We are in the village of Na.  From a distance there is no difference between the scattered buildings and the ground they sit on.  Stone on stone, it is in perfect camouflage.  Na is an old summer yak grazing community that is abandoned in the winter but is used heavily during the trekking season.  The houses are dirt floored, stoned walled and slated roofed.

           The Tea House where we are staying for the night is dark and dirty.  It is no more than a converted herder building, without the conversion.  The cooking area has one of the few western fire place styles, (chimney) rather than the traditional pits.  Somebody had a good idea a long time ago.

           Dinner is steamed potatoes.

           The foliage as we headed toward Na had become distinctly alpine.  The trees are scrub not more than a foot or two in height. The river roars white as it falls over itself escaping the high altitude.  I have adjusted well to the altitude (15,000 ft) although my stamina isn’t much to shout about.

           This morning, just starting out, Dawa pointed out small herd of Nepalese Musk deer.  By spending a good chunk of time on my belly crawling up a rather steep slope and approaching downwind, I was able to get within 30 or 40 feet.  The sun was directly into the camera so the pictures may not turn out even so I used up a good half roll trying. I am on my fourteenth roll for the trip.

There is a large German trekking party staying in the yak corral.  The tents they are using are modern and large.  I can’t believe they are actually using hot water bottles.

           Tonight, because it is now freezing hard and Dawa has been cold at night (his bag is not cutting it), we placed his bag underneath and used mine as a quilt.  I wonder if one of those Germans would part with one of their hot water bottles!

           I sure do need a bath, and my clothing, a wash.  I hope Dawa can stand me.