I depart Nepal today. Another memorable hiking adventure completed, this time the Langtang, Gosainkund and Helambu.
I’m already planning what to do on my next (6th) trip to N.E.P.A.L. 🙂
Makalu Base Camp, I’m thinking.
Category: hiking
to Ethiopia – Land of BBC Documentary
I’ll be a tourist in Ethiopia Dec 1-14th.
The main goal will be trekking the highlands. The famed Simien traverse.
Ethiopia looks GREAT. 🙂
Land of Extremes
BBC documentary showcasing a glimpse of the natural serenity Ethiopia has to provide. From the magnificent, Semien mountains often called the roof of Africa to the lowest place on earth or the erta-ale which contains the only active volcano in the world. From Axum, capital of the great Axumite kingdom, hailed as one of the four super powers of the last millennium to the sturdy tribes men of the south. One of the best documentary about Ethiopia. Definitely a must visit place for every one.
Click PLAY or watch it on YouTube.
Nov 2nd, 2014
I spent my 57th birthday tenting in a stone Yak shack at 4110m, close to the Tibet border in Nepal.
Next morning I scrambled up that gap towards Tilman’s Pass.
During the long, cold night cocooned in down and nylon, I listened to one of my favourite authors, Peter Matthiessen, read one of my favourite books, The Snow Leopard.
It’s his classic philosophical account of a November 1973 Nepal trek to Shey Gompa, Crystal Mountain. A spiritual journey.
If you wonder why I keep returning to Nepal, read Snow Leopard. Matthiessen is most eloquent on the joys and challenges.
bus to Syabrubesi, Nepal
7-9hrs of crumbling mountain roads today.
Wish me luck. 😦
happy Diwali
Diwali also known as Deepavali and the “festival of lights“, is an ancient Hindu festival celebrated in autumn every year.
The festival spiritually signifies the victory of light over darkness, knowledge over ignorance, good over evil, and hope over despair.
The festival preparations and rituals typically extend over a five day period, but the main festival night of Diwali coincides with the darkest, new moon night of the Hindu Lunisolar month Kartika. …
Tonight. 🙂
In Nepal, Diwali is known as “Tihar” or “Swanti” …
I was in Nepal last year for Tihar, and I’m back for another month this year. There’s no better place for me in November than the Himalaya.
The mainstream media news reports on the Nepal snowstorm disaster, by the way, are not accurate. Click over to wikipedia for ongoing updates and an a more objective overview of the tragedy.
I’ll be careful up there, as I was last year on the Annapurna, just after a snow storm. 🙂
highest man in Indochina
Mt Fansipan, Vietnam. | 3,143m (10,312 ft) | 11.5hrs up and down
Yes, those who conquer Fansipan are awarded a medal. 🙂
See my trip report and photos on BestHike.com.
Nanning China in September
UPDATE: arrived Nanning – 28 hours in transit:
4am Canada …
car to Nanaimo
ferry to Vancouver
bus & train to YVR airport
flight to Guangzhou
flight to Nanning
courtesy car to official hotel
taxi to my hostel
… midnight China time
I’m staying at the Green Forest hostel. Facebook and twitter are blocked but my websites are working.
original post __
I fly today out of Vancouver. Arrive Nanning Sept 25th for the World Gymnastics Championships.
Nanning is known as the “Green City” because of its abundance of lush tropical foliage. …
Nanning has a warm, monsoon-influenced humid subtropical climate …
Nanning is close to scenic Guilin, with its world famous hillscape, northern and western Guangxi and its minority villages …
I’ll exit by train to Vietnam en route to Nepal. Hiking in both those nations.
Here’s my post just prior to my 1st trip to China Aug. 1998 – have you eaten?
hiking Black Tusk
My trip report is up on Best Hike. 🙂
back from Black Tusk
Superb hike out of Whistler, B.C.
Trip report coming SOON. 🙂
farewell Port Townsend
I had another wonderful visit hosted by Doug and Diana Davis.
I was there finishing final videotaping of Gymnastics Games. They should be released SOON. 🙂
Port Townsend is for outdoor adventure. I spent a lot of time on Doug’s excellent road bike.
Doug just invested in a company producing Elf bicycles in the USA.
I had one issue. An ingrown nail blew up. For some days I considered fleeing to the socialized Health Care of Canada.
It quickly healed after we released the pus. A-OK now.
Farewell PT. I should be back after New Years. 🙂
Rick McCharles 