We're ba--ack!

Hello all and Namaste!

We are finished with the trip to Wana for the health camp, and it was very successful. Many adventures to say the least. Currently Ellen and Melissa are trekking in the Annapurna region, hoping to reach Annapurna Base Camp on Tuesday, then returning to Kathmandu by Thursday morning. We all have to be at the Kathmandu airport on Friday noon for the flight home. The two of them left Wana this past Thursday to begin their journey to the western region where Annapurna I stands as the tallest peak. They have an ambitious trek planned, trying desperately to make it to BC in the short week they have to trek. Any injuries or illnesses aside, they should make it no problem.

I stayed in Wana an extra day to continue the health camp and finish seeing all the patients that weren't seen yet, since we arrived in Wana a day late (that story to be explained later). Jason and I returned from Wana via Dharan, where I met and worked with Dr. Malla, who is the Director of the BP Koirala Hospital Emergency Department, which is the largest and most up-to-western-standards ED in Nepal. More on that later as well. The two of us then flew back to Kathmandu last night. Tonight we leave for the west, also to the Annapurna region, but we are trekking up to Manang, where the Himalyan Rescue Association has a medical clinic, in order to meet and collaborate with the physicians there (one of which I went to medical school with!). I think the grammar in that last sentence is likely making my mother groan.

So, I will upload a few blogs detailing what's happened up to this point, with a few photos. I will update you with a day-to-day as I type it up. I have a 7-hour jeep ride to the trekking starting point overnight tonight, so I believe I'll have some time. Although that may depend on how uneven the road is.... I apologize that we will be offline again for 4 days, but that's the breaks out there in the wilderness. Rest assured, families, that your loved ones are safe and functioning, that they did a great job at the health camp, and that they are likely tired, sweaty and filthy on the trekking trails, but also likely experiencing breathtaking views of the Himalaya, peaks like Daulaghiri, Macchapuchare, and Annapurna, as well as meeting amazing people and wildlife, and pushing their endurance to the limits, all the while enriching themselves with the experience. I know you will enjoy the stories they will tell on their return!

Sue/Team