The beautiful lakeside town of Pokhara is surrounded by hills. They'd be mountains in any other country, but being that this is Nepal, they are just hills. This fact is driven home by the two enormous peaks poking above the hills in the morning, before they go into hiding behind the clouds. A glimpse of things to come.

Mike has a big video camera to carry, so wants a porter, which I'll split with him. This will make life easier, since I won't have to carry my cold weather gear. Unfortunately, we weren't able to hire one of those cool guys who carry huge baskets strapped to their foreheads. We were able to hire a "helper/guide," though, who will carry a big backpack. Tak Pun seems like a nice guy, too.

Then I needed last minute gear: gaiters, carbiners, chocolate, and Tak Pun's backpack. We continued to gorge ourselves as much as possible on the mediocre food available here.

I never noticed how good looking Israelis are. Israelis are famous for traveling in huge packs, and the town is full of packs of them. The guys are all rugged and muscular and have long, curly hair. The women all look like super models. Super models who could kill you with their bear hands. There're all in prime shape after serving in the military for two years. And what better holiday for a lean, muscular Israeli than a month-long walk in the mountains?