Monday, the 29th. Titus and I went shopping today for more veterinary supplies. Many of these were purchased at the veterinary supply center, many were bought at the local pharmacy. Downtown is a mess, with helter-skelter traffic, horns blowing, dirt, garbage and LOTS of people. Clearly, I prefer the country and the mountains. We are preparing for a longer mountain trip this time. the quanset hut at left is our base camp at 11,000'. It is VERY comfortable and the toilet is behind the big rock in the background. (: This is where we will spend tomorrow night, then we will move on up to the higher pastures that don't usually get any Westerners, at 15,000' - 15,500'. This will be a 2 1/2 - 3 hour hike up and I am sure my lungs will burn, but I am already glad that I have been preparing. I am not the strongest hiker in the group, but the men seem to think that Dr. Bruce Sahib is OK in the mountains.
Did I say that the children were beautiful? I don't know if the blog will allow you to blow up this photo, but this is one of the most beautiful children that I have ever seen (besides my own, of course!). The man in the background was so pleased that a short, fat, white man from US would hike to his campsite. We talked for an hour of how we were honoring him, just by being there. There is a huge pilgrimage taking place in this area, where Hindu men and women (Yatri) are travelling to a sacred cave at around 14,800' near this area. (The Amaranth Cave -- this is where, according to Hindu legend, that life originated). Every day, this man takes his horses and goes to earn money by horse-back riding these pilgrims to the cave. Some say it is cheating, and that you should walk, but that is not a discussion for me to be a part of. The point is, this man and his family have a 5-6 week window to make money from the tourists, and they need healthy animals to do this. We have encountered a small number of Christian men in the area, and they are very discreet about their faith. They could be ousted from their camp or even worse, killed by some of the more militant Muslims that might be in the area. Please note the bridge we had to cross in order to get to his camp. I think it was one lane, no passing!! The water is glacier melt which is very cold and running fast and deep. CVC vet's please note the yellow 'vet' box that I built from scratch. We also carry buckets with basic supplies. Would someone call Becky Mcglothlin at Virginia Blood Services and tell her my hat made it to the mountain!!? LBW, I am going to wear my Virginia Wildlife one next, look for it!
This is one of the typical 'summer homes' of the Gujjar. Note the brush piled around the tents. This is to ward off bears and other hungry critters at night. The fire is just inside the opening, and there could be as many a 8-10 people sleeping in this shelter. We will be camping at or near similar shelters for the next several nights, and I hope to bring you some great photos. Please don't be alarmed if I don't check in for 3-5 days, I am not sure yet. I cherish your comments and your prayers. To my brothers Thomas and Kenneth, I thank you for your notes of encouragement. Us old farm boys are pretty handy with practical stuff, and these people have benefitted from their first glance at duct tape. It's magic the way it sticks and it makes a heck of a bandage for a foot!! I really don't miss a thing at home (except for you NLB), and I lack for nothing. (I take that back, a hot shower would be nice....., I am bathing in a bucket, but that is better than many nights on the ATC!) The next few days should be SWEET!! Andiamo!!