Tal (1700m) - Temang (2400m)

HB: another fantastic day, started the day temp 10 degrees starting to cool down a bit as we are starting to climb to the height we had trained in NZ. We crossed 4 bridges, one was an old wooden bridge John and I decided to cross. It was an optional route which we thought was a good idea. The mountains around us are getting closer to us and we are getting nearer to snow level! The views are getting more spectacular. Lots of interesting things on the way. Villagers breaking up piles of rocks with small hammers for construction purpose. Saw our first Rhododendron trees and they are just starting to flower, pinks, reds and yellow. daphne bushes are appearing on the side of the tracks flowering pink in colour.

CM: Lunch was the usual dhal Bhat very tasty and nobody seems to be getting sick of it yet but early days. Climbed 700 metres today some was quite steep and really gets you puffing. The accommodation in Temang is pretty good with soft mattress and hot shower , what more could you ask for. Quite cold this evening only 4 degrees at 7.00 but right now we are sitting around in our shirtsleeves as one dining room is heated with pot belly stove and toasty hot. Looks like Chinese laundry with all our washing hanging up to dry , cheeky Kiwis.

MI: the last couple of days there have been small marijuana plants along the side of the track, no ones tempted! Each day we've been walking increasing distances: 7km, 10km, 12km, 15km. Cool this morning seeing the new favourite, Tibetan Bread, being cooked over the open fire for breakfast. Also John found where the kids were sleeping ..... In a small hut above the goat pens (Harley/Anouk, and Louie/Hugo ages ... Maybe a good idea for parents!).

We had to check in at Dharapani checkpoint so people can narrow down where we are if we get lost! Opposite the checkpoint we had great views up the valley where the Manaslu trek finishes toward an impressive snow covered peak of 5,700m. This gave us some good perspective as our highest pass is 5,400m.

Along the track today we have also seen lots of fast little lizards, sunning themselves on the cliff faces along the side of the road. In the afternoon the valleys cloud over, and today an hour or so after we arrived at our place for the evening (3pm ish) the rains came, lasting a couple of hours.

We keep bumping into a nice French couple, and Rhond, they're coming to stay in Sept, and Harm is taking them diving. I'm relatively sure they were just being polite and won't take up the offer of some crusty old men!

Have been playing cards at night and Chris is da man. Rummy, 10's, 500.