70.01 Nepal: Jungle-Jen, the return of a courageous woman to the mountains and jungle above Pokhara. A Tribute to a (very special) woman.

   After a month in Bulgaria, Jenni suddenly developed excruciating back and leg pains. It appeared that the nerves had gone awry and a herniated disc developed, added to a 'difficult back' of many years. The short story is that her hiking ceased for the following 3 weeks after which time we returned to the US and began the medical circuit.  

Setting the scene. Machapuchare stands proud...as always.

A partial view of Fewa Lake and Pokhara from the jungle above.
  While each doctor/service provider was decent, no progress occurred in that field. We seemed to pass from one professional to another without any definite plan implemented. Jen, meantime, continued to undertake light exercising, began walking and slowly, increased her level of activity. During this period, she suffered terrible bouts of pain. Things looked very bleak. It seemed only a matter of days when we would have to cancel a booked trip to Nepal. 

  Fortunately, it appeared that the exercise regimen was improving the strength of her leg, the taking of some medicine could have been helping handle the pain levels, and the sheer determination to succeed was beginning to fight back seriously. The final appointment with a spinal surgeon went well. While we sat in his office and he explained something Jen knew very well about backs in general and hers in particular, we mentioned that we were off to Nepal. 

  "That's an awful long way to go," he commented, perhaps not thinking it a good idea. However, when we explained this would be Hike-about-LITE, only increasing in length and effort required, based upon Jen's improving health, he liked the idea. We liked the idea, too, so we were in business. 

  Long story short: The close-to-36 hours trip from San Diego to Pokhara, Nepal was one of our most pleasant traveling experiences although not one we need to 'enjoy' too often. In fact, the toughest period was upon arriving at Kathmandu Airport and thereafter. More about that later as it was quite a series of events. 

  The real purpose of today's blog is to pay tribute to my dear Jenni, a woman of valor, who has displayed an amazing amount of courage while 'sinking in a sea of helplessness and despair'. Following our arrival in Pokhara last Thursday morning, which included a couple of walks over the next two days, Jen selected a rather difficult hike to open up our adventure on the third full day in the country. Obviously, we undertook it in a different fashion from normal, but of the same length and difficulty, per usual. 

  I selected a few pictures to display which sums up what I found today to be a most moving, courageous and admirable display witnessed, perhaps ever. Yes, I am a little biased but in this case, justifiably so. I was awfully humbled throughout the day by Jen's awsome display. I salute you, my Darling. 

  While it was never the intention to push too hard, we tried to maintain a level of exertion that a doctor would find acceptable. We may have strained a little too much, but Jen appeared to be in control at all (most) times, while using our adopted technique to cope with the changed circumstances. We hope this is just the beginning, who can tell. May Jen continue to show such strength and enjoy success while regaining her original healthy state; we also realize it is not entirely in our hands.  

(A special thanks to Jonna and Norman for their assistance.)

After we left the jungle and re-entered the town.

To a person who has climbed hundreds of miles in elevation gain, suddenly this was intimidating.
Reaching close to the endpoint, the Annapurna Range gorgeous as ever.
We did have a tough moment when Jen terrified a baboon. She now wields a mean hiking pole.
Part of the Annapurna Range with a covering of beautiful cloud formations.

The tough and tricky journey continues.
Taking the jungle gap.
After negotiating difficult sections throughout the hike, we were cheered when we came across and ideal home for us. Admittedly, it will require some work to get it into shape but it should be worth it. A coat of paint will make a considerable difference. We meet the owner on the morrow for negotiations.
We're out of the jungle and heading for our destination which is not far from where Jen strides. Behind her is Sarangkot, a favourite hike, which is a little beyond her capabilities just yet...maybe next week. To the left of Jen, sits Buddha observing her fantastic progress.

Cheers, 

Jenni and Jeffrey 

"I want you to know I take our discussion very seriously. Should Jenni try more exercise is something I need time to consider. I would suggest she refrains from swinging on tree branches though."

The wise elder of the tribe continued: "While this is not quite swinging as you saw earlier in the trees, I think you get my point. Don't try this."