Hard drive crashed, finally got my computer back up and running.  School starts in 5 days, hope to have the new blog up by then.

It's amazing at how disarming a smile can be.  I watched a local man carry a basket full of grass that was 5 times his size.  As I'm watching in awe, he turns to me and gives me the biggest grin.  Such a zen moment.  :)

Just been climbing, working out and laying low.  Getting to know the locals now as I have put down roots.  Still feel pain as I go furthur and incorporate new routines.  Trying to get my pack sent up here and try to avoid a trip back down to U.P.  Plan to keep at it and prepare for school.

Non-hiking workout routine.  Invited to a festival out in Kasol, about 3 hours away.  Looks like something that I would loathe.  http://www.facebook.com/events/243990618989265/  I would be interested in just seeing how a festival runs here, but just not worth it.  

Life goes on...

Started raining for a bit it late afternoon.  Enjoying the change in weather, doesn't seem to phase the locals.  Life goes on.

Strawberry & Cherry Harvest w/ local handmade chocolate. :)  The local chocolate is not bad.

Climbing everyday, enjoying my super sweet setup. I love village life, people working off the land, kids going/coming from school and all the new farm animals that just came into the world. :)

New room is great. Windows on 3 sides with views of the North South and East side of the valley. Daily treks with pack are killing me. Pushing my body beyond it's limits has been fun. :) Took a needed rest day today. Off at 5am tomorrow to do it all over again.

Rest day today, chilled out mostly.  Found my new room just down the way.  The place is called Karma Cottage, and it is less money with a better room with TV and a better view.  Went into New Manali to eat at Chopsticks. considered one of the better places.  Ordered the Vegies w/ bean curd in black bean sauce.  Cruised around town a bit, pashmina sure is expensive here.

On the mountain finally...

Went trekking today.  Hit the west side of the valley.  Found a trail at the river in Vashisht.  Ended up going to a house that had tones of weed.  The lady at the house wanted to know where I was going.  I told her to the top and she pointed up and said not nice.  She was right.  I managed to probably get up another 1000 meters and then ryan out of water,  It was really tough vertical with terrible footing.  Obviously I was on the wrong trail at this point.  Decided to head back down and try another day.  I was super exhausted by the time I got back.  Next time auto rickshaw to the trailhead and ask around a bit.  It was 9km round trip just to get to the trailhead.  I didn't mind so much because I got a chance to take it all in.

Manali

After 24 hours, 2 buses and an auto rickshaw, I am finally here.  Checked into Drifter's Inn.  Such a gorgeous place.  A beautiful valley with vertical walls and snow capped peaks.  lovely waterfalls cascading over the vertical walls down to the valley floor.  For the first time I feel at home.  I think I am going to love it here.

On my way

Left Bhimtal for Haldwani.  The train did not work out.  I was 6th on the waiting list and did not make the final chart.  Opted for the bus instead.  7 hours later I made it to Delhi.  Arrived in a Bus depot and could not get a hold of any of the Manali bus operators.  Took an hour to connect with someone and find an address.  First auto rickshaw guy wanted 350rupees.  Here we go rip off the white guy time.  Walked across the lot, went to the next guy and he said 150, sold.  This crap reminds me of Africa, always having to haggle with the drivers.  Lame.  The auto rickshaw drive through Delhi is even crazier than Bangkok.  I think I am going to lose a lung or two.  Made it to the bus on time, off to Manali, should be there in the morning.

Finally starting the trek towards Manali.  Packed up the bag and heading up to Bhimtal for the night.  Trying to catch the Haldwant to Chandigarh bus at 6pm tomorrow.  It's going to be a two day bus adventure just to get there.

Woke up feeling a bit sick, not even as bad as last time.  Picked up some medicine at the chemist, now that I am a pro.  I think  am slowly getting an Indian stomach.  Drove to Rampur to pick up my papers, which are finally ready.  I am now officially a resident of India.  :)  I can stay 10 years if I want and even then I can file for an extension.  Back to the farm.

Woke up at 5am to look for animals.  No tiger, but spotted more deer, a mongoose and a peacock.  Feeling a bit sick, must have ate something bad last night served at the guest house.  Back to the farm, might try again in the winter time to see a tiger.

Went to Jim Corbett Park, what an experience.  Bribed some guys at the gate with whiskey, so we could stay at the government guest house.  It was a 20km journey on a dirt road that was meant for an SUV.  Luckily we made it in the Skoda, our trusty steel stead.  The guest house was amazing.  The forest came alive at night.   A collage of various sounds from the wildlife,  Gorgeous night for stargazing and trying to figure out what animals were out there making all this noise.  Went for a drive at 1am to the waterhole, hoping to spot a tiger.  Saw plenty of deer, but no tiger.  :(

Went into Rudrapur and played some pool to escape the heat of the farm  Picked up some diesel to run the generator ago keep the fan on during the day.  Electricity is now coming for just a few hours a night.  Super hot without the A/C.

Travel papers are almost done, got the money to the bank.  My copy should be ready tomorrow.  I don't really need it until I leave India.  Getting ready to bust a move and head up north to the mountains to get some trekking in.

Drove up from Bilaspur to Nainital.  Beautiful Himalayan mountain town on a lake or "tal".  Rode a boat in the lake for a bit.  Nice to be in the cool mountain air.  Had a great lunch at the Alka hotel, best meal yet.  Back to Bhimtal tonight.  Hoping to talk Vinkey into going to Jim Corbett park tomorrow to see some Tigers.

Registered with the local Foreigner Field Registration office in Rampur. Visa should be good for 10 years as long as I keep informing the local office of when I leave and come back to India.  Only white person here, so no lines.  Still took 2 hours to fill out all the paperwork and call the regional office to make sure everything is legit.  Just need to make a deposit to the bank and bring back a copy of the paperwork.

Headed into Bilaspur this morning to get gas for the stove, took 3 hours.  Still trying to get my wire payment verified for my Manali mountaineering class.  Back to my bank to determine what happened.  They did reserve a spot for me on July 1.  Only problem I think my visa is 120 days and then I have to leave for 60.  Going to the visa office tomorrow to try and sort it out.

Did some business with Vinkey in Haldwani.  Shopped a bit in Rodrapur.  Back to the farm for a chill evening.

Woke and got a little work out in.  Waking up around 6:30 now instead of 5am.  Quiet on the farm.  Hanging out with Jimmy and looking after Ronnie.  Jimmie was in heat last week and Ronnie and some other dog were fighting for dibs.  Flys and opens ores in India equals maggots.  Got some medicine and treated Ronnie last night, he seems a bit better this morning.  Jimmie is fine, my new best friend.  Today's forecast hot.  Electricity forecast minimal.  Spoiled Americans.

Went with Vinkey and his uncle into Rodopur to do some banking and went to the market.  I wrote down  the prices so I do not have to haggle when I am on my own.  Sopped off at a popular South Indian restaurant in Haldwani on the way back to Bhimtal.

Toured more of the Nainital region.  Went to a couple of temples.  I scored a 10/100 on my spirituality test.  The Saatal later were very nice.  Less development, somewhat peaceful.  Indian drivers have to honk their horn constantly when they are driving.  It was really nice to sit on the lake and chill.

Rest day still in pain.

Woke up early to horrible stomach pains.  Tried to tough it out to no avail.  Had Vinkey drive me to the hospital.  As I sat there and wanted to die I was administered 3 iv's, antibiotics, pain killers and electrolytes, I am finally out.  Back to the house to sleep.  Side note, India national healthcare covered everything except 10 rupees for the bed and 100 for my take home medicine.  Makes me hate the American system even more.  This visit in American would probably set me back 1-2k.

Just reached a major milestone in my life.  I finally made it to the Himalayas.  Hanging out at the Bhimtal family home.  Much cooler here and enjoying beautiful views of the lake.

Haven't seen a white person in days, everyone else seems to have never seen a white person ever. :) No police, no traffic enforcement makes for some of the most interesting driving of all time, coupled with lack of road maintenance. Enjoying life on the farm away from all the craziness. :) Oh, there are more woman at a gay bar in the castro, than at the regular bar in town.

Another day at the farm, waiting for some out of towers to come to the farm and try and talk Vinkey into getting married.  Old traditions in India are alice and well.

Toured the farm today.  Growing Guava, Mango and Menthol or mint.  Beautiful farm, very peaceful away from all the craziness of the rest of India.  Took a drive in the Jungle with Vinkey(Kirpal's younger brother)  Saw a couple of Muslim tombs, 786 is the lucky number apparently.  Lots of monkeys and weed growing everywhere.

Air India flight was great, hardly anyone on the plane.  Love it when the vegetarian option is available without request.  14  hours later arrived in Delhi.  No I just need to get to Kirpal's family farm outside Bilaspur.  Customs was a breeze.  Taxi was not there.  I have no numbers info or anything, waited an hour.  Had to borrow a cell phone and call them, lame.  Showed up almost 2 hours later.  Took another 6-7 hours to get to Bilaspur.  India has to be some of the most crazy driving in the world.  No law enforcement.  It is a tool free for all..  No lights, driving against traffic, bikes and trucks everywhere.  Crashed into an embankment, glad we slowed down in time, minimal damage to the car.  Kirpal's mom and dad picked me up at the local station and brought me to the farm.  Kirpal's dad was nice enough to bring me his homemade hooch.  Yeah, u can drink in the car while driving in India.  Had some food hung out with the family and went to bed to get some much needed sleep.

Got to JFK, one of my bags split, had to do a let minute sewing repair at the airport.  Made it on flight on time.  Air INdia Flight 102 bound for Delhi.  Thanks you so much Susan for hosting me and getting me to the airport.  Miss you already.

REst day and pack day.  Went through my gear and got it organized, I'm off tomorrow.

Went back into the city, hung out with friends, went to the bar and enjoyed what will probably my last taste of proper Belgian beer.  Got my haircut from Jen, so I can let it grow back out while in Asia.

Woke up in Bushwick and made the trek back to North Salem.  Down time today.

Took the train form Purdys to Grand Central.  I always love coming off a train and walking in, you just have to stop for a minute or two and take it all in.  Truly on of the most amazing architectural designs.  Walked down to the East Village, bought a bottle of Champagne and spent the evening with friends.  Good times!!!

Flight left SFO on time.  Love Virgin America, easy flight.  Got in late to JFK, need some sleep

Getting Ready - details

Leaving in 2 days for NYC, went to REI returned the Suunto watch which sucked thinking about buying Tissot watch but worried about losing it in India. Bought socks and lighters and adaptors, just miscellaneous details in getting ready for the trip.

REI Run

I went to REI today and returned the Black Diamond Sabretooth Clip Crampons as well as a lightweight PowerDry Zip and a Core. Purchased cookware and camping fuel.

Vitamins

Ordered vitamins and toiletries from Vitacost to take on the trip with me. Getting last minute details in order for the journey ahead.

Linens

Went to Burlington Coat Factory to purchase some towels and linens for the upcoming trip.

More Gear!

My Black Diamond Sabretooth Clip Crampons (Stainless) arrived today from Amazon.com
(sold by NorAm International Partners, Inc.)

Travel Insurance

Purchased travel insurance from Travel Guard. Always a good idea when going on an adventure of a lifetime!

Jacket

Ordered and shipped out - from TravelCountry.com - An Outdoor Research Maestro Jacket in Black. Vital for the upcoming trip.

REI run

Went to grab a Platypus .5L bottle and 20 oz containers, and a Whisperlite Service Kit.

Oregon Mountain Co

Ordered gear from Oregon Mountain Co today.

More Gear!

One CAN have too much gear for trips like this - but one can never have enough of the RIGHT gear. Today - my Outdoor Research Alti Gloves in Black were delivered.

REI

Went to REI today and picked up a couple of small items in preparation for the Himalayas trip. I'm leaving in less than a month and still have much to do. Getting excited for the adventure.

Crocs

Today I received my shipment of "Santa Cruz RealTree Shoes" from the Crocs Warehouse - got a great price on them too.

REI

Ordered gear from REI

ASLAM'S RASOI, San Francisco

Had a great dinner with friends at this great restaurant. Check it out when you get a chance! http://www.aslamsrasoi.com/

www.molliestones.com

Quick trip for some gourmet delights at www.molliestones.com

Intraocular Lens Implants

Today I went to have eye surgery - more specifically - Intraocular Lens Implants. The procedure went smoothly and I will need at least a week to recover according to the surgeon. Should be able to see without halos around lights by tomorrow or next day. Looking forward to not having to put on eyeglasses in order to see!

Vitacost

Today I got a delivery frmo Vitacost - with a bunch of travel size items like: Essential Oil hand sanitizer in Lavender Country Life Dimehtylglycine 125 mg Dr. Bronners Lavender liquid soap Emergen-C's Gardner's Hand Repair OXYGEN!!

New Big Lantern

Had a quick lunch here today - great spot!

NUA

Had dinner with friends at NUA Restaurant and Wine Bar in SF. Lovely place.

Sierra Trading Post

Ordered more gear today from www.sierratradingpost.com

REI Order

Ordered gear from REI today in prep for the Himalayan climbing trip.

Amazon.com

Ordered some literature and also some camping gear for Himalayan trip.

CampTek Delivery

Got my Microburst Orange delivered today!

Indian Visa

I was approved for and ordered my Indian Visa today - manifest.

No Way Back / Evenbrite

Went to go see No Way Back and Evenbrite tonight at the Mezzanine in SF - Great Show!

www.sunnysports.com

Stocking up on more hiking gear and equipment for upcoming year long voyage. Getting excited! Ordered more gear from www.sunnysports.com today.

Prolite Mountain

Ordered more gear from PROLITE MOUNTAIN SPORTSPROLITEGEAR.CMT for upcoming Himalayan Trip

Gearshop.com

Ordered gear from Gearshop.com for my upcoming trip to the Himalayas.

New Eritrea - Ethiopian

Had a lovely dinner with friends celebrating a birthday at New Eritrea in SF.

NYC Trip

Took a short trip to NYC to visit with friends got back in time to see Harvey in a rare appearance in SF.

Target Run

Went to Target to get some things in preparation for my trip to the Himalayas.

Gear and More Gear

Received my Compact Titanal Silver Adjustable Trekking poles and Expedition Shovel in Blue from REI today.

Visit with Mom in Albuquerque, New Mexico

Left today to visit with Mom in New Mexico for a couple of weeks.  Will have time here to take care of ordering gear and equipment and get other trip details ready.

Gordon Biersch

Grabbed a quick lunch while running errands in SJ today.