In the late morning I walked with SF down to Ridgewood, where she was meeting up with the outreach coordinator and some students for a trip to a Gharwali village beyond Kempti Falls. Then walked back up to school, started organizing my stuff (as we leave Thursday), had lunch, took my nap.
After nap it was still so beautiful and sunny, with no clouds - so decided to start walking up ZigZag path to see how far I could get .. and I made it all the way to the chakkar! My 10 or 15-year old self would have been mortified that it took me over 30 minutes to make the climb, but my 70 year old self is quite proud of the accomplishment! In fact, I found it an easier climb than I had on previous visits - the 'challenge fitness' class I have been taking at home paid off!
The "Lollipop Tree" - a family landmark near the top of ZigZag path:
Arrived at Sisters' Bazaar to find the snows still out .. Bandar Punch straight ahead and the Gangotri massif to the east both very clear .. some clouds over the peaks between the two. So then walked around the back side of the chakkar and enjoyed the quiet and the deodar forest. I thought of MG as I walked above the cottage she had lived in when we were here in 2017.
My cell phone camera does not pick up very well ...
Back chakkar towards Lal Tibba:
Looking back at the cemetery:
Lal Tibba area was full of tourists - at least 25 cars plus a dozen motorcycles .. ugh! Walked on to Char Dukan and rested a bit with a cup of chai. Then took the path down from there past Ivy Bank .. I swear that path has gotten much steeper in the last 18 months .. and was so glad I had both hiking sticks with me! Then stopped at a fruit stall below the hospital and bought some oranges .. and made it back to the school about 3:30 pm with very tired legs & sore knees.
After nap it was still so beautiful and sunny, with no clouds - so decided to start walking up ZigZag path to see how far I could get .. and I made it all the way to the chakkar! My 10 or 15-year old self would have been mortified that it took me over 30 minutes to make the climb, but my 70 year old self is quite proud of the accomplishment! In fact, I found it an easier climb than I had on previous visits - the 'challenge fitness' class I have been taking at home paid off!
The "Lollipop Tree" - a family landmark near the top of ZigZag path:
Arrived at Sisters' Bazaar to find the snows still out .. Bandar Punch straight ahead and the Gangotri massif to the east both very clear .. some clouds over the peaks between the two. So then walked around the back side of the chakkar and enjoyed the quiet and the deodar forest. I thought of MG as I walked above the cottage she had lived in when we were here in 2017.
My cell phone camera does not pick up very well ...
Back chakkar towards Lal Tibba:
Lal Tibba area was full of tourists - at least 25 cars plus a dozen motorcycles .. ugh! Walked on to Char Dukan and rested a bit with a cup of chai. Then took the path down from there past Ivy Bank .. I swear that path has gotten much steeper in the last 18 months .. and was so glad I had both hiking sticks with me! Then stopped at a fruit stall below the hospital and bought some oranges .. and made it back to the school about 3:30 pm with very tired legs & sore knees.
