Melanie and Gavin's Travels

11 days on the trail

hello all, apologies for the computer if it's making me spell funny. internet is pricey here too but i couldn't resist. we are having anamazing time. we left jiri
11 days ago. we took a 9hr bus there from kathmandu and it wassn't fun but
we survived. the next day we started the hike and along withfeeling tired
and overwhelmed i just felt HAPPY to be up inthe hills.

the people here are mostly beautiful and kind. i love the country and
getting to know them. the first 10 days we spent was innan area where
not many tourists hike these days. most fly directly to lukla and save
time. so we had the trails to ourselves and made some new friends too. we
have been hiking with an english couple lucy and simon for some laughs as
well.

everyday we hike between 5-8 hours not including breaks. my body is now
used to it and i could probably run a marathon, i feel strong and healthy
and proud of how we are doing. i am currently in namche bazar, we are
alarmed by computers, markets, big hotels, phones, food etc. we have been
doing it rustic style. we have slept in some pretty basic areas but then
had dinner with the family over a fire pit in an open area so it'sall been
worthit. some nights we stay at places for free,t hey are excited we are
eating meals there. it's been a bit cold some nightsss but not bad yet. we
had 5 days of rain to start with ad then beautiful days. gavin is in his
elemant. in the city it's hard for me to walk without telling him to hurry
up. here we have christened him the himalayn goat as he scoots up and down
steep trails.

and the trails are steep. it helps we hiked in banff etc this summer and
from running but we hike up and down minimum 1000 meters a day. that's
over 3000 feet. i did my highest peak - lamjura pass at 3500meters, that was
about 2000meters of hiking over 2 days. there was snow and slush at the
top. i was excited to doit though.

i get scard on the steep bits, with hundreds of feet below us and on a skinny trail!
we haven't had any problems so far, fingers crossed. one big problem is
the maoists. they are against the current government and therefore ask for a
donation when you hike here. we knnew where to expect them but it didn't
make us feelbetter. if you don't pay them you don't go forwad..not a
donation is it? we had lunch and saw this 20yr old girl witha gun at her
side, so we paid. it's so frustrating and another discussion entirely. that
has made me nervous. now we are in the busy area and wwwill be free of
them.

the scenery is brilliant. big sweeping, green valleys. we can see where
we have walkedwhich is awwesome. if anyone looks on a map ofnepal we walked
from jiri to namche bazar and will headnorth from here. maybe to goyko
maybe to kala pattar, we have to decidee but will do both. we might just
spend time here and not do annapurna trek, in part because of how we feel
about giving money to the maoists.

we are carrying our own packs which makes it harder but more rewarding as
well. ssore shoulders at first but feel good now. we have a rest day
tomorrow and then head north. i had a sandwich today!!! i miss fruits and
veg as it's' mostly starch stuff here. but i eat enough and okay and have a
snickers everyday and gavin and i are bothlosing weight and gaining
muscle.

there was a market in this town today. the tibetans sneak across the
border withnorth face etc ands eel it cheap, it's a sight to see. ijust
bought a gorgeous turquoise ring for $8us. sweet!!

we miss home but love it here. another few weeks of hiking. this is the
first computer in awhile but i will get online tomorrow if anyone emails
me. thanks for all the messages, i've read most of them. i could write
more but i'm sure this is long enough. love to all. melanie (and gavin says hi too)

posted by melaniewilkes @ 6:43 PM