Happy New Year from Pokhara!

Heya Folks! Yeah, bit late on the new years greetings, I suppose, but just getting back to "civilization" here in good 'ol Knee-Paul.... ;-)

THESE LITTLE GUYS ARE AWAITING IN EACH VILLAGE AND SUCH A BOOST TO TRAIL WEARY SPIRITS-

SUNRISE OVER THE CLOUDDECK, NEPAL STYLE

Been an awesome journey these last 10 days or so, going from the warmth, fruit and flowers of Tatopani back into the high country. Krishna and I made our way to Annapurna Base camp without problem (and only a little snow 'n food poisoning).

Twas an amazing place, nestled in an ampitheatre at a bit over 4000m, surrounded by 7-8000m peaks, including Annapurna I, still one of the most difficult (i.e. dangerous) mountaineering feats on the planet. The area is known for its avalanches, and tho the trail in is safe right now (very little new snow, espec. for mid winter) I was lucky enough to see a big avalanche high on Annapurna south.... very, very impressive, to say the least.

We were back down the mtn in around 3 days, stopping at yet another hot springs on the trip out (Sinuwa is the place name for those interested). This one less institutional, miles from the nearest road, and delightful for trail weary bodies!

ABOVE PIC IS ANNAPURNA SANCTUARY FROM POON HILL-

After a last soak yesterday morn, we hoofed it for the trailhead at Naya Pul, and caught a taxi into town. Where else can you hire a cab for a 40+ km trip thru the mts for $6 US?? Amazing, these drivers are, and yet again, we escaped w/o incident, tho I think Krishna was a bit white knucked for most of the ride (and the silly westerner was too dumb to know any better.... all driving here is complete chaos and trust in angel wings, imo). ;-)

I HAVE NO IDEA WHO THIS WILDMAN IS....

Anyhoo, we've been making up for lost calories and generally just bummin around Pokhara for today (and lookin for a warmer sleeping bag... did I mention just how friggin' cold it is up there??? yes, yes, perhaps i did)...

I must mention the UK charity Seeing Hands, a nonprofit massage school here in town that teaches massage (and really good english skills) to blind nepali folks. Made it in for a workover this afternoon.... so impressed! One of the top massages I've gotten anywhere. These amazing souls are truly seeing with their hands and seem to find all the tight spots without exception.... wow. I'll be seeing this place multiple times thruout the journey.... no doubt.

Lots more to tell, but wanna try to put up some pics, so I'll post again soon...

peace