Secret Spot 7 Summits Blog: Tilman Trek Reloaded

Tilman Trek Reloaded

11 Oct, 09 - 17:39

It's Thanxgobbling in Kanadia...as I reflect upon our Nepalese Tilman Trek 2008 that started exactly one year ago. Now that I'm connecting to the internet via a terrestrial connection, I'm reloading some higher quality images AND some video! If you want to spend the next month and a half virtually trekking though remote Nepal...I suggest you subscribe to this blog! You won't regret it. It's as easy as putting your email address in the field to the left of your screen! B^)

**********

October 11th, 2008

Caroline and Dana and some of our gear! =^o

At long last...we are here. B^)

On the Twin Otter to Tumlingtar

We cast our eyes upon an ocean of green as the Twin Otter transported us to the starting point of our month long(+) trek. Within that 'ocean' are small islands of life. Dawa pointed to some new roads that were being built...routes that will provide easier access to places by terrestrial vehicle, that until now, were very remote.

'Too bad', I commented...and Dawa agreed...reminding himself of one my favorite sayings:

'Bad roads...good people. Good roads...bad people.'

The roads to this place were recently washed out...so I had to charter a plane to get here.

The Arun River from the Twin Otter

As we neared Tumlingtar, the Arun River came into view. Clean,flowing water reflected a rare fecundity...and I dreamt of a freshwater fish with my name on it. Hopefully I'll be eating...rather than dreaming...soon?! =^P

The Twin Otter at Tumlingtar 'International' Airport

We were offered buckets of tasty dahl bhat (rice and lentils) by our innkeeper. Dana's eyes said, 'Yes...please!'...while Caroline's eyes fixated on the numerous flies that were feasting on yesterday's leftovers (that were stuck to our table).

While I scooped rice and spicy potatoes into my cakehole, a fight broke out between our server and another local. The 'bone of contention' was a chair...and who deserved to sit in it. I was instantly reminded of scenes from rural Alberta...from my distant memory banks. No matter where one goes in this world, we all love,hate, fight and laugh. It's human nature...and there is beauty in all of it.

Dawa is busy with our 'staff' and potential porters while Caroline and Dana walk the (not so) mean streets of this little town. I'm listening to plenty of random laughter and watching goats pass by me...and I could not feel more satisfied. =^]

'Dice'

A bit of gambling has broken out. An industrious young man is relieving the population of their money...ten rupees at a time. It's a sort of dice game called 'Dice'. I notice shirts with Bob Marley...and posters of Angelina Jolie in sensuous poses. It's amazing how these 'icons' have become popular in a place like this.

I'm enjoying some Seven Summits Sprite with Dana and a few gracious Tumlingjarians(!?). One fellow described our libations as 'hot'. He must be referring the vodka infusion. =^P

Signing in with the Authorities in Tumlingtar, Nepal

Time means very little here. These people have EVERYTHING they could ever need here...and they seem to be shielded from the trappings of the 'civilized' world. That will change as 'important' technologies weasel their way unto the culture...and people will fight over cellphones and television remote controls...rather than a chair.

Que sera sera. There is no stopping 'progress'...and we might as well embrace it.

I feel fortunate to see this culture in this state...and I am very slightly envious of Tilman as he would have seen an even more authentic and unique version of these people. This sentiment is coming from someone (me) who never feels envious of anybody...ever. =^]

Regardless...we will soldier on to higher elevations tomorrow.

We are at an altitude of about 1000 ft right now...and we will be viewing the Himalayas from an altitude of about 18000ft in 20 days or so. It's going to be an 'up and down' kind of trip...so the 'bear meat' I've worked so hard to collect is going to leave me soon. Fortunately, there will be plenty of steaks to be had when we return to Kathmandu in mid-November.