaction so we should be understanding. Anyway, we changed it to Red-Indians and continued playing, never having seen one of those American Indians who became Native Americans in the latter years. Well, we had fun, I think, and did not seem to annoy anyone but the neighbors when we made too much noise or traipsed through their flower-beds in search of all colors and types of cowboys, Indians, crooks or just looking to 'steal' fruit, fruit of all colors, shapes, sizes and origin.
Strange to raise this subject of 'crooks' under the shadow of Peak XV. The reason being is that so many people wear masks covering their faces, in Kathmandu. These masked people are apparently neither crooks, Muslim women with faces covered or Orthodox Jewish women with hair-coverings, sensitive Asian women or those traveling incognito. We learned, and by experience too, it's all about dust and low quality air. Once we understood the issue, although we did cough when in the city, we never felt the need to raise our arms in the air and hope the person approaching was a 'friendly'.
See you next year, fellas. Stay warm.
Cheers,
Jenni and Jeffrey
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