Nepal 2004 - Second Instalment

Sunday 31st October

Early start to visit the Hindu temple on Lake Phewa Tal. Eleven of us in one boat was a bit dicey but we make it without mishap! After breakfast at the hotel we climbed into an old bus to head for Dumre. Good lunch stop and then an even older and smaller bus was push-started to take us on the last leg of our trip. We sung along as we bumped over potholes for two hours. There seemed to be a leak from the clutch’s hydraulics which resulted in a few stops, but we always got going again. The scenery was beautiful, paddy fields with villagers working away and plenty of bullocks to add to the scene. The track soon became a narrow windy path climbing up the hillside and then on a narrow part we came across a muddy pothole where we became firmly stuck. Out we climbed and left it to the experts! The problem being that the engine was lying on a large stone. Lots of locals appeared with tools and advice but the hero was the driver who climbed under the bus and worked away lying in the mud ably helped by his assistant. The land rovers came up behind with our luggage and Howard, as there was no room for him in the bus. 45 minutes later we were off. We couldn’t drive right up to Okhle but all of us (except Howard) walked the last half hour up a steep hillside. Once there we were greeted by the villagers with garlands and a band played welcoming music. Seated under an awning we were served a meal of rice bread, beans and boiled egg, washed down by sweet tea. Then came the task of putting up 10 tents as it grew dark. After that we had beer and wine whilst our toilet facilities were being dug! Then a surprise – a large meal prepared by the cook. Soup and popcorn, rice and curried veg and pasta followed by banana fritters. And so to bed!
Cathy

Monday 1st November

Early to rise with a fantastic view over the valley. The cloud was low and the hills peaked up through it. At 8.15 a.m. we went to the standpipe for the ‘opening’ ceremony. Richard made a speech and presented the photograph album to Dewdoj and cut the red ribbon and the water supply was declared open. After an explanation of how the money was spent – in Nepalese – Bimal gave a short speech of thanks and said we were all welcome back as friends any time we wished. The ceremony was conducted by the head man of the village, Dewdoj, and his speech of thanks and welcome was translated by Bimal. Then the ladies served tea and biscuits before we returned for breakfast. Afterwards we left for a tour of the village and the water system. We went to the five new standpipes, saw the two storage tanks and then climbed up to the source of the water. As we walked round the village we visited Bimal’s mother’s house. Sunita took us inside and showed us a typical old house – which is going to be rebuilt next year. We were offered a cup of buffalo milk by Bimal’s mother.
We then climbed up to the secondary school which is perched up at the top of a steep hill. What a surprise awaited us. About 500 children had turned out to welcome us forming a guard of honour and handing out flowers. We were then greeted by various members of the committee and the headmaster. The men received hats and the ladies received purses, bracelets and necklaces and of course, garlands. We were entertained to music and dancing and Richard made a speech before Richard White presented the money for the school. After lunch, served in one of the classrooms, we watched the heats of the football tournament. After a delicious supper which included the cockerels we’d seen earlier in the day, the Mothers’ Committee came to the camp and entertained us to singing and dancing and we all had to join in. After the presentation of gifts and money the ladies left for their homes.
Cathy pp Mike

Tuesday 2nd November

Woke at 4.45 a.m. to meet at 5 a.m. with all those who want to walk up to the view point above the secondary school. 12 managed the walk and they were treated to a spectacular view of the sun rising over the mountains. We had a good view of the Annapurna range (South, Fishtail, Anna 1,2,3,4) plus 26 others. Return for leisurely breakfast. At 9.30 walk to primary school. Bag full of goodies given to school and £400 cash. About 45 children and headmaster and assistant plus many locals greet us at the primary school with flower garlands. Many photos taken and tea and biscuits provided. We all signed a book at the school and walked round the classrooms, 3 in number. The building was opened in 2004 by Mr. and Mrs. Thomas who helped provide the money. Richard 1 agreed to provide about £40 for some books for the school.
We walked on to next village at Ghalegaun about 45 mins walk. Good view of Manaslu mountain. Arrived at village – more garlands and flowers plus oranges to eat and tea and biscuits.
Big excitement, Howard bitten by leech – no problem but more serious – Jo bitten by leech under big toe – very nasty.
Entertainment started, music, dancing etc. we had a dance, locals laughed. We left and inspected their school. Richard discussed books with Head, seems to want to supply books to all the schools in the valley!
Arrived back at camp, great excitement – the loos have moved!!
We have lunch and relax all afternoon. Howard, Des Keith (big) gone up to watch football.
After dinner young persons’ committee entertained us with singing and music, finally cash for new toilet and gifts were given and late to bed. 10.p.m.
Paul

Wednesday 3rd November

Up at 5.30 a.m. Our last day under canvas at the village. All went well with packing – until I realised I had misplaced my body belt which contained my passport; instant ‘panic’ but luckily Clive had found it outside the men’s toilet at 0315 a.m. Guess who was ‘relieved’?
After breakfast we had farewell committee from the village who gave us all flowers and the women were presented with a shawl and the men with a Nepalese hat.
After a half hour walk we joined our first bus, which took us to Dumre, a two and a half hour journey. Then a transfer to a second bus. Now I have experienced a number of unusual bus journeys in my time but this one takes the’biscuit’. This was a two hour journey over which must be the roughest road in Nepal. We arrived at Chitwan National Park at approx 14.15 where we were ferried to the Island Jungle Complex. After lunch we were split into two groups. Mine was to take part in a walk through the island by a guide to see birds and insects. We returned by boat on which we viewed a beautiful sunset.
Dinner at 20.00 hrs, in bed by 21.30.
Keith Tubbs


Thursday 4th November
Island Jungle Resort – Chitwan National Park

Leech count for the day –
Clive 2 Ruth - Richard 6 Judy B. – Sandra 1 Jo – Big Keith 1

Des 2 Ros 3 Angela - Richard W - Little Keith - Howard -

Judith 2 Mike 3* Cathy 2 Paul 3 Richard J 1 Frank - Louise –
Total 20 – only 1 making contact.

Shake at 0530, muster at 0615 for Jungle Walk for 1 group (mine) and elephant ride for second group. Jungle group saw 1 millipede but were alert at all times with correct evasion routine firmly in mind – 3 metres up a tree (?) or behind a big tree or run in zig zags for rhino. Look firmly in the eye whilst backing away (do not run) for tiger and who knows what for bear! A momentary excitement was had when a couple of wild boar (?) crashed out of the undergrowth and then across the path ahead of us.
Breakfast, a short break during which we could actually see in our cabins, so could get properly sorted out. Mike found a large leech attached to his stomach – yuk! Then elephant ride and river trip for the first group, bird watching for the second.
I am ashamed to report that Ros, Des Mike and Cathy rebelled and refused to get back on an elephant so we walked instead. Big mistake. The leech count increased and we were so concerned about our boots and trousers that we saw very little. We looked like members of some secret society – so firmly were we secured at neck, wrist, ankles and waist, with hats and sunglasses. We were also boiled. We did look up long enough to get a very good sighting of a rare grey headed eagle (most often seen only in Chitwan) and an Indian pond heron.
With relief we took to the board and were landed 2 minutes later on the other side to see a rhino bathing. He was very content and all attempts to encourage him to stampede us failed.
Return on river – wonderful with several water birds spotted. Drinks on balcony overlooking river. Coffee ran out and a coach load of Taiwanese tourists arrived. (The guide had suggested another short activity before lunch, but looked at our faces and said no more.)
Lunch – an unseemly scraping of chairs in a rush to beat the Taiwanese to the buffet (except Des who won’t queue, so had to put up with what was left.) Food was very nice.
1430 – watched the elephants (4) bathing in the river with their amazingly agile drivers/keepers. (Apparently the driver stays with the elephant for life.) A few guests joined in.
1530 – a birdwatching walk. We were really enjoying ourselves and saw a bright minivet and a yellow coloured oriole as well as many others. Then 4 of us discovered leeches – most well past our knees and after that we were all eyes down again – not ideal for bird watching.
The hot water came on at about 1700 when it was still almost daylight and the sunset was spectacular.
Just when we thought that all the excitement was over for one day, we were treated to stick dancing before supper by a group of local young men. Richard B was invited to join them and represented the group and the U.K. in a most energetic manner for around 15 minutes.
The final thrilling thing of the day was that lights didn’t go out until around 2125.
Ros

Friday 5th November

Journey back to Kathmandu
A short boat ride was followed by an 8-hour coach journey to Kathmandu. The first 2 hours of which was the nightmare stretch to Mugling (see Keith Tubb’s entry for the 3rd for a full description). Arrival at the Hotel Vaiishallii with everyone knackered.
Out at 1915 for our evening meal at the Gorka Restaurant. Highlight of the night was the dwarf dancing which captured the imagination. Keith Tubbs was left on the dance floor gyrating with the ‘lady in pink’. Will he be seen again?
Des

Fines (Rupees)

Des 350
Ros 250
Richard 1st 100
Judy 250
Richard 2nd 50
Mike 200
Cathy 150
Paul 100
Howard 350
Clive 350
Ruth 50
Keith (big) 50
Sandra 150
Frank 100
Louise 100
Judith 100
Keith Tubbs 100
Jo 250

Saturday 6th November

Our usual early start. Met in the foyer at 0545 to await arrival of Bimal and transport to the airport for the Everest flight. Fourteen of us had opted for this excursion, six had a lie-in, including Bimal! His ‘fine’ was to pay the balance of the drinks’ bill last night. (What happened to little Keith at the club, he was last seen dancing on the stage with one of the girls?) The usual confusion at the airport, typical for East Asia, you even had to pay an airport tax for an internal flight – 165 rupees. Our aircraft was a Beech 1900 with a seat either side of the central isle – everybody gets a window seat! Of course the views over the mountains were fantastic, Everest was very clear as were all the rest. Unfortunately the aircraft windows were quite dirty outside so photography will be a bit hit and miss I think. We all had a visit to the cockpit where the view was much better. Nobody touched any of the knobs or switches! A bad landing was expected – well they dished out the sick bags just before we landed! A certificate was also issued to commemorate the trip however I’m sure the impressions we formed of those majestic mountains will outlast any certificate. The rest of the morning was spent repacking again ready for our departure this p.m. What a holiday, so many different impressions – people, places scenery! The remainder of the day, until we departed for the airport was spent shopping and wandering around the area of the hotel. In the afternoon we went, proceeded to the airport and joined the throng attempting to actually get into the terminal. We put up a brave show of typical British skill in queuing and keeping the French out. FINALLY after three security checks we boarded our flight for Abu Dhabi.
Richard Jones

Sunday 7th November

Here we are back at Abu Dhabi airport. We have six long hours to while away and it’s early in the morning. Time to chat, drink, eat and wander round the shops – a great cappuccino, it reminds me of Hamilton’s.
We eventually board the plane and the long, long flight back to Heathrow begins. Time to doze, sleep, have dinner, crisps and breakfast and watch the same film that had been shown on the previous flight! Everyone feels weary, tired, bedraggled and exhausted. Home still seems a long way away. At last Heathrow and a typical grey misty November day. The coach is a welcome sight and soon we are driving through beautiful countryside. Autumn has arrived and colours are wonderful. Back home safely and Nepal already seems like a dream.
During 2004 we spent many happy hours discussing our proposed holiday to Nepal. The entire holiday was way beyond our expectations and was full of contrasts. Kathmandu is a lively vibrant city surrounded by rubbish, pollution and noise. The Nepalese countryside, that we saw, was beautiful – steep sided, deep valleys, rushing rivers, green and lush. Even the weather had its contrasts – there was pollution over Kathmandu, snow on the mountains, mist in the valleys with the hills peeping through and wonderful, clear, blue, sunny days.
Farewell to Nepal. It was a holiday, an adventure and experience but most of all it is a memory of a warm, friendly and welcoming people. Judy

Nepal 2004 - First instalment

Expedition Team:

Judy Backwell
Richard Backwell
Clive Davies
Ruth Davies
Angela White
Richard White
Keith Diment
Sandra Jones
Howard Legg
Cathy Pressley
Mike Pressley
Paul Nicholson
Frank Swinton
Louise Bainbridge
Judith Townsend
Keith Tubbs
Jo Wright
Ros Evans
Des Evans
Richard Jones

Thursday 21 October

I can’t believe that for the second time this year we have to get up at some unearthly hour – 0330 for our coach to Heathrow!! Golly, it’s here – no waiting. “Morning” – says everyone as they board and “Did you get any sleep?” Good journey – how does everyone do the motorway run daily? – a nightmare of traffic.
Gulf Air have just herded us through and number 13 was not the best desk to choose as we certainly confused the desk ‘lady’ with two group bags and will we ever see our bags again? Loads of expensive and very smart shops to visit – where is W. H. Smiths? – We want a Telegraph. Plane overbooked as usual, but hopefully we have seats – we’ll go and find out…. Good flight and lovely curry – bit of ‘shut eye’ – quite roomy at rear end of plane really. Leg 2 from Bahrain to Abu Dhabi only 40 minutes but still managed a light snack - not very full though - time to spare at Abu Dhabi airport – gold by weight – few other trips visible – Explore, KO Adventure – Everest Base Camp and Annapurna in evidence. Managing to stay awake and sign off at same time – not much to say for first day, except - isn’t it great to be here and everyone is looking forward to a super trip.
Angela


Friday 22 October

Abu Dhabi. First time flying what an experience. Thought I would be nervous but enjoyed every moment. Agony hours in the air but so much to take in. Too much of everything including food. Looking forward to arrival in Kathmandu.
Keith

Arriving at Kathmandu we found that some of our baggage had not made the arduous journey with us and remained in Heathrow. Never mind it would catch us up tomorrow and Bimal was there to greet us with garlands and whisk us off to our hotel. Showing great resilience we were down hitting the streets of Kathmandu after only a quick shower. We soon found the friendly Kathmandu Guest House and ground to a halt drinking tea in their garden whilst waiting for prodigious amounts of cheese on toast to arrive. The town was actually quiet because it was festival time, all the locals were celebrating the throwing out of demons, seemingly both Hindu and Buddhists joined in.
After a few beers at the KGH we gave into a short sleep only to be revived by Howard’s offer of gin and tonics. After dinner at the hotel only a few stalwarts (led by Clive) made it back to the bars. Some of us thought we had had quite a long day.
Judith

Saturday 23 October

Quite a busy day! Four world heritage sites in one tour. First it was a Buddhist Temple high on a hill. It seemed to be commonly known as the Monkey Temple and we saw why. It was magnificent with all the flags fluttering. We learnt about Stupas and the significance of the Buddhas. It was good to see the Hindu Temple alongside coexisting peacefully.
Next we were off to a Hindu temple (Pashputirath), centre of much celebration for the festival today. We could only peer inside to see the huge holy bull. We saw the funeral pyres along the river and the (Sadhus) Holy Men posing for their photos.
Then on to Bhaktapur and the Durbar Square temples with their amazing wood carvings, before a much-needed lunch. We ate more curry and looked at the view over the square before completing our tour through some of the backstreets. Many houses were so cracked and broken down we felt we should wear hard hats especially as occasionally ‘substances’ (were thrown) fell from the upstairs windows.
Back on the bus to Kathmandu, we dropped off those stoic few who had to collect luggage – successfully thank goodness. Then as the sun sank we walked the pilgrims’ circuit around the largest Buddhist stupa (Boudha) and climbed to the top. Having turned a few prayer wheels we felt we had earned our dinner at Kathmandu Guest House.

Sunday 24th October

Today we leave the hustle and bustle of Kathmandu, not without a few traffic problems. We make the long (8 hour/200km) journey to Pokhara through numerous checkpoints. Through wonderful scenery our driver steers us safely passed avalanches and crashed vehicles.
We have pleasant stops for drinks and lunch in shady gardens of wayside restaurants. What a relief to arrive in Pokhara though after passing the first views of the Annapurnas. Pokhara is pleasant and relaxed after Kathmandu and we enjoy a wander along the lakeside through the shops. Dinner in town is multinational to make a change from curry. At least Richard got his mo-mos at lunchtime.
Judith

Monday 25th October

An early breakfast for some was superseded by those who took a walk to the lakeside and saw a cloudless Annapurna range behind Pokhara.
A rickety twenty two seater took thirty of us into the foothills and deposited us at Nayapul where our trek began.
Through villages with shops on either side, we made our way downwards until crossing a river by suspension bridge we turned left and followed the Bhuring Khoda upstream in blazing hot sunshine.
For ever having to look down because of the varying nature of the footpath, it was sometimes difficult to take in the marvellous scenery and lush vegetation around without stopping.
We stopped at Ramgai hot and thirsty and were greeted with all the fresh green oranges we wanted. This was followed by spinach pasties and then fresh fruit and Nak cheese.
Just as we were ready to depart, we experienced wet rain! (Des should be fired, he was the only one without his wet gear in his day pack).
Walking and climbing further was trying as it was humid and sweaty.
Finally, we arrived at the Indra Guest House where we were pleasantly surprised to find the showers were both solar and gas powered. A convivial queue developed outside since there were only two.
Beer and games were followed by dinner with porters playing their drums and singing in the yard outside, the weather having cleared.
Our first day on the trek and no Delhi bellies or broken bones. We are raring to go!
Howard

Tuesday 26th October

It wasn’t too cold for our first night sleeping in a tea house. Most people seemed to have had a disturbed sleep because of dogs barking and mule trains coming up and down the nearby path.
At 0700 we had our first taste of porridge and trekking honey. We were all packed and we left Tirkedhunga Lodge at 0800. The path led down at first over a fast flowing river and then climbed steeply from then on. We passed by a number of tea houses painted in bright colours with colourful gardens. Coming down the hill were many young children presumably going to school. After two hours trekking we stopped at Ulleri (2000m) for a well-earned cup of lemon tea. It was very hot at this point and we were in need of refreshment and a rest. Soon after we left Ulleri we came across a group of men dragging a dead horse down the path.
It started raining about an hour before we stopped for lunch. We had lunch at Nayathanti (2450m) where we had a vegetable soup followed by mo mos and chips, then fruit salad and yoghurt:- all washed down with lemon tea.
It was raining hard when we left so we all put on waterproofs again. It was noticeable that the vegetation was changing. The terraced rice and maize fields gave way to very mature woodlands of rhododendron trees festooned in moss.
Still we climbed until we reached out overnight stop in Ghorepani (3000m). Boiling hot showers were available to the first few customers. When it got dark we realised that the village had no electricity and hadn’t had any for about two years, since a transformer became defective. Despite this head torches were switched on and candles lit to illuminate the card and domino games that have become a feature every evening. The evening meal was produced in a freezing cold kitchen lit be candles. We are always amazed at the quality and diversity of the food provided under such adverse conditions.
It was noticeably colder this evening and most people had several layers on. There was a wood stove in the centre of the dining room, but it could only warm the people sitting nearest to it.
Bimal told us that “wakey wakey” would be at 0445 tomorrow so we all had an early night.
Frank

Wednesday 27th October

Although it was very cold night everyone seemed to be quite warm. Sleep was intermittent owing to the swillings of toilets, raucous coughing and the occasional snoring. We expected a 4.45 a.m. call from Bimal. The plan was to leave at 5 a.m. to climb Poon Hill, to see the sun rise over the mountains. However, too much cloud gave us a good excuse for another hour or so in bed.
We ate breakfast outside and set off at 8.30 a.m. The sun was out and we were in high spirits. We had not had a meeting with the Maoists (which had been expected yesterday) but I think many of us had forgotten about it. Within half an hour of walking we were approached by a young man. Some of the group had already walked on but a few people remained behind whilst Bimal paid over 1000 rupees for each of us. However that wasn’t enough on this occasion. After listening the Maoist talking at Bimal, we understood that not only did he want money but also any binoculars and mobiles in our possession. Des had admitted at the outset that he had a pair of binoculars. At this point all but Des, Clive, Richard 1st and Bimal walked on higher up the track. We waited about 1 mile away for them to return. One hour later they rejoined us (Bimal last). They told us that other Maoists had appeared to join their junior member (one of whom was carrying a machine gun!) Des was forced to give up his binoculars, which will apparently be posted back to him to England! … and then they were allowed to continue up the track. Bimal was annoyed at the whole event but did point out that we were not, at any point in danger.
Our trek continued uneventfully although the weather changed drastically. Sleet started to fall as we entered beautiful woodland. Lichen and moss adorned trees alongside streams, dramatic waterfalls and steep sided gorges. The path was muddy and steep but we were travelling downhill. Lunch was spent at Sun Lodge Banthiti – veg soup and a spinach pasty with pasta.
As we continued our afternoon walk the sun came out again as we began the final slog uphill to Tadapani. We encountered a screeching Japanese girl by the side of the track. She had been separated from her guide for 2 hours, but turned down Bimal’s offer to walk with us – very odd! He assured her that she would find him at the top of the track.
Cups of lemon tea greeted us on arrival.
Louise

p.s. Wednesday continued
The village W.I. arrived to dance for us – pretty cool and Paul wins the prize for meanest mover in our group (we had to join in!)

Thursday 28th October

Woke to the best view of the trek. Annapurna, Hiunchuli and Machhapuchhre were free of mist and looked amazing. (You could even see why Machhapuchhre is called “fish tail”).
The trek today appeared easier to me – though I prefer downhill and there was plenty of that. Lovely scenery today – we could really see the views today – could see where we trekked from yesterday and where we were going to for lunch.
I could really see why I came today and felt ashamed at my “what am I doing here?” remarks.
Super stops for lemon tea and lunch and much excitement at lunch at a visit from another Maoist. Unfortunately not in uniform but very intense. Bimal was in long conversation with him and we feared the worst (more rupees that is). But no – he was ashamed at his master whipping our binos and would see what he could do. Fat chance!
After lunch we would have had about an hour’s trek but it was longer because of a landslide. We had to climb above the slide and down to the path. (no ropes or crampons required)
I’ll now write how we are all doing:-
1) Judith and Cathy have suffered slight altitude sickness – dizzy and faint but are better now we have gone lower.
2) Judy’s knee (previous injury through scrubbing floor at home) is amazing. Though her optimism quaked slightly today at all the downhill – she was in “and another thing Richard” mood which was quite entertaining to all except Richard!
3) I have a cold which I know is boring (perhaps it is SARS) but not really what you need with all the climbing.
4) Howard trekked today with spare underpants and trousers in his bag. Say no more!
Arrived at Jninudandy about 2.30 which gave time for us to revive before our trek to the hot springs. Worth the walk – watched over by head porter Umm (Jo reckons his Mum had already had many children so when he arrived she said “what shall we call him? – Umm!!”)
Nice rooms with electric light but Judith, H, and Louise and Frank stay at a lower lodge.
6 pm – off to dinner ………..
Sandra

Thursday evening

A pleasant sit on the balcony with a beer for some. Most went to the hot springs and seemed to thoroughly enjoy it.
One hot shower was available but not for me.
A very nice three course meal again followed by the usual dominoes etc.
Another long night – not so cold at this level and more comfortable for me at this altitude. Lots of waking up and clock watching to see when I could get up. One of those wakeful times was punctuated by some happy soul shouting out that I could see Puure Thikey (spelling?) with the sunlight on it – I could hardly get out of bed quick enough! No I turned over – then I did leap out of bed for an urgent need only to find the queue two deep already. Luckily the Whites were fairly quick so there is nothing worse to write in the diary!
A pleasant walk today. Really enjoyed the real Nepal with the fields being worked by the villagers with their oxen. Richard 1st saved a villager’s life when he fell off his ox plough at 2 mph and grazed his leg. However when another villager with a real injury took off his sawn off wellies Richard gave him a cotton bandage and beat a hasty retreat.
Early arrival at Ghandruk making it a fairly short day.
Judy Backwell discovered some condoms but as there were only 9 said it was not fair to share them out as we needed 10. Judy has asked me to say that they were under the cushions on a chair.
Further highlights of the day included the visit by candlelight to the museum, Richard locking the key inside the room (not opened at the time of writing and the author snoring away in bed at 3 p.m.) Paul would like to say that he had a hot shower, big Keith would like to say he didn’t. Furthermore big Keith says that as he’s had a cold shower he doesn’t actually need a condom now and 9 would be enough!
Clive

Saturday 30th October

I sneaked off to bed at 8.30 last night intending to have a good read but must have dropped off at 9.00 in my lovely warm sleeping bag – what would we do without them, our personal retreat? Woke at 6.00 to a disappointing view of the mountains – dull and cloudy – nobody about taking photos. Happily about 1 hour later we all went down to breakfast and the sun had broken through. The lady of the lodge had picked fresh marigolds and decorated the entrance to the dining room (though we ate outside on the patio). Also placed josh sticks in old bean tins around patio and lit them – to welcome us to breakfast or to say “goodbye” to us. A very well-taken-care of lodge – lots of flowers and fresh veg growing around and a beautiful view of the mountains. 7.15 and breakfast is ready. A beautiful and quite easy walk down the hillside – until we arrived for lunch at Birethanti. The terraces of millet giving way to rice as the climate became warmer.
Flora and Fauna seen:- Ageratum, Busy Lizzies, Bourganvillea, Banana trees Coleus, Fuschias, Dahlias, Rhododendrons, Canna Lilies!
Lunch was enjoyed overlooking the Fiver – Khola Bhurengdi and seeing the new visitors to the area coming over the metal bridge.
A short walk back to the road and bus at Nayapul. The boys seemed happy to sing about returning to Pokhara and hopefully their wages and tips!
Hotel Bedrock – a hot shower and hair wash and a quick hour shopping with Judy. Richard warmly thanked all the boys for their hard work and courtesy and gave them a tip each and money for an evening meal. We all went to the Lakeside Restaurant – very atmospheric with Nepali dancing but the service was very slow. Richard White missed the meal due to a cold and sore throat, hopefully he’ll be better tomorrow. Bye
Ruth