63:13 Nepal: Pokhara: A 3-day mini-trek on the south side of Pokhara, a privilege indeed, part 1.

An early morning view of Phewa Lake below, Sarangkot village and tower across the way and sections of the Annapurna Range, plus Machhapuchhare (Fishtail). (The current cover photo (above) places Sarangkot Tower in perspective.)
  Another steep diversion which will allow us to eat brunch on a bench while offering wonderful sights plus steps. Steps are generally painful, but ideal in muddy conditions except when slippery...we're becoming spoiled.
We enjoyed such an exciting, stimulating and appreciative period on this 3-day sojourn out and about above the city of Pokhara. Sometimes we are a little like two kids getting excited about situations we are already familiar with and actually, know quite well. Yet, no experience is ever repeated. We like it that way but recognize our attitude might be a little odd. Then again, as mentioned, who doesn't like 'odd'. Actually, the more I think about it, the more I realize that 'odd' adds something positive to the human condition. Frankly, because we are 'old' and closing in on our stay on Earth, our experiences, knowledge and observations of the human species (ourselves included obviously), are a major disappointment. 

  Where and why does that fit into this paragraph? Mainly because it is that which we have come to realize more and more each year. After clearing the dust from our former youthful eyes, although we see much beauty in the world, actually beyond belief, we do realize we are part of a species that is terribly flawed...the few decent people exempted. 

  The strangest feeling, something I would not have known or felt many years ago, is that some of the most uplifting periods experienced have been shared within the company of poor, humble, simple and genuine people. Likewise, when we look around, at the media, the 'leadership', the political class, the extremists, the selective racists, the self-defined 'do-gooders', one of my favorite terms, 'celebrities', the so-called famous, and perhaps the worst common thread between us, the Hypocrites..., always with a few exceptions, we feel awfully despondent. 

  And on that pleasant note, we include a random set of photographs from the 3-day trek. We will publish the rest over 2 parts; we do believe they capture the essence of this part of the world. 

  Following my rant, because of the way we choose to live and where we are living currently, we feel both blessed and content.  

A frequent sight. We are heading for the Shanti Stupa in the front and onto the Shiva Temple as a high point. Notice the rear of the high temple is where we climb arriving at the left rear of the icon. It may be superfluous to write, but the ascent is very steep.
  We've reached our balcony, one very special place for incredible viewing. (Deliberately darkened Jen's face to hide a possible pimple—nothing to do with weak photograph, you understand, of course.
Machhapuchhare flaps its tail through the clouds. 

 We're slightly above Shanti Stupa with a view of the city lights, too.
A view of part of Annapurna with the sunlight focusing on Sarangkot Tower and village. (Not easy to convince the sun and clouds to act it out for us but we can be rather persuasive, at times.)
Jen making her way up from another hike which began at the mountain top, dropped to lake level and returned. What she'll do for a soda. We drank at the restaurant known as the "Typical Restaurant". Big joke!
We kid you not. 

Regrettably,  Jen was attacked by a leech. She had been nervous of such possibility for a while. That morning, she covered her lower legs with oil to deter the pests. Smart thinking. After the hike, we showered, rested and later, returned to the trails, (above picture). She forgot the oil routine. Why did I not remind her? My skin is oily enough...I don't follow her regimen.
Earlier that morning, the weather was somewhat different. Jen approaching destination (picture below).
Heavy rain just ended but still grey and cloud-covered. Lord Shiva takes his mood from the weather.
Similar scene, 2 weeks earlier, an icon for all seasons.

'Nothing's quite as pretty as Phewa in the morning'. Clearly, the natural light of the morning is unique...(before 6am.) 

  Evening views of the city not too bad, either. The lake is the dark part (fore), mid-picture (dark) is a forest depicted in picture below, one of two routes we use to reach Methlang. 

One more with passion. A view from a trail climbing toward our accommodation. On the island is an important temple. Similar scene as above.

Cheers, 

Jenni and Jeffrey

Always a good time to reflect.