21 December 2008
TH woke up in the middle of the night (again) while S slept through (as usual). We had our morning wake up call to signal the start of yet another trekking day.
We had our breakfast after singing happy birthday to Emily B and then set off through another moonscape scene.
We left town by following the road then stepped down into the river flood plains. The going was rocky and somewhat dusty. There was plenty of foot traffic on this road with burdened yaks, donkeys and other tourists. Our supposed 4 hour walk was over in 2 1/2 hours when we arrived in Jomson, the largest city in the region and the regional capital. We ordered our lunch and then went for a saunter while it was being prepared. There wasn’t a lot to see as most of the city where we were in is shut for the off season.
After a mediocre lunch we immediately set off for Marpha. The track followed the road and the river, and was very dusty.
The dust, the rocks and the wind played havoc with TH’s re-emergent cold and caused her a strained Achilles tendon. As usual with the intrepid trek our hotel was on the far side of the town and we arrived to find that we have a lovely double room with western toilet, geyser shower and a clothes drying rack.
The afternoon gales made clothes drying easy so SB and Russell decided to have a beer; soon joined by nearly everyone who partook in a beer, apple brandy or apple cider.
Dinner was served and was very good (not sure if the drinks had anything to do with that decision) and afterwards Emily B was presented with her birthday cake which was eagerly shared by all. This celebration was supported when Indra A shouted a bottle of whisky, lter supported by more apple brandy and beer, dacing, music and singing. This late night of revelry finally wrapped up at 21:30 when everyone retired for the night happy and replete.
