I have made the decision to retain Dawa for the trip to the Hongu Basin, the last half of my adventure.  We get along well and it is nice to have company.  Also, the realization that the extra weight that I would have to carry may be just too much for me to handle has been pounded into my stubborn brain with each step.  I hope I have enough money to pay for him and the extra supplies that must be purchased.

           The trails are covered with stones that are filled with silica and quartz.  Some look to be pure silver as the sun flashes off the crystals.

           One of the Sherpa's made it with a local girl last night and Dawa chastised him because he is married.  Some things are universal.  Dawa certainly seems to trek the higher ground on moral issues.

           The 50 ASA Film has not been very usable because of the dark, rainy, cloudy days.  It has limited my picture taking and points out the need for a greater range of film speed.  Two camera bodies would have been very helpful in this.  I hope the weather clears.

            Dawa is drinking a lot, on my tab, and we are not talking water.  It isn’t that he seeks it out. It’s that the liquid fire is offered to him by his friends. In this country, since no one can afford to give anything away for free, Dawa, by custom, offers to pay.  Mostly local brandy.  I had some and it’s tasty stuff.  The apple juice is great.

           Despite the fact that I am a walking Petri dish, my stomach is doing pretty well tonight.

           Dawa says since I lost my father and he, his mother, that it makes us brothers.  Well, that’s fine by me.

           No dinner tonight. Had a big lunch.