Happy trails

This is a happy story, and ends like most happy stories in Lamma island Hong Kong.  But before this happy interlude we were on... THE ROAD FROM HELL!!! Sorry kids but there is no other way to describe this frightneing place (but here goes).  This road eats jeeps, one lane, dirt, rock and road construction everywhere, switchbacks every 100 meters, oncoming traffic includes massive trucks, goats crossing, cows eating, children playing games, your stomach can't stand it (don't eat), drop over the edge is 3000 ft at it's lowest, no help no hospital, and all this for 6- 10 hours (less then 75 miles in that time ) depending upon your wallet.  We ponied up the extra 3 dollars US and got a jeep.                                                                                                      

Why??? Would anyone take this road?  Well we did avoid the bus once by walking in from Kathmandu (Nepal).  We took a taxi to the beginning of the Helambu circuit then hiked over the pass into the Langtang Region.  For the next 8-9 days we hiked through heaven and earth.  The trek is amazing with high mountain passes ( 4600 meters ), alpine lakes ( we saw the head of Shiva ), Tibetan culture (so so nice ), marble sized hail (doesn't hurt too bad), good food, and of course the views.  You can't image the emotional high you get when waking up in the Himalaya. Almost 6 months down in our travels, and 3 months of it in Nepal

Planting Rice

 

The woman who owns the teahouse (and the mother of the little girl) dressed me up in traditional Tibetin dress.  The belt represents long life, and the belt is very very long that it wrapped around me several times! (we ended up buying the dress and belt!)

Now skip to today.  We are eating fruit and veg. again for the first time in one month.  Hanging out with Tom Wilhelm and stairing out into the ocean.  We started planning our next trip to Nepal today. Tommorow, we meet up with members of Stageflight productions ( Leah's sister and brother in law ) and head out to sea for 14 days on an ocean cruise.  The cruise will put back on the lost Nepal weight and start us (finally) in China!!