China and India …

China and India sounded a new optimistic tone in their relationship … as they signed an agreement to boost meetings between their militaries to avoid any repeat of this year’s tense standoff along their disputed Himalayan border.

The accord followed a meeting in Beijing between Chinese Premier Li Keqiang and visiting Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, who also had trade ties on the agenda as India seeks to gain greater access to Chinese markets and readjust a trade balance tilted heavily toward China. …

China, India Sign Border Cooperation Agreement

India China

Rishikesh Adventure Sports

For centuries a Holy city, Rishikesh, India is today branding itself as an outdoor Adventure Sports centre. Especially for white water rafting. The Ganges here offers medium to rough rapids rated class 3 and class 4.

Raft Ganges

Bungee jumping was recently introduced, the only leap in India.

I’m here for trekking. But the trekking guides are NOT busy though it’s still high season.

My contact at Red Chili Adventures blames it on the Spring flooding which damaged many of the mountain roads. You can still see the damage here in Rishikesh.

June 2013, Rishikesh
June 2013, Rishikesh

In any case, I hope to survive a 9hr drive over those damaged roads tomorrow. En route to the Kuari Trek. Vistas of Nanda Devi.

I hear most of the flood damage has been cleaned up. In Rishkesh, it’s ongoing.

Sadhu River

damage Ganges

More Rishikesh photos.

32 Parents Who Nailed It On Halloween

Looking for Halloween costume inspiration?

Walt and Jesse

see more photos on Buzzfeed

It’s Durga Purja (Dasain) where I’m at, celebrated October 11-15th this year.

Durga Puja festival marks the victory of Goddess Durga over the evil buffalo demon Mahishasura. Thus, Durga Puja festival epitomizes the victory of Good over Evil. …

Durga

The Goddess requires blood sacrifice. I notice the goats of Dehradun, India are eating well in the days leading up to the Festival.

I’m here getting organized to head up into the Himalaya.

Hans Rosling: The best stats you’ve ever seen

I’m just finishing a BUSY World Gymnastics Championships, packing for my next destination — northern India. Hiking.

If you’ve got time for a laugh today, click PLAY or watch it on YouTube.

You’ve never seen data presented like this. With the drama and urgency of a sportscaster, statistics guru Hans Rosling debunks myths about the so-called “developing world.

Professor Bill Sands recommended to me this unbelievably likable educator from Sweden.

hiking Waterton

Brian and I took two of his sons and a friend to Waterton National Park. None of the teens had been there before.

Waterton Crypt

We took them first to a classic destination – Red Rock Canyon.

Henry
Henry

Jack
Jack & Brian

Next day we did Canada’s Best Hike 1982 – Crypt Lake.

Brian
Brian

Akamina Parkway has been closed all season. The road washed out.

Waterton’s my favourite National Park

we’re hiking the West Coast Trail

August 7-13th.

The West Coast Trail is my favourite hike in the world. This will be my 4th time through.

Eleven Saskatchewan prairie types are booked. Only 5 of us have done it before.

Training hike on the bank of the North Saskatchewan river in Saskatoon.

WCT hikers

more photos