Melting - 31st Aug

 

The heat and humidity meant an extremely uncomfortable nights sleep for the team, “drowning in sweat” “sauna” and “laying on a hot plate” were phrases coined to the occasion. Nevertheless we tucked into a nutritious breakfast of tomato omelettes with mustard, jam and suspicious peanut butter not to mention litres of pineapple porridge. Weaving our way through the intimidating gorge rising above we were treated to sights of white faced monkeys as the temperature rose.

A tea house stop was required for the melting team mid morning as the humidity took its toll. The Sherpa’s and equally locals finding it hilarious how badly I’m coping with the heat. Two young Nepali girls found us all a great source of entertainment giggling and staring throughout our stop. Half an hour through the gorge we rounded the corner to be greeted by the sight of an outdoor butcher, a family of locals gathered around the carcass of a buffalo effortlessly stripping the animal of all available meat. The self sufficient lifestyle out here is an endless source of wonder, as is the strength of the Sherpa’s both male and female repeatedly overtaking the group.

Lunch was a culinary delight to rumbling stomachs, home made coleslaw, potatoes, fried spam and to the delight of Geordie a garlic chapatti. Clean plates all round with the team happily full, we set off post lunch in a drizzle of rain easing the humidity briefly. The exposed high trail was interspersed with many waterfalls with stepping stones to cross. Both John and Chris A fell foul of the stones ending up with wet feet, whilst Chris C decided on the wading method. Further round the epic scenery never let up as we descended into a small village on the banks of the Buri Gandaki. Much to the delight of local children Rob, Chris C, Geordie and I entertained them with smooth dance moves and cameras. Infectious laughter and beaming smiles of the children had the locals and us smiling ear to ear. Along the trail shortly after, Chris C and I came across some very nimble goats that had scaled a tree to access the lush green leaves.

A welcome reprieve from the afternoon heat was to be had close to the rivers edge with the cool air soothing our aching bodies. Much ground was covered walking backwards and forwards to benefit from this blessing from the Gandaki’s cool waters. A few suspension bridges and scattered housing later we arrived into Kholabenesi , a much needed wash was soon had down at the river, with gasps heard from everyone entering the cold waters. A mountain first aid brief by Rob provided us with entertainment prior to dinner.  Rice vegetables, chips and chipolatas were a filling end to a long day, notably the mosquitoes here have eaten extremely well also!

 

Quote of the day: “Sleeping in a sweat box”

Ben