November 20, 2015
Pokhara, Nepal
Dear Family & Friends:
After repeated attempts to change my flights home, I gave up and resigned myself to stay in Nepal until my original departure date on November 23. But, I opted for a change of scenery and moved to Pokhara, about a 25-minute flight from Kathmandu.
Pokhara is a small resort-type city built alongside Phewa Lake. It is much cleaner and less populated than Kathmandu. The single, main street is lined with shops, bars and restaurants. There is a paved walkway around the lake, which provides for a quiet, peaceful and serene afternoon stroll. I am staying at the Landmark Hotel, which appears to be the best in the City. I’m on the top (5th) floor in a room that shares a really large patio area with only 2 other rooms. I have a great view of the lake, and, on a clear day, I can see the famous Annapurna Mountain Range. My room rate is $45/day.
Last year, I spent a few days in Pokhara before my North side Everest expedition. That’s when I tried out paragliding and zip lining. Great fun, but I don’t plan to do that again on this trip to Pokhara. I spoke with Sharon this morning and she asked what I plan to do in Pokhara. I didn’t have the heart or nerve to tell her I’m mapping out new routes up Burke-Khang. The key is to find a way around those virtually impenetrable defensive emplacements on the summit ridge. Maybe an assault from the Chinese side? Take on the South Face? Or, first climb Burke-Khang’s neighboring peak, Hungchhi, and then traverse across the Col and sneak up on the BK summit from the West? Bring dynamite and blast away the cornices, crevasse and ice wall (no, I couldn’t do that to my namesake)? Rappel to the summit from a chopper? The possibilities are endless, and I love to dream.
When I’m done plotting a BK strategy, I think I’ll rent a motorbike and explore the countryside.
All my teammates (both climbers & trekkers) are home except Paul & Denise who took a side trip to Malaysia. Everyone is doing really fine, and I’m very happy about that.
I have a lot of photos and video footage to sort through when I get home. I can’t wait to share this with you. The views up the Gokyo Valley and across the Ngozumba and Guarana Glaciers were stunning; and Burke-Khang itself put on an impressive display of power and grandeur. The media won’t do any of this justice, but I think you will enjoy it nevertheless.
I’m starting to get feeling back in my fingertips.
Well, that’s all for now. I’ll be back to you as events unfold.
Bill
Phewa Lake
My private rooftop patio in Pokhara
Downtown Pokhara
Lunch by the lake
Our new batch of sixth graders would love to share in your adventure, Bill, when you are home! Wishing you all the best.
Bill,
Thanks for sharing your adventure. You and your crew are an amazing group. Safe travels,
Chuck
Dear Bill:
Eat hearty in Pokhara. It looks beautiful and warm; but you appear a bit on the thin side.
Your family will be delighted to watch you gobble down the gobbler on Thanksgiving Day.
God Bless,
Lori Hoskins
Bill I am glad you are down, safe and still on the look out for the next adventure. It all means you are the same Bill. Hope your fingers are good and love seeing the photos…we all wish to be there..this is next best. Hope your Thanksgiving includes some turkey ..somewhere.
What a wonderful adventure you have had. Thank you for sharing it. It’s been so exciting. If you are ever making a presentation near Burbank again, please let me know. So many people from Burbank are following you and anxious to hear about it from you. Safe travels! It’ll be a very happy thanksgiving once you are back home with you family. Hugs! Marian
Bill, I am very excited that you are looking for Burke Khang’s weakness in search of a future summit. Winston Churchill’s words, never give in ever!
Glad to see you gobbling up some sun and resting.
So glad you are safe and enjoying yourself a little relaxing and please put on some weight Thanksgiving dinner will be waiting for you to enjoy with your family eat all day can’t wait to see photos and hear everything as you explain such details you put us right up there with you
Namaste Bill,
Pokhara would be a fabulous base camp for the next assault of BK!
Trav blessings,
Rick
Bill:
I am glad you are getting some time to relax and enjoy the beauty that surrounds you. I am hopeful that when you come to Covenant Presbyterian you will be able to share some of the fantastic photos that have been posted on your web page.
You look quite relaxed and healthy. We are praying for your safe travel home.
Wayne & Virginia
Thinking of you and wishing you and yours a wonderful Thanksgiving Day, everyday!! See you at the HPS banquet. Lilly Fukui