Pictures

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The Trek to Nagarkot

After a couple days of rest and a bit of sight seeing, we are off on our first trek.from Sundarijal to Chisapani to Nagarkot to Changu Narayan. Its a 3 day trek which takes us through a number of villages along a "path" that has connected the villages for over 1000 years. We cover about 60 kms and the first day most of that is straight up stairs carved out of the side of the mountain. If looks could kill I would be six feet under...Cathy was not impressed. We climbed from about 3500 ft to 6800 on day one. Cathy's weight loss program is under way. Besides the exercise, she refuses to eat anything. On the night of day 2 of the trek we were having a meal in a restaurant of the lodge that we stayed at. There were two cats playing in the dining room and they would jump up onto the vacated tables and eat off the dishes. The waiter noticed Cathy was a little upset so he promply removed the cats to the kitchen! The next day we stopped for some momo's (a steamed dumpling filled with buffalo meat) . We sat down a a dirty table...the waiter came over ...picked up a rag from the floor under the table and wiped it off. Cathy's diet continues.

WELCOME TO KATHMANDU

It's 4:45 am ...roosters are crowing, dogs are barking, car horns are beeping ...first just one or two but very quickly many..voices of people are heard and bells are ringing ... the city wakes up quickly...GOOD MORNING & WELCOME TO KATHMANDU.

The climb to the Golden Hinde

At the end of August, Scott MacKenzie and myself made a seven day trip to climb to the top of the Golden Hinde (7,500 ft) in Strathcona Park here on Vancouver Island. I quickly discovered that it was a bit more of a challenge than I had anticipated. I found myself a little over my head a couple of times but Scott was there to bail me out. It was great to have him with me as he inspired me to dig just a little deeper within myself to overcome the challenges.

This was a great warm up to our upcoming expedition to Nepal to climb Mt Everest to base camp.

Back down below the tree line

With a mist falling we are now into an area of fairly easy hiking. It is amazing up here. Lots to take in and enjoy and plenty of time to contemplate life as we continue our journey.

This isn't what I signed up for!

On my way to the top...Bermans Ridge I think,

Contemplating the Challenge

The goal is now insight...but I am very tired after three long days of backpacking. A decision was made that we should forego our attempt at summitting the Golden Hinde and save our energy for the hike out. A good decision

Scott enjoying a well deserved rest

Absolutly Spectacular

Camping by a tarn

The Golden Hinde Mountain Climbing Adventure

Scott MacKenzie and myself set out to conquer the Golden Hinde in Stratcona Park in late August of 2009. A seven day adventure that was a precursor to our climb up Everest in October. The trip was my first real experience at mountain climbing and carrying a pack of about 50 lbs or so. I had an incredible time 95% of the time with the other 5% felt wondering what the hell am I doing here?

I was a bit over my head in a few situations ... climbing down vertical drops that I am sure are reserved for people with ropes or mountain goats. However, Scott was there to bail me out and to inspire confidence in myself. Thanks Scott for being there for me!

We climbed about 10 hours a day... a little less some days a little more on others. It was exhausting but in a good way . The way that comes with a real satisfaction at having accomplished what you did. The scenery was spectacular. Enjoy the pictures...they are just a few of many spectacular pictures that Scott took.