The heights in Nepal are not to be taken lightly. The high altitude can definitely be a problem for many people. Everyone adjusts differently to the altitude as I found out on our hike. Studies have estimated that 30 to 40 percent of all hikers on the Everest trail will develop some sort of altitude sickness. Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) is the most common form of altitude sickness. Out of the 16 people on our trek, I would say that only 3 or 4 … [Read more...]
Nepal – What to Bring
Besides the medication and medical kit there is quite a bit that the trekker can bring. If you are going to hire a porter, put what you can into your bag and worry less about the weight. If you are going to carry your own pack you must prioritize what is really important to you on backpacking trips, and consider weight as a factor. If you are not planning on backpacking this list will still help you in your packing. Some of these items may be … [Read more...]
Nepal – Trek Lodges
There are lodges scattered about every 1/2 hour to 1.5 hours along the trail. Most of these lodges are merely stone huts that become less and less clean and inviting the further up the trail. All of the lodges are stocked with drinks and supplies. Often because of the less extreme night time temperatures at the lower elevations you could sleep in your sleeping bag outside of the lodge. Inside, the rooms are often upstairs. The beds are … [Read more...]
Nepal – Food
This was the important part of the trip for me. I like to eat! However by the end of the trek I could barely stand the sight much less the taste of the Nepali Himalayan food. First of all let me describe how the food is cooked and the process of a hungry tourist trying to get food. After a long day hiking on the trail you arrive at the lodge, more often then not, in the dark. There will be a few tourists or maybe none at all depending on the … [Read more...]
Nepal – Lucla
The town of Lucla is where most people fly to in order to start their hike or trek. The elevation here is about 9,100 feet and it is better to fly here, then to Namche Bazaar which is situated at 11,700 feet. I say this because it is easier to acclimate yourself to lower elevation. This town is fairly large compared to the rest of the towns scattered along the trail on the way to Everest Base Camp. Don't expect any luxury in any of these … [Read more...]
Nepal – The Trek
This is a short story about a 12 day trek I took in the Himalayas. This was the trip that turned me on to International travel and was the direct inspiration for starting Dave’s Travel Corner, i.e., this website. Sometimes people speak of “a trip of a lifetime” – for me, Nepal was that trip. Be prepared to read – this is a long one! We were delayed in the Katmandu airport for some reason. Our guide speculated that someone had paid more money … [Read more...]
Lake Tahoe, CA – Attractions
Donner Lake can be seen as you descend east off of Donner Summit. The summit is just over 7,200 feet. Donner Lake is three miles west of Truckee. The lake is three miles long and 3/4 of a mile wide. This lake is known as the "Gem of the Sierras" and is 600 feet in its deepest section. There is a public boat launching ramp at the west end of the lake with a large parking area nearby. Fishing is supposed to be good to excellent. The railroad … [Read more...]
Lake Tahoe, CA – Hiking, Biking
The following are hiking or biking trails we have explored in the Tahoe Area. As time permits, we will visit additional local trails and provide more information here. Angora Lakes These set of two lakes are located about 10 miles from Emerald Bay. You can either take a car or bike here. Take the Fallen Leaf Road off of Highway 89 on the south side of the road. This is a narrow paved road that skirts Fallen Leaf Lake (about 1/2 mile in … [Read more...]
Lake Tahoe, CA – Cross Country Skiing
The following website lists Cross Country Ski areas in California www.xcski.org/directory Spooner Lake is located at Highway 28, just 1/2 mile north of Highway 50. Spooner Lake is located 12 miles southeast of Incline Village. The offer 37 miles of cross country skiing. For more information call PHONE NUMBER (702) 749-5349 www.spoonerlake.com Claire Taappaan Lodge is located on Old Highway 40, three miles east of Soda Springs. There is an … [Read more...]
Lake Tahoe, CA – Tahoe Cedars Lodge
OLD! Historical Memento Photos of Tahoe Cedars (23 photos) Tahoe Cedars was for sale in 2009 for a cool 15 million: www.cblaketahoe.com/realestate/listing/2900249 Tahoe Cedars Property Owners' Association: www.tcpoa.org Update June 2017 - after so many years the beloved cabins of Tahoe Cedars have been demolished. We almost made it this past weekend driving up from Los Angeles - at some point we will revisit the site to stay … [Read more...]