Day 5 – Beautiful Day

 It's a beautiful day…The sky falls…And you feel like it's a beautiful day…Don't let it get away.  — U2

Sunday, April 6, 2008

8:18 am – Chomrong – Elev. 2,155 meters

I awoke around 1am last night, slightly chilly. I added my thin fleece and donned the warm wool mittens I had bought in Jhinu danda. I used the toilet, and unable to return to a slumber, began to hear a storm approach. Thunder roared through the valley, and with the electricity out, flashes of lightning were all that illuminated the landscape. Looking off the balcony – it was the darkest black I'd ever seen.

Stepping out of my room to try and record the sound meant ducking as a large bat spent the night flapping around up there. I tried to record the thunder on my camera. After the video session, I returned to bed, fell asleep and only awoke briefly at 5am. At 7:30am, I rose to continued rains – the first time we haven't had a crystal-clear blue sky to greet us.

It was nice to sleep in although Nima said it'll probably rain all day and the hot springs are too far a walk (3 hours return). That's OK, it feels warm and comfortable at the Himalayan View Guest House. I look up the valley from time to time and wonder how Gela is getting along – must be snowy at base camp.

After eating apple porridge and drinking a rich, tasty cup of milky hot chocolate, I feel good, stronger, more in the moment. I am looking forward to the second half of the trek at a slower pace.

8:05 pm

Potato curry and onion soup for dinner – a Twix for dessert. The storm clouds fully cleared out at sunset, exposing Annapurna South, Hiun Chuli, and at the very end of the light, Machhapuchhre. I knew this also meant a good night for stargazing. I clearly saw the Big Dipper over the valley to the northeast. Nima pointed out a shooting star to me. Amazing! Mohan and Gela are due back tomorrow afternoon. :)

Estimated Distance = 0km