A long day on the trail

Tuesday, October 12
Today was a challenge. We were consoled at the top of the most intense stretch that we had finally experienced the “Nepali steep,” which, you'd best believe, is very, very steep. Before lunch, we crossed over a pass at around 11, 800 feet, or 3596 meters, with breathtaking views on either side. Then we descended a steep and treacherous trail, passing dozens of mules going the other way, to the beautiful river below that kept us going at every bend. It was so clear, blue or green depending on the angle, and the colors of fall were arrayed in the myriad of rocks on its bottom. After bounding across an epic cable bridge and walking through a small collection of houses, we arrived at lunch on a rocky shore right on the water, where several of us washed our hair in the brain-freezing water. The Nepali steep followed, after a Nepali flat hike around the mountains, and finally we could see our green, red, and yellow tents set up down below and descended to the schoolyard with a spring in our steps. All told, it was something like a nine and a half hour day, including lunch. God bless those tireless mules and porters. It was so cold when we stopped that Amelia, Brooke, and I just stayed warm in the tent for the little while until tea time. The stars were magnificent as usual.