“Don’t ask what the world needs. Ask what makes you come alive and go do it. Because what the world needs is more people who have come alive” – Howard Thurman.
Waking up early, 4:30AM, we quickly dress and head down to the hotel lobby where we’ll meet up with Govinda. Today we head up to Poon Hill where we hope to catch views of Dhaulagiri, at 26,794 ft (8,176 m) is the 7th highest mountain in the world, and Machhapuchhre (or Fish Tail) at 22,943 ft (6,993 m). No one has ever climbed to the summit of Machhapuchhre. It’s cold and there is no one up this early to make us milk coffee - bummer. The trail leading up to Poon Hill starts just next to our hotel. Already crowds of people, head lamps blazing, pass by on their way to the top. After making final preparations we venture out and join the ant like procession methodically making it’s way up the trail. It takes us about 35 minutes to reach the top, elevation 10,500 ft (3210m). It’s pretty cold, around freezing, and my hands and toes are getting quite chilled as we stand in anticipation of the sun rise. The sky is clear and we can see the dimming twinkling light from the last remaining visible stars. As dawn begins to brighten the landscape we wait to see which peak will be the first to kiss the morning sun. At 6:14 Annapurna South at 23,684 ft (7,219m) is the first peak to bask in the beams of the newly risen light.
About 1 minute later Dhaulagiri gets hit by the sun rays. It’s fun to continue watching the sun slowly awaken all the white snow peaks. By 6:25 the suns work is complete.
We stick around for another hour snapping pictures and just soaking in all the beauty that was just reveled to us. It’s a lovely sunny day with blue skies and white mountain peaks surrounding us - what could be better? A cup of milk coffee perhaps?
Back at our hotel we can finally see the view that hotel guest get. Yesterdays clouds covered it up but today, it‘s magnetically visible. The beautiful Himalaya’s with bright white snow covered peaks all around. The view is not as good as Poon Hill but, still pretty good. So beautiful to see, so beautiful to be here, so beautiful to be alive so we’ll just be.
We decide to stay here for another night just resting and absorbing this wonderful scene. Get onto the internet, get e-mail and just hang out - Farkel of course.
Today’s hiking total (up Poon Hill and back) 50 minutes, 2 miles with a net elevation gain of 1,100ft (335m).
Peace and Love Tom and Donna
Waking up early, 4:30AM, we quickly dress and head down to the hotel lobby where we’ll meet up with Govinda. Today we head up to Poon Hill where we hope to catch views of Dhaulagiri, at 26,794 ft (8,176 m) is the 7th highest mountain in the world, and Machhapuchhre (or Fish Tail) at 22,943 ft (6,993 m). No one has ever climbed to the summit of Machhapuchhre. It’s cold and there is no one up this early to make us milk coffee - bummer. The trail leading up to Poon Hill starts just next to our hotel. Already crowds of people, head lamps blazing, pass by on their way to the top. After making final preparations we venture out and join the ant like procession methodically making it’s way up the trail. It takes us about 35 minutes to reach the top, elevation 10,500 ft (3210m). It’s pretty cold, around freezing, and my hands and toes are getting quite chilled as we stand in anticipation of the sun rise. The sky is clear and we can see the dimming twinkling light from the last remaining visible stars. As dawn begins to brighten the landscape we wait to see which peak will be the first to kiss the morning sun. At 6:14 Annapurna South at 23,684 ft (7,219m) is the first peak to bask in the beams of the newly risen light.
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| Annapurna South at sunrise |
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| Dhaulagiri at sunrise |
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| Poon Hill sign |
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| Poon Hill tower |
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| Dhaulagiri and prayer flags |
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| Trekking crew on Poon Hill, Ram, Tom, Govinda & Donna |
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| View from our hotel |
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| Next years Christmass card? |
Today’s hiking total (up Poon Hill and back) 50 minutes, 2 miles with a net elevation gain of 1,100ft (335m).
Peace and Love Tom and Donna
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