Headng South

Today we began our trip back down the valley toward Pokhara however due to the nature of today's ride it was decided that I would sit out the first half of the day and rejoin the ride at the lunch stop back in Jomsom.  This morning's ride would take the group up to over 14,000 ft and the downhill was steep, narrow and rocky.  Instead I caught up on-line then boarded one of the two trucks taking our bags down the valley.  It was a fun, ride bouncing all over with Indian music playing. And then my truck got stuck crossing the river. We took off shoes and socks, pulled up the pants legs and waded out.  While they waited for the tractor that frequently tows stuck vehicles the other truck dropped me at the outskirts of town with my bike and I met the battle worn riders at the lunch stop.

We continued our ride to our next stop of Marpha. A vicious head wind picked up and the clouds rolled in turning part of our route over a particularly rocky section into a grey, dusty post-apocalyptic landscape. Marpha is known at the capital of apple country.  We had some free time so walked around the tiny town, visiting the monastery on the hill overlooking the rooftops.  That evening, with hot coals warming us under the dinning table, we had yak steak and apple pie for dinner. I also sampled the local apple brandy (not so great) and cider (very good).

Morning dawned cold and so began my longest ride.  By lunchtime I was ready to throw in the towel and get in one of the vehicles. However with encouragement from Paul and the other riders, I kept at it and managed the two hour downhill road ride. We passed breathtaking scenery and were in the deepest valley in the world between the world's 7th and 10th tallest mtns. With the non-stop ruts, bumps, rocks, and mud, I arrived at our next stop Tatopani completely exhausted but happy.  Tatopani means hot springs and they aren't kidding, they were hot but welcome for all the sore muscles.

The following morning was our final ride.  It was only two hours but after yesterday's ride, it hurt.  Our ride ended and we boarded a van for a three hour drive back to Pokhara.  This is Nepal so on narrow roads high above beautiful terraced valleys we bumped along dodging moving and stationary obstacles. We had to get out several times so the van wouldn't bottom out.  And now we are back in Pokhara. Laundry is being cleaned, we are warm, have wifi and other amenities.  It's sad that the trip is winding down but it feels good to be off the bike.

"On top of the world"

Yak steak in Marpha

Walking so the van can make it across.