Day 15: Hiking and Workday

After a hard night of card games, we were pleasantly surprised to find the addition of mangos to our typical breakfast to prepare us for the days journey. The journey today started with our taxi getting lost numerous times. Eventually, we found our way to the base of a steep mountain and our ascent began. Shockingly familiar, the mountains reminded us of the Appalachian mountains at home, albeit with new bird songs above us. At the summit we found a flagpole overlooking an incredible view. The clouds shielded the Himalayan peaks from view, but we managed to catch a the shimmer of an airplane taking off from the airport we so recently landed at and will soon return to. After catching our breath and soaking in the view we made our way over to the Peace Stupa which demanded silence. The hot stone kept us on our toes as we left our shoes at the entrance. Unlike the other temples we visited, the Peace Stupa lacked vendors or a toll station, and had a solitary guard who ensured everyone remained respectful.

We began our descent along the far side of the mountain and stumbled into a construction zone. Wading through wet concrete, tip-toeing along the cliff's edge, and sliding down ancient stairs, we eventually found our way to the lake's shore. We took a short breather, enjoying cold refreshments as we boarded into two boats. Our venture across the lake proved soothing and prepared our appetite for lunch. Of course we insited on the loft dining, as we hadn't walked up enough stairs yet. After lunch we split up. Van Dyke, Blake, Thomas and Travis made a final trip to the Nuts n Bolts House while Giraldo, Bethany, and Cai headed back to Green Pastures to start the final assembly of the wheel chair...

Which is looking pretty good. Both the prone trolley and wheel chair work beautifully. I think it is now safe to say that this trip has been a success. We still need to verify that our tire patches are holding and and finish any final adjustments, but all our major concerns have been alleviated. Tonight we celebrate!

-Thomas

P.S. Blake deliberately ripped apart his insulin pump. He's probably gonna die. Not from the lack of insulin though.