66.20 Nepal: Matikhan Tower: Far, high and a 'wipe-out' or at least a good wipe-down afterwards, a 13-miles day.

From our favorite hiking trail, we look south across the lake, over the mountain on which Shanti Stupa (in picture) sits and toward the 3 dots marker. Below the marker is our target: Matikhan Tower.
Upon crossing a bridge, having reached the low point, we head up toward the destination tower which is more clearly visible. At this stage, rumor has it that people hear the sound of a trumpet echoing from the mountains. We confirm, based upon our experience, it's nothing other than people 'blowing their own trumpets'. We do our own share of blowing, too. On this hike, not only did we not see another hiker once again, but at the peak, there were less than a handful of residents. We are developing a complex of the negative aura we give off. Need to ease up on our trumpets as it is only a little less than 3,000 feet elevation gain. (There we go again.)
For more perspective, in the distance via the telephoto from the destination Tower (Matikhan) is the multi-level building which we pass on the way to the tough Sarangkot Peak. (Shanti Stupa sits to the right on the mountain below.)
Buddha sits on a hill above the lake which shows the building above. Well, we suppose you now know the layout of Pokhara as well as we do.
Oh! And by the way, while I've been scribbling some nonsense, Jen has reached Matikhan Tower. It was a great feat for both her and her feet (both of them). The tower was deserted, the door was locked, so we were limited to the lower level.
Each step of the way, the tower appears closer (brilliant deduction) as we have a brief spell on concrete.
The air quality was poor followed by clouding so that's the most exposure we enjoyed of Annapurna Range. (We'll take it anytime.) A house on a hill shines.
A view of only a part of the City of Pokhara from the tower.
Below the tower sits the Matikhan Holiday Resort. (Spelling of 'Matikhan' follows the concept of 'Nepalese flexibility').
From the tower, we view a temple across the way; below is the retreat/resort. It appears that most guests have resorted to a retreat from the tucked-away haven. The city is way down to the left.
We did come across a homeless woman or it might have been a very tired hiker. We tried not to disturb her...she looked like a lovely young woman to me. But, what do I know? Seriously, she earned the rest so she mentioned in passing.
From the tower, a view of the last part of the dirt road for vehicles.
...including the resort/retreat. It looks good and we considered staying a night.
We remember when researching the hike, the hotel management advertised the view of the airport. While we loved the view because the effort to reach the tower was tough, we concede a view of a runway is not a high priority. We can be a little staid at times. Perhaps that's why we never stayed.
Unfortunately, the 'big mountains' took refuge behind the clouds. Had there been visibility, we might have seen a scene as in the photo below this one. On the left is Shiva Temple, to its right is Shanti Stupa and in the middle on the rear mountain, is the tough Sarangkot Tower hike. All three are great favorites should one wish for a struggle, particularly, the latter.
Part of the Annapurna Range viewed from Kahun Danda.
...sneaked in one from Begnas Lake to the east. (Please don't mention this to Jen.)
and while on a roll, could not omit one from Shiva/Shanti.Yesterday, we repeated the hike up to Sarangkot Tower. It begins across the lake at water-level below the 2 high-rise buildings (middle), rising "vertically", (it feels). 

Jen escapes over the wall...where did we hear of 'the wall' before? We were fortunate to meet a woman in Romania who crossed the wall under the communist regime.

On our return, we cut through a village and attain a different perspective.
Jen doing the actual 'cutting' through the unknown village. 

Cheers, 

Jenni and Jeffrey 

Jen captures a 'Pokhara Eats' take-out delivery, cooking food (corn) on the back of the bike. Talk of a fresh and hot delivery. While we 

suspect some will love the concept of a low emission vehicle, sweat only, others might not favor the smoke. Can't win 'em all.

66.19 A glance at the Annapurna Mountains after they took a break for near on 3-weeks. The power of the 'mountain union' is phenomenal.

  There is no question we are under the spell of the Annapurna Mountain Range. After catching only an occasional, partial glimpse of the peaks covering a 3-week period, when opportunity arose, we grabbed it. To our great fortune, we found our hands covered in snow. During their absence, little did we know that they must have spent their break in a snowy environment. Who would have thought? Thus, upon catching our first glimpse of Machapuchare, we thought something was odd. Then it dawned upon us. As summer is approaching (it's warm over here), the previously snow-free mountain is now almost fully covered with the 'white stuff'. Is it possible that it snows during summer in Nepal but not winter? This is a question we will now ponder and return to you with results of our obviously meaningful and deep deliberations. 

  In the meantime, to make the point, we reluctantly include a few photographs from a stunning hike. Heck, we'll make sacrifices for our friends. After all, what are friends for?  Would any friend wish to send us a couple of plane tickets so we might return to San Diego? *

* Ignore the request, we don't want to leave...😎.

66.15/16/17/18 Nepal: Methlang Hikes, our usual, tough, short(ish) challenge, plus other scenes.

Reflections at Phewa Lake.
Meantime, higher up, Jungle-Jen continues upwards.
  While hiking toward Methlang, through the forest and ascending continuously, with the Phewa Lake to the left, the mountain range to the right, dealing with a troop of monkeys, and unfortunately without my Jen, who took ill, I thought what an incredible natural world we inhabit. There is so much to view, witness and absorb which provide additional bonuses, upliftment, knowledge, experience, adventure, challenges, and contentment. We only have to take it—it’s there for the picking. ‘Taking’ sounds a little crude, perhaps disrespectful. 

  The current phrase used, “Seize the Day” is a good one and an ideal state of mind. So, I thought how lucky, how fortunate Jen and I are to be pursuing a lifestyle where we get to experience different parts of the world, particularly the wilderness, albeit a tiny fraction. Even that is an exaggeration. However, we came to realize years ago that quantity is not the issue. The quality of one’s days is what matters, not the volume that one fills them with although the latter is important, too. Wandering through terrain that seems to vary each day, mostly because of weather and seasons, provides a fulfillment that’s impossible to describe. Furthermore, I would imagine it’s different for every person. 

  Finally, I would add that while I recall years ago saying I would not require a camera on a certain hike; after-all, I had undertaken the hike a few times previously. I soon realized what a foolish thought that was unless I felt the weight of the camera would hamper me (lazy boy). We have found that each day, even each moment is unique. With a combination of one’s own state of mind and body, the dynamic behavior of nature and the addition of people, fauna, flora and more, thrown into the mix, nothing is repeated. Each day is different. Each is unique. 

Some outstanding flora on the way down, avoiding a roof here and there. Actually, there are many places that one can step on and across a roof.
Trying to keep up with Jen's pace.
Back at lake level, looking out at one of Jen's favorite scenes.
The scenes from this position are dramatic except during this period as the air and clouds have censored sites and sights.
With better quality air and a cloudless sky, this is what one could expect on an exceptional occasion. As an aside, just to the left of the building is where we often stop for brunch. We partake of a light meal after the climb and we really enjoy the employees at the location, particularly, Roshni and Denys. They make a simple occasion very special. (See below).
Roshni and Denys who make a difference. Our trips in Nepal comprise many facets, two of them being struggles and emotional occurrences, culminating in much joy.
Jenni loves this scene, too. Heck, anything to oblige her.
Another scene of the restaurant but this time two giants, two world icons.
Color and class. When facing nature's scenes in Nepal, actually in all places of the world, I would think it's a time when one realizes one's place in the world. It's an occasion that one begs for more humility or at least, realizes the value of being humble.

Enroute, we come across 'family time'.
Coming across two golden scenes; we'd like to believe we'd use the 'correct focus' on each occasion.
Should have another water scene or two. Shiva Temple across the lake and on a mountain top.
Something serene with which to close.
Cheers, 

Jenni and Jeffrey

Jenni and Scotty take a hike. What to do when Scotty doesn't wish to 'take a hike' at the end of our hike. (Call a taxi?)

65.5 Call Back the Past (V): Romania 2018

  We're still in Pokhara, Nepal but thought we'd recall a few memories from Romania, allowing for a change in scenery. A minimum of pictures provide very pleasant memories, but for those where we had to avoid jealous sheepdogs and the occasional bear. 

A little over-the-top in the Bercegi Region.

Balea Lake. 

There was an age when the shortest distance between 2 points was via a straight-line. (Transfagarasan Road) 

  Jungle Jen. 

A person doesn't have to wander too far to absorb wonder; just know when to stop.

One of the words we speak well in Romanian: 'Coca-Cola'.
The sheepways...um...freeways move briskly.

Balea Lake.

Julia and George, a special couple who made us feel at home in their accommodation.
Brasov, where we spent the High Holidays.

Cumutura Climbing. 

A wonderful view from the bedroom.
Beautiful time of the year to visit. 

 Jen goes through the paces as I sit and chew my nails. 

 A flock-in-flight seemed different from usual.
Domogled Peak.

Smoking...the mist was powerful.
The rich autumn colors are just beginning following the equally wealthy summer season's display.
Sun setting, time to be off the cliffs.
We loved the Balea region.
As good as any position to stand and take in the sights.
Jen's relaxed as her less traditional enemy 'lurks' close-by. It was during the following year in Nepal that a cow attacked her (see last blog). Over the years, she has faced snakes, bears, mountain lions, wild dogs and yet, it's the cow and a snake that made contact.
We met two terrific young men from Barcelona, Lluis and Serge, who 'entertained' us in Romania.
Cheers, 

Jenni and Jeffrey

A night visit from a bear; an 'attack' in the kitchen. We're definitely working on lifting our standards of photography. (Bear with us, we might need a better flash as well.)