66.23/24 Nepal: Pokhara: A third route to Shanti Stupa, taking a great path through the jungle, plus partial Begnas 2. Join us on a magical journey in a mystical land.

May we invite you into an enchanted and magical place. We will be your hosts although a wiser path might be to follow in Jenni's footsteps. Thank you for joining us.

"Please don't fence us in". 

This is the end of Phewa (Fewa) Lake which runs into Phewa Dam, also known as Damside. The water is obviously retained by the damn walls with the sluice gates attached. We pass this body of water, mostly on foot, as we head beyond the wall before rising above the dam heading up to the temples overlooking the lake. Follow the pictures to attain a visual perspective.

Once we get to the other side of the dam wall, we view the obvious, not forgetting some reflections at which stage one of us goes into raptures. Fortunately, he is young so there's a chance he might still mature.
We find a rather decrepit bridge at which time we began singing 'Water under a troubled bridge', lyrics by 'Simone and Jeffunkel'. One of the party crossed the bridge on foot. After a couple of crossings, we discovered the bridge was closed officially. Oops!
After an intelligent crossing of the replacement bridge, Jen comes around and joins a path with locals performing various activities. Just ahead is a purified, free water outlet. To the right, that damn wall again.
Perhaps, a less than intelligent crossing.
We've been working on illusions lately. While not wishing to 'blow our trumpets', particularly as we haven't a clue with the instrument, we have succeeded in making mountains disappear. While we cannot reveal magicians' secrets (taken the oath), we are able to provide some insights. 

Here goes: 

We decided to commence with a big one. Why not? Below is Annapurna 2, a mere 26,040 feet high. By concentrating upon its single weakness, we were able to move mountains so to speak. Obviously, we don't expect you to believe us. We understand, therefore, we'll provide the proof. We'll ask you to look at the mountain below as well as the building in the foreground. Okay. Ready! 

Please say out aloud: "Abra-Cadabra; Jenni make magic." Okay. Once you have completed the words, scroll down gently while thinking of a disappearing mountain. Remember! Focus and concentrate.

Continue scrolling. Where's the mountain?

Thank you! Thank you! 

For our next trick we're off to do our laundry...make the dirt disappear, too. Why not? We're on a roll. There's the washing facility along the river side or is it dam side? You may laugh but it's damn-side more convenient than other facilities. It also gives me an opportunity to sit and watch Jen do the washing. It's most relaxing. 

From the jungle, a break in the trees and bushes give us a partial view of the lake and city.
We'll close with a few from Begnas, second visit... Where else? 

Early morning light on Annapurna Range creates even more amazement.

Serenity at Begnastal...lake.
Annapurna 2, with leaning pyramid...and excitement about it. 

 In some places, one has to sing for supper; other places it's about dance. This is a new method of applying for an expedited entry visa. (Jen would like you to know how much she is "enjoying" the dancing).
Reflection of peak of Machapuchare...enough to make our day.
A view of the town from our balcony. (The picture is remarkable for its ability to hide the chaos. See below.)
Despite it all, we 'love' being in Nepal.

We left our accommodation, which was delightful, headed down into the town and across to another mountain before returning for a taxi. Hence, the walk through town/city/? 
Morning has broken once more...perfect.
Let's take a break...as we return on trail, passing many local impressionable sights. Our accommodation is on the opposite mountain across the lake (viewed toward left in trees).
Cheers, 

Jenni and Jeffrey