Updates From Everest Calonica Good People, Good Energy, Good Food Sunday, August 10, 1997 (Muktinath) Notes from Muktinath, and as the acclimating times roll -- one more beautiful day here. I don't ever think I will get bored of the Himalaya, it's just too outrageously beautiful. Good people, good energy and good food -- well, I'll stretch it a bit and say good food, but it takes some getting used to. This area is so incredible that you tend to Kagbeni: Hotel Kitchen forget all about the little things like the patches of cow hide in your soup, the ole leaches, fleas, deli bellie and not bathing too often. It's actually pretty interesting what you will put up with in a place like this that at home you would never think or hear of. I could go on and tell you of my record time without a bath, but I'll spare you the details. It's just simply too long a time gone by for one to want to talk about. I'll tell you one good thing about it though -- the fleas and leaches wouldn't bother me any more! What a bonus. Went for another walk today to the top of a peak about 15,500 feet high with Martina. Peter and Pawel did the same in a different area. It was interesting today, we went from the slippery muddy goat trails to Straw in Muktinath steep grassy nothing-at-all for a trail. Half way through the climb up this steep hillside the fog came rolling in so thick you couldn't see your feet. Pretty wild, but great at the same time. We made it to the top of the peak and just sat and listened to the sounds from far below of the villagers pounding the wheat with their wheat pounders. They look like a broom handle with a 3" wide by 14" long paddle tied to string so they can swing and whomp away at the stuff. There were about 15 villagers side-by-side going at it, almost could have been mistaken for a rock group drummer practicing away. Really nice to see, really nice hear. Tomorrow we're off to go over the Thrungla La Pass and onto Phedi, a small over-night rest stop for those coming and going over the pass. From Phedi we'll be going to Manang and on to Tilicho Lake. Until later, and ugh... take a bath for me. -- Craig Calonica, Expedition Leader [Back to Updates Home]