Annapurna Base Camp

We can't seem to stay away from base camps. This time we were able to hike to two in 10 days. We first hiked to Machapuchare Base camp then up to Annapurna Base Camp. In comparison to the Everest base camp hike the mountains were much closer and lots more snow. We started our hike a bit before the high season and therefore we were able to choose any room we wished in the tea houses. The first several nights we had a HOT shower and felt like royalty. There is nothing better than to be clean and warm after a day of sweating. The showers did stop when we got up near the base camps but only 3 days without this luxury was not too much of a challenge. We also were able to enjoy many apple pies on this trek. Plus on the way down we had a rest day near a hot springs. Now that is the way to end a hike!

So... This is suppose to be a blog about beaches and SCUBA diving in Thailand. But as you know, we left the hot beaches, and journeyed instead to the mountains of Nepal. But first, a little face paint is in order.


The aftermath of walking down the street in Pokhara, Nepal on Feb 28th. This day is a Hindu Holiday celebrating the end of a battle. All day colored packets are sold on the streets and mobs of people yell "Happy Holi" before tossing the colored powder all over you. Soon after our attach we found refuge in a second floor restaurant and safely watched as unaware passerbyers were "colored"!

Time for a little flute playing. Almost to the top Rob and Aloka full the Annapurna Sanctuary with a lovely melody. ( we are way out of tune, I am playing G and god only knows what he is playing)

Enjoying the view of Annapurna Base Camp over 4,000 meters (13,100). ( I am pouting, because Leah is mad at me for keeping her is the cold of ABC, rather then the cold of MBC 500 meters lower burrrrrrr)

Jumping at MBC with crazy low O2 content, is not that easy, but sure looks cool.

This lovely contraptions made our night MUCH more comfortable. It is an open flame which is hard to see because of the flash, under our dinner table (watch your socks folks). The table then has blankets nailed to the edge to keep the precious warmth from escaping. There are even cloths lines under the table where we can dry our wet cloths (see next picture) and socks. This was amazing but it did cost an extra dollar (hey we are not working, so every dollar counts folks) !

Wet like a bad puppy, we are about 4 hours south of ABC and heading up. This is not just rain but hail. Rob is water proof but Leah decided that the tea house was so close that she didn't bother....

Out of the snow and getting ready to head to the hot springs. Yeah, that is right, Hot springs just south of the snowy peaks of Annapurna. Not only that but the best (and only) Lassana on the mountain.

Running, sliding, slipping and falling down the mountain. It snowed all afternoon the day before so the snow was so fluffy and perfect for a fast downward trek. It took us 2 hours up and 30 min. down. At one point Rob raced some porters down. We were both very sore the next day.