YakYakYak

We just got back from our hike into the annapurna sanctuary. Quite an amazing place. The route is a pretty popular one and is usually done in 7-10 days though we did it in 5. We were motivated to get back for monday morning as that way we wouldn't be taking any days off from work and another, longer trek next month will be a easier sell. Also, we quickly realized that it was going to be close with the amount of cash we brought along as prices go up significantly the farther you get from the road. In all of the villages where we stayed, everything has to be carried in as there are no roads, just little paths. If the hills aren't too steep, mules can carry stuff in but usually everything arrives on the back of an old lady.
We started our trip at the local bus station where we caught the first bus out of town. The inside of the bus was already full so they made us ride on the roof on the giant roof racks. It was actually better up there as the breeze was very nice and we weren't in the super crowded and stinky inside. The view was also pretty awesome while weaving through the hills towards the mountains.
Two hours later we arrived at the trail head where we got our permits stamped and set off. There is a saying that there are only two directions in nepal, Up and Down. That pretty much sums up trekking here as your are always going up one side of a valley or down the other. The path is generally very steep with large stone steps. We got some rain the first day too and the leaches came out. They move like inch worms and are rather active, always trying to crawl down your socks.
At night, we'd stop at a little village, each with little guest houses. Talking to people who had done the trek in the past, we were convinced that everywhere provided blankets and sleeping bags weren't really needed. So convincing where the multiple people we talked to that.. we didn't take them. Upon arrival in the hills, however, we learned that blankets were only for the porters. We almost froze the first two nights in the fetal position with all our clothes on. At annapurna base camp, thankfully, we found some blankets which was nice as it got down to 7 degrees and we were in the middle of a cloud.
Overall, the weather wasn't great with clouds obscuring the mountains most days. Once and a while the clouds would break and we'd catch a peak which was nice.
After five, eight hour days of speed walking through the himalayas, our legs were rather tired at it was time to get back. Our bus broke down on the way home (sounded like the transmission fell out and landed on the road) but we just hopped on the next bus.

Back with the Tibetans, we've switched gears and started working on some Ice tea recipes so that the factory doesn't have to be dependent on seasonal fruit. It seems promising but full production is a fair ways off.

Party Bus!

We shared the trail with various livestock

Breakfast at dawn

Our path went up the far valley

Looking back where we've come

It was a cold night

Inside the sancutary

Welcome to base camp

Dawn Panoramas

Bus trip home. Above the clouds