April 12, 2008
Between the precipice and the falling rocks we journeyed by car to the lower Himalayas. I was pretty scared the whole way though the scenery was incredible; the river far below the mountains on both sides. Gorgeous! When we arrived at the little village from where we were to start our journey, we felt tired and cold but defiantly excited about being in the beautiful mountains. We began the first days hike with a stop at a temple. This lovely sadu with intense beautiful eyes told us about the temple a bit. It was nice to ring the bells and begin our journey with a prayer or two. I prayed for safety and no rain especially on the drive.
After we left the temple we began more of the assent. The trek was to be short, 5 km only. As we made our way into the forest area, bright red flowers bloomed on many of the trees. I thought they looked like rhododendrons. Our guide told us the name which was not rhododendron but later from our guide the net day we found out in fact they were. These were like no little rhododendron bush we have back home but sometimes giant trees of gorgeous pink and red flowers. And as I had been reading about Kali I thought of her roses and the color of her tongue. The whole mountain area we were in was in bloom and we were so lucky!
Just as we were arriving at the lake where we were supposed to camp it began to rain. A chilly rain. So we sat in the little shop that was there and drank chai while our guide and the porters set up the tent. Just as they were finished and calling us over the rain stopped!! Hurrah!! So we checked out our new home, bundled up in our new sweaters, hats and mittens, and walked around the lake. We said hello to some huge mama rhodi trees. Then climbed a rickety tower to watch the sun set and the cloud move over the snow peaks in the distance. Oh I didn't mention the snowy peaks. Well, there were mountains around like nothing I had ever seen in person. Huge looming peaks, some of which we found out were entirely unclimbable.
Later after a dinner the stars wowed us and we snuggled into our 5 sleeping bags and drifted off to sleep.
The next day we headed out early on the 21km leg. Our guide informed us he was sick due to his owe cooking but we suspected it was due to drinking whiskey all night. So we got a very sweet young local kid to guide us. The kid didn't even break a sweat going up the 3 mountains we crossed over. It was such a lovely, quiet day. Rhododendron forests were broken up by fields with butterflies and lady bugs. And the views were spectacular.
We arrived at the next village by 4pm. Had a bite to eat and soon after I was sick. Not horrible but my stomach was defiantly rejecting everything. Shawn was the same but wouldn't admit it until we got back. So our little tent was abandoned so we could sleep next to an indoor toilet. I decided no matter what I would attempt the final day.
I slept well, ate a little and got really to trek. Forgot to mention that we had another beautiful sunset and rise. So that day we were to hike 4 km up a snow covered peak. I was pretty slow. Our camera was out of batteries so no actually record of the assent. Again we started with the ringing of bells. The trail was paved with stones all the way to a small tourist village on the side of the mountain which was closed. Once I saw that village and had a small snack I got some energy back and took the lead. I had been snailing it up to that point. At the village we took a good long rest and visited another temple, before starting our snowy assent. At this point the snow began to take over the trail, so it got a little haphazard on our guide's part. We made it slowly, slowly and we arrived at the finally temple at the top with wet shoes and exhausted energies. But it was amazing. Chandra Siva was the name of the mountain and temple. We made it!!! Our decent down was fun as we leaped through the snow!! Elated and joyful for all our hard work and been given safety and great weather.
Thank Goddess!! Hurrah!!
Love and Light, Tonya
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