70.08 Nepal: Begnastal : Rupacot Resort: A truly fine experience while very strenuous.

  We thought it might be an idea to list some of the photographs in the order of the hike. We believe it might give a viewer a better idea of this fantastic experience. It was tough (very) but in a beautiful environment. The elevation gain was over 3,000 feet, 2,000 to reach the Retreat from the river separating the two mountains plus more than a thousand feet on the return from the river to our home. The finish, of course, made it more strenuous as the tougher effort was required at one's most weary time. Hopefully, the pictures will provide some perspective.   

  

  One thing that should not be missed is the incredible effort Jen made in completing this hike following her back injury. I have nothing but admiration for her effort, endurance, courage and attitude. I'll leave it at that. 

  Finally, this hike is in another town, Begnas, which we stayed in for 4 days and 3 nights. Effectively, we took a vacation from our 'home' and hiked extensively on all 4 days. Sometimes, we wonder...Suffice to say, we have some interesting photographs from the holiday as well as very tired muscles. 

In the thick of it, the jungle.
After 2 miles, we spot the target, a few meters left of the protruding buildings. Target is the patio where the Coke Zeroes taste better, after a few thousand feet climb. 

  We approach the swing bridge, the low point of the day (although one of the high points of the day). You figure the meaning.
A different perspective.
A scene from the bridge.
Jen crossing as she passed the halfway mark.
After crossing the bridge and moving up the mountain, we gain a wonderful perspective.

Most hikes in Nepal have paths covered in stones and rocks, formal steps and of course, earth. Jen on one of many sets of steps.
Making progress but a long way to go.
That's the 'Are we there yet' look?
We reach higher up and the paths are of earth, covered in leaves, usually a favorite.
We arrive at the luxury hotel, are escorted in by a manager, and partake in light refreshments, otherwise known as Coke Zero.
Until 2pm, the weather was poor for visibility. We missed the mountains, the bridge and valley scenes, from our destination positions.

Two western celebrations that don't fit into the Nepalese calendar.
What's wrong in this picture? Upon arrival we passed this crowd. When departing, they all remained basically where they had been over the past 30 minutes. (The negative side of superb technology then again the views, hikes, sights and activities were obviously mediocre.)
We will complete the hike in blog format with the next publication, effectively, the way down. Meantime, we'll end with some color we noticed on the way home outside a villager home; plus the late, partial appearance of an aspect of the Annapurna Range.

Cheers, 

Jenni and Jeffrey

  Should you still be with us, we have an ancillary blog following this one (not the return journey), but an unusual experience toward the conclusion of the hike. We promise it may be unique.

70.09 A Jungle Experience not in the Amazon.

  Life can be testing at times and yet, we add to the difficulty by acting carelessly. The other day, we decided to take a holiday, away from Pokhara, and arrived in Begnastal for a 4-day/3-night stay. We packed clothing and supplies for the period, organized transport for the 8-mile trip which took 40 minutes. Transport is not easy in this country. In fact, each trip is an adventure, many we could do without. We are fortunate to enjoy some close relationships in Nepal, and one is with 'Mama', our vegetable lady—we purchase fresh and not so fresh vegetables, fruit and a few odd items from her regularly. Frankly, we are very fond of her and her two children plus husband. We left Nepal nearly 8-months earlier when the baby was 4 months old. She is now walking. 

  The husband drives a taxi so when we need one, we use his service—sort of keep it in the family. We booked a ride for 10:30am. We arrived at the vegetable store, our pick-up point, and noticed that Mama was 'dolled' up; she's very pretty but not 'thinnish'. Turns out the plan was that they would drop us off at the town of Begnas, while the family would then enjoy an outing at the lake. What a nice idea. We had our large backpack, two small backpacks, ourselves, Mama and a ten-year old daughter, plus a baby in arms and of course, the driver. The car is possibly the smallest manufactured, a typical Nepal model with missing seatbelts as well inoperable ones, not an unusual occurrence. Jen had volunteered to sit on the roof rack, but we thought her weight may be a little too much for the position. Besides, there aren't seatbelts on the roof.

  Initially, I mentioned careless behavior. I packed my clothes and for a reason unbeknown to me, I had omitted to put the selected hiking and other pants in my bag. I hate to point fingers, but I would not be surprised to learn that my darling Jen removed them to accommodate extra clothing for herself. What can a person say? It meant I had to wear the same pair of pants each day or find a store at which I could replace the missing items. What to do? 

  Unfortunately, the town is a forty-minute walk each way from our place; we had much tough hiking planned outside of town. It was an ideal occasion where one needed to be able to order online. However, that's not possible in Nepal. 

  We were returning from a very tough hike, the Rupakot mountain; atop sits the luxury Resort. What a day, what a hiking occasion. We were within 30-minutes from home when a scooter passed carrying a small shop of clothes. Unfortunately, it did not register with me until Jen jokingly mentioned I should have stopped the guy and checked out his merchandise. I felt bad once again—I missed an opportunity. Perhaps, I thought, the vendor might pass us again. Jen thought I was joking. 

  Ten minutes later, then on high alert, I waved the guy down and asked to peruse his merchandise. I joke not, see picture, of his load. It was as if I ordered online; the vendor was delivering in person with his whole range on offer. Amazon thinks it does a good job. This guy was outstanding. He brought a fortune of clothing including women's apparel into the jungle to enable him to service me. Okay, let's take a look. I quickly found 2 items that would work although the sizes were very large. Fortunately, their size markings are very different from western standards, so they did prove to be acceptable.   

  We briefly discussed credit terms, return policy, alterations, and a warranty. I wanted to know should I wish to return the items selected, would he collect them? Also, were there any parts of the jungle where he might not service. As expected, there were no change rooms available, after all, we were just emerging from the jungle. 

'I think the size is far too big at 3*XXL.'
'I think the length is good but I don't like the color. I feel bad that I seem so fussy.'
We did the deal, I waived printing of a receipt and a bag to carry my new pants and we parted. It proves that Nepal, in its own way, might appear to be behind in many aspects of life , but is in fact, ahead. Should I be Mr. Bezos, I might be concerned of an Everest size onslaught from a jungle-style country upon Amazon, in the United States...in other locales, too.