So...just finished day 18 of our hike...The internet is too slow to post pictures, but I thought I'd give a quick update. We're in a town called Gorepani on the trail up to the Annapurna basecamp. We're still all feeling great, although hiking 18 days straight is more of a mental game than anything. Today is one of those days I'm tired and the unhill climb seems daughting so we called it an early day at 2:00 and are staying here tonight. Hopefully hiking up to Poon Hill for sunset tonight...supposed to be a fantastic view!!! 8 more days of hiking ahead of us to the basecamp and back to Pokhara. Its been quite the experience and well worth the time and effort. Making it over the pass at almost 18,000feet was an amazing feeling!!!! It took us 12 days to get to the pass and it was so cool to see the landscape slowly change as we made our way slowly uphill. We likened the regions to states...the first few days were florida, then Georgia, then Oregon, Wyoming, Arizona, and finally up near the pass it just seemed like it could be in Alaka. The night before the pass we were sleeping at 15,500 feet...1000 feet higher than Mt. Rainier! Other than a restless nights sleep, we suffered no ill effects from the altitude, crossed the pass and then made our way down the other side...a very dry open river valley area.
Wildlife has been slim except for bugs, yaks, donkey trains, vultures, and chickens. But the plants are amazing and Eric and I have been recognizing quite a few from home! Plus Eric bought a book so we've been trying to figure out the rest. We celebrated thanksgiving in the apple capitol, Marpha, then spend a day hanging out in some hotsprings in Tatopani. Nice and relaxing. After we get back to Pokhara in a week its going to feel so great to take a nice hot shower, use a western toliet and do some laundry. I never knew how much I'd miss the simple things! :) Guess I'll have a new-found appreciattion for them from now on out.
Miss everyone and hope you all had a happy thanksgiving!!!
Wildlife has been slim except for bugs, yaks, donkey trains, vultures, and chickens. But the plants are amazing and Eric and I have been recognizing quite a few from home! Plus Eric bought a book so we've been trying to figure out the rest. We celebrated thanksgiving in the apple capitol, Marpha, then spend a day hanging out in some hotsprings in Tatopani. Nice and relaxing. After we get back to Pokhara in a week its going to feel so great to take a nice hot shower, use a western toliet and do some laundry. I never knew how much I'd miss the simple things! :) Guess I'll have a new-found appreciattion for them from now on out.
Miss everyone and hope you all had a happy thanksgiving!!!
YAY! Congratulations Kim! You are so hardcore :) What great memories you are making, I'm proud of you! I hope you caught the beautiful sunset. I will be praying for you over the next 8 days as you finish up the hike! Sending a big blog hug your way! :)
ReplyDeleteJennifer
Keep it up Kimber!! I believe in you! So excited for all of the stories and pictures to come. As you get tired or homesick remember that there are tons of people here wishing they were out on an adventure just like the one you're on and appreciate every moment of it because it won't last forever. On Thanksgiving I thought about how thankful I am for you and your friendship. Praying for energy, safety, refreshment and lots of laughter. Also that you'd be knowing God's presence and experiencing him everyday a little bit more. Love you - mo
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