Gangtey (Phobjikha Valley) and a Day of Rest
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Gangtey (Phobjikha Valley) and a Day of Rest

After three weeks, three countries, 40 miles of trekking through the Himalayas, and being on the go sunup to sundown, I decided some self care was in order so I stayed at the hotel to rest today while the group went on their excursion. Our lodging, Hotel Pema Karpo in Wangdue, was a lovely respite…

108 Stupas, Punakha Dzong, The Divine Madman and the Chhimi Lhakhang Fertility Temple
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108 Stupas, Punakha Dzong, The Divine Madman and the Chhimi Lhakhang Fertility Temple

On your way from Thimphu to Punakha, head to Kuenselphodrang Nature Park where you will see the world’s tallest (169 feet) Buddha statue. Made of bronze, the Buddha Dordenma, Vajra Throne Buddha sits high on the hill, is visible from the valley, and contains a monastery inside. It has taken 10 years to build and…

Tadapani to Ghorepani, Nepal – Anna Purna Trail, Himalayas
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Tadapani to Ghorepani, Nepal – Anna Purna Trail, Himalayas

The blossom is in the shedding -Naomi After morning yoga on the upper deck our group, ages 13-63, enjoyed communal breakfast on the patio with mountain side views like this: We climbed again today, our longest and toughest day thus far. Reaching 8819 feet above sea level by 10am, we climbed thousands of granite steps…

I’m Busy Sitting Still
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I’m Busy Sitting Still

If you visit Nepal, you will need a visa on arrival. Choose 15, 30, or 90 day durations. I highly recommend completing your application online in advance. The line can be long and you’ll be ready to not be in an airport longer than necessary. Print the completed application or take a photo of the…

Full Moon Winter Orchard Hike
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Full Moon Winter Orchard Hike

Tonight I (and 60 others) headed to my favorite apple orchard, Randall’s, in Standish, Maine for a full moon hike, sponsored by our local @PresumpscotRegionalLandTrust and guided by two amazing naturalists. The orchard had turned from late autumn rust and cinnamon hues to a black and white landscape with last night’s blanket of fresh snow,…

Heading Home
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Heading Home

I’ve had lots of time to do lots of thinking, meditating, and reflecting. There are no words sufficiently adequate to describe it all but here’s what came up: Everyday I’ve been in awe to be in Africa; how can I not feel the ground move beneath me, the gentle exhale and letting go of my…