Moving On....Finally!

Shortly after my last post, I got confirmation that the Japanese lady is glad to have me join her on her trek. She is in her mid-60s and has done about 8 previous treks in Nepal. Her English is limited, but I'm sure we'll be fine.

I got a call from Bhola yesterday morning. He is still in the Terai, which I assume is where his extended family lives, but I don't know this for sure and can't quite figure out why he's there. It's the opposite end of the country from where his son passed away. Given that he was calling long distance which I'm sure he could not afford, I didn't ask any of the million questions I had for him. He will be in the Terai until June 17 and won't be able to come on the trek with me. This is a big disappointment , but also comes as somewhat of a relief. I was a bit concerned about how it would be to spend so much time with him under the circumstances. I will meet up with him when I'm back from my trek at the beginning of July.

I met with Tshering this morning to finalize all of my plans and pay him for the trek. I will be flying to Pokhara tomorrow (Saturday) and will begin my trek on Monday. In order to save money and get all our gear up to Jomsom safely, all the trekking staff hike up to Jomsom from Pokhara carrying all the equipment with them. They are then in Jomsom to meet the trekkers as they deplane, and start the trek. I will be hiking with one of these porters/sherpas on the trail up to Jomsom. Since he is going that way anyway, this is a ridiculously cheap thing for me as I don't have to cover any accommodation or food costs for him. I pay him about $6 per day to make sure I don't end up wandering down the wrong trail.

He apparently doesn't speak any English, but he'll be able to keep me on the right path and help me get settled in lodges along the way. I'm really looking forward to this as it will be so much different from the Everest trek. I'll be virtually alone with nobody to talk to, and with all the space in the world. I think the peace and quiet will be wonderful. Of course there will be other people along the trail, both Nepali and trekkers, so I'm sure I'll be able to find company in the evenings if I want it. I have also arranged to spend a full day and extra night in Tatopani (literally "hot water") which is, as you probably assumed, home to some hot springs. I remember really enjoying this spot on my last trek and am looking forward to a day of soaking in the pools.

I have to run now and meet with Tshering and this sherpa who will be serving as my guide. I'll blog again from Pokhara and then I will be incommunicado until July 1st. I'll be returning to Kathmandu in time to celebrate Canada Day.