From Machupuche Base Camp, the path turned sharply and continued rising, for no more than one more mile. It was a short stretch, but our pace slowed considerably. This was for a few reasons.
Nepal 95: ABC
Nepal
Nepal 94: Machhapuchhre Base Camp
We reached Machhapuchhre Base Camp before noon.
It was a bright, sunny morning, and we shed our layers all over the place as we sat outside and snacked at one of the area’s four trekking lodges.
Everyone was in good spirits; the valley took a sharp turn left at MBC, and our goal was finally, literally, in sight.
Nepal 93: Equivalencies
Our final day was destined to be a short one. It was only a few hours from Deurali to Annapurna Base Camp — nothing like the 8 or 10 hour days we were used to by this point.
[this is an ongoing series – 93 chapters deep by now – click here for chapter one]
We made a leisurely beginning, taking the better part of an hour to finally leave Deurali after breakfast. Temperatures were scorching in the upper valley. A facet of the lightened atmosphere, or simply the weather joining in on our ‘summit day?’ Impossible to say, but I found myself cursing my choice of pants every step, all morning, as we negotiated our way up the snow-covered trail.
Nepal 92: Insignificance
[This is a chapter from my travel book. There are lots more chapters posted on the blog, but if you’d prefer to read them all at once, sign up for my e-mail newsletter and I’ll be sure to let you know when they’re available in a condensed form!]
We woke up the next morning to blue skies and crisp morning air — by now an expectation, not a surprise.
I brushed my teeth in the brisk dawn, standing outside and taking in the vista while doing so. The mountains in front of us, here, were wonderfully staggered, creating an illusion of movement. Probably the movement of the glacier caused that, I though, before realizing that I really had no idea how glaciers worked. The shape of the mountains could have been the result of anything.
It was true, I didn’t really know much.
Nepal 91: Bullshit
I found Linjon, Saffron, and the diplomat’s daughter in the common room, as well as Anker, Ankit, and Linjon’s guide. Our lodge was a small place, so everyone seemed to be socializing. They all greeted me enthusiastically as I came in the room, and waved me over to sit with them.
thisisyouth 