Email from Fred Reynolds, October 8

Dear Family and Friends,

I have just arrived back in Kathmandu after 17 days on the Annapurna circuit. I had planned on flying from Jomsom to Porkhara but cloudy weather preventing planes from being able to fly in, so we trekked out at a brisk pace because my guide and now friend Jangbu had a baby girl. The Annnapurna trek combines Hindu temples high up where one would think only birds could fly as well as Hindu Stupa's and sacred 122 water spouts in Mukinath. There have been literally thousands of pilgrims going and coming to Mukinaths as well as people heading to Porkhara for the Daisin festival. I share the trail with herds of goats that will be slaughtered for the festival, as well as heavy loaded donkeys, porters carrying at least 140 pounds, and naive trekkers like me. The snow capped mountains are my constant compaion. I have moved through what looks like a rain forest-lush and green, to semi-desert at the Tharong La pass at 5400 meters. Other than a few sore toes, I am holding up well for an old man.

The people continue to be gracious and kind, some actually trying to crack a few jokes and practice their English. But what is ever present is the religious fervor-whether Buddhist prayer wheels or Hindu sacred water sites. This is a place that is close to earth, wind and fire in their daily lives. There is grinding povety but a remarkable spirit of friendliness despite the hardships.

I leave on October 11 for the Everest region and to deliver the polartec fleeces to Chericharka-Jangbu and Mingma's village and then on the Tenboche Buddhist monastery and finally up to Kalar Patar for a glimpse of Everest.

I send you all blessings - know that many people here are hearing about St. Paul's and send their blessings as well.

Take care, Fred