The second day bears all of this trail's colors- we knew it would be difficult, and "Knowing is half the battle (name that cartoon)". Even though the effort doesn't change, knowing that something will be difficult not only makes it seem easier, but you are more excited to do it... it's all attitude I guess. We walked for 10 long hours that brought us 12 more miles towards Namche Bazaar and over 6000 feet of elevation were gained. We crossed the Lamjura La at 11,581' to reach the high point of our approach trek. I just have to keep reminding myself that I am trekking in Nepal, towards the highest mountains in the world. Like I said before, a constant effort to keep things real. We get glimpses of snow peaks as teasers- the Rowaling Range reaches over 20,000' and is seen on the first day- 25,000' peaks on the second. A taste of what's to come- a carrot in front of this hungry man.
Right now I am laying in my bed at the Namaste Lodge in Junbesi, Nepal- facing my window, staring out at a steep valley cut by a clean, quick mountain stream. The other side is densely wooded by Asian pines and high-alpine firs, interrupted by family homes and farmsteads- some brown in fallow others bright green with abundance and harvest. I am listening to the hum of Buddhist chanting, murmured by local monks in the prayer room of our lodge. The rhododendrons are blooming- deep reds and pinks seem crisp against the heavy greens of mountain pines- stark whites blend and mix with the morning mists and fog. We are staying an extra day here to see a local Sherpa celebration- a festival of dancing and singing in honor of Guru Rimpoche, one of Buddhism's most holy figures. Seen everywhere as a seated monk with a thin curly moustache, the Guru, known as Padmasambhava, peacefully greets even the most foreign traveler into most homes and monasteries.
To stay in the moment, to really acknowledge the experience as it is happening, absorb as much as possible- into my body, my brain, my skin, my eyes, my ears, my feet, my hands- to take this trip with me for the rest of my life- to never leave these mountains. That is my goal.
1 comment:
Noah, i think about your daily "routine" (as if what you're soaking in could be called as such)and I wonder how it will change the rest of your life. Surely it will sculpt your future as no other experience could. I am waiting for when we will be able to spend time together so that I can vicariously walk the walk through your descriptions through Bhutan and into the mountains of Nepal. Let it burn an indelible image into your minds eye so that you might share with all that are interested. love dad
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