My Blog

Today we’ve made good time as we arrived at our lodge at ~1345. Once again we set off at 0730. I like setting off early as there isn’t much Sun and so it’s easier for me to walk. In the Sun right now it’s burning, in the shade it’s cool and gets icy when a breeze passes. Today has been the most beautiful day so far as we’ve been able to see both Manaslu and Annapurna II for most of the day. Each one is a jaw-drooping-ly awesome huge rocky snowy peak. Unfortunately both peaks are just obscured by the valley walls right now so I can’t see them from my room. They’re in completely different directions but my room is on the end of the building and I have windows facing West, South and East. There’s also been some trees turning orange so I’ve hopefully taken some decent photos. No Ansel Adams worthy photos yet as we’re mostly way above water - except now, though no peaks!

This morning we came across a porter lying by the side of the path. He’d broken both of his legs and had been left behind. He was in pain. He said his group was going to get help - but still he had been left alone. He also said he had been there overnight too. As we stayed with him any passing Nepali continued on regardless, any passing foreigner stayed and after a while there were about 30 of us. We gave him water and painkillers and got some people to carry him down to the next village. Still, it was an event.

Chame is the capital of Manang district and there is a Red Cross hospital, post office, Internet (of unknown quality) and all sorts. It’s still your typical mountain village though!