29 October 2005
Day 13: Gokyo Ri revisted (5357m). 8 Hours!
I trucked up to Gokyo Ri again at 10:30 this morning. I returned at 6:30 tonight. It was a great day at one of the most incredible viewpoints in Nepal! The wind was whipping on the two hour climb up which lent a kinda Edmund Hillary, struggling to the summit aspect to the climb (but not really). The wind died out around 2pm and I was able to read my Outside book (described by Billy Bryson as "funny, whimsical, harrowing - a reader's delight, whether you're lounging on the couch or BIVOACKED ON SOME WINDY HEIGHT" which I was (but not really). And its always fun to read about surfing while staring out at three of the world's five highest peaks.
Found some rocks which formed a pretty fantastic chaise lounge chair and had a nice nap on what I imagine is the most perfect spot on the planet. Lounged for a while then watched the sun set. It was grandidlyand, first brightly illuminating the faces of the mountains then turning pink and red and then finally creating impressive, though dark, spectrum on the sky behind the Himalayas. Scampered down in the dark after a fantastic five hours on the mountain.
I am now pretty officially on my way back home. I'm back down valley and should be in Kathmandu in four easy-ish days. Then a few day layover in Pokhara, maybe an easy trek and then its back to the Kathmandu for the direct flight to Palm Springs (but not really). Another good/sappy quote: "Ships are safe in the harbor, but thats not what ships are for"
Found some rocks which formed a pretty fantastic chaise lounge chair and had a nice nap on what I imagine is the most perfect spot on the planet. Lounged for a while then watched the sun set. It was grandidlyand, first brightly illuminating the faces of the mountains then turning pink and red and then finally creating impressive, though dark, spectrum on the sky behind the Himalayas. Scampered down in the dark after a fantastic five hours on the mountain.I am now pretty officially on my way back home. I'm back down valley and should be in Kathmandu in four easy-ish days. Then a few day layover in Pokhara, maybe an easy trek and then its back to the Kathmandu for the direct flight to Palm Springs (but not really). Another good/sappy quote: "Ships are safe in the harbor, but thats not what ships are for"
