This trip took just over one year, from the USA, Canada, UK, Europe, India Nepal then over to Thailand.

My first stop was the USA, landing in L.A for a few days then up to Washington State, staying with staying with friends, Tom and Jim in Wenatchee, which is in the center of Washington State. I met Tom and Jim through Peter, I spent about 10 days with them and their friends, and I had a great time. Then I spent a few weeks in Vancouver, Canada, staying with Karl and his friends, and in Port Coquitlum, Canada with Denise and her friends. I hitchhiked all the way across Canada to New York City. Then flew over to the UK for some work before going on to Europe, doing all the tourist sites, then over to India to see as much as i can. I have always wanted to go and do a trek in Nepal, so i did a 30 day trek around the Annapurna mountians in Pokhara.Then for my last stop was my favourite country, Thailand. Spending last few moths up north and down on the island in the Thai gulf before heading home.

USA 

My first stop was the USA, landing in L.A for a few days, then I got a greyhound bus up to Washington State, staying with Tom and Jim in Wenatchee, which is in the center of Washington State. I met them through a mutual friend, Peter, I spent about 10 days with Tom, Jim and their friends, and they took me white water rafting and trekking up the Enchantments Mountains.

One of many old cabin in Wenatchee, Washington.

This is the old western town of Winthrop, which is now just a tourist attraction.

Jim's cabin on the Wenatchee River, it was so peaceful. We spent a few nights there.

I was shown around a lot of Wenatchee by Tom, Jim and their friends, taking me to places like Sugarloaf lookout, Icicle River, and a few drinking hole at Lavenport, Katzenjammers and the Cougar Inn, and Tom’s Mum and Dad took me to the Rocky Reach Dam.

Jim and Lorie are getting the boats ready for a float and small rapid ride down the Wenatchee River; it was about 6 hours on the water with a few smoke breaks on the way, if you know what I mean. What an experience it was.

Jim took me on a two day hike up the Enchantment Mountains; it was about 8 ½ hours up and 10 back down; there are 20 glaciers fed lakes on the way up the mountain. Slept the night under the stars, (with a smoke in our hands), what a memorable night. The day we left there was a great big bush fire and that was Jim’s job, to fight bush fires and clearing trails for hikers, so he missed out on that one, sorry Jim.

The Enchantments is regarded as one of the most spectacular locations in the Cascade Range.

 Jim, just heading off for a few days hike up the Enchantments Mountains.

Looking back down at one of the lakes.

We found a place to stay for the night, no better than under the stars.

        Next morning, Jim is trying to catch some breakfast, in another glacier fed lake.

No luck.

A little ice cave made by the stream.

        Time to move, Jim is packing up ready to head back down the mountain.

Jim and me at the top of the mountain, taking in the view.

Jim and me at the top of the mountain, taking in the view.

Jim crosses one of many small rivers.

On our way day the scenery was magnificent, so many beautiful blue lakes.

More lakes, on the way down.

Upon leaving Wenatchee, Tom took me to the Canadian border, through the Cascade loop stopping at Winthrop, we stopped to have lunch and a few beers, also stopping at the Ross dam, and then finally spent the night at Bellingham to camp for the night.

        The small part of the range in British Columbia is referred to as the Canadian Cascades or, locally, as the Cascade Mountains. The Washington residents refer the Washington section of the Cascades in addition to North Cascades, the more usual U.S. term, as in North Cascade National Park. The highest peak is Mount Rainer in Washington at (4,392 m).

The North Cascade Mountains on the way to the Canadian border.

CANADA

Next morning Tom dropped me at the Canadian border to start my trip again.

        From the boarder I hitchhiked to Vancouver to meet up with Karl, (who worked with me during his stay in Australia). I also went to see Denise, (the Canadian girl who spent a year with me in Australia).

The Canadadian border.

 I spent around 2 weeks in Vancouver, staying with Karl or his friends, or in Port Coquitlum, with Denise and her friends.

  Everyone treated me great, the Canadians I found they are very similar to the Aussies, laid-back, love to have a Bar B Q, a beer or 6 and they enjoy their sports. I found that more on the west coast, in Vancouver BC.

Kitsilano Beach, Vancouver Bay.

Eric and Colin, showing me, an Aussie, how to Bar B Q up some steak, still not bad for Canadians.

Karl and I on his front steps, West Vancouver.

Karl and his girlfriend Kelsey at his house, West Vancouver.

Vancouver Olympic Center.

I stayed at the Vancouver youth hostel for a few days, down in West Vancouver, on Vancouver Bay.  

I spent the day down Horseshoe Bay, that’s where you get the boat over to Victoria Island. It was very relaxing, getting away from everything happening. People come from all over the place to Horseshoe Bay, for the fish and chips.

 It was time to leave Vancouver and get back on the road; I spent the next week or so hitchhiking across Canada, stopping in Banff, Alberta, Regina, Saskatchewan, and Winnipeg Manitoba into Ontario stopping at Thunder Bay and Toronto again.

Just a nice view of the mountain range in Banff

This is the Church Hostel I stayed for the night in Banff.

Wild life around Banff, just strolling around the parks.

 I left Banff on a wet day and got a lift straight away, he was going to Lethbridge, he seemed a down to earth guy, 10 min. into the trip he said to me “hey, that’s where I lived for a year,” as I looked out the window I saw a sign saying “Banff mental institution,” my jaw dropping everything flashing through my head, had my hand on the door handle ready to jump, I stopped and thought for a while, my bag and all my belonging are in the back, what can I do. But he turned out to be a great guy, very musical. Half way into the journey he asked me if I could drive, so I did, he sat back, feet on the dashboard, pulled out a plastic bag and started to roll a joint, sounds good to me, after the smoke he got his harmonica out and played some great music. Now that was one experience I will never forget.

   The rest of Canada was how you say without being offensive, oh I’ve got it, BORING, DEAD FLAT, NOTHING THERE. I got a lift from Regina late in the afternoon into the night. The sun had set, out in the prairies, no lights, black as black, it was the Aurora Borealis. The flickering light in the sky, with rainbow colours. You could sit for hours and hours without seeing the lights; I guess I was lucky to get a glimpse. The northern lights occur as a result of solar particles colliding with the gases in the earth’s atmosphere. 

 I spent the last night on the boarder in an YH. Where I met two English girls, a Kiwi guy and Norwegian girl, they were also going to New York City and we planned to meet up in New York. I had a quick stop in Ontario, Canada, to call in to see Karl's parents, but no luck.

The CN Tower, Ontario, Canada.

I then  went down to Buffalo, New York State for another look at the great Niagra Falls, before going on to New York city for a couple of days.

 Spending a couple days in NYC, I  caught up the other guys, but I was leaving to go down to Virginia that night, I had such a good time in Virginia Beach last visit, I decide to go down for a week, and met another great bunch of travelers, Tracey, Claire, Wilma and Ian. We hung out for a week down the beach at day, afternoon dinner, and then the pub at night. As I said Virginia was the place to meet great people, had a blast.

This is the view from the penthouse YH on 42nd street NY City, and it’s a great place for backpacker to stay.

We all left Viginia and went back to NYC, we were all going our separate ways, Tracey and Claire from England, Wilma from Germany and Ian from San Fransisco.

It was time to leave the U.S. and Canada, and time to get a flight over to the UK for the next adventure.

UK - ENGLAND 

I then flew into London for a few days to get organized, and then straight over to France and through about 11 different countries in Europe, some long stay, some shorter depending on who, what and where it was happening, I did the quick sights for the first few days in London before heading to Dover, from there, the ferry ride across the English Channel to Calais France.

I did all the tourist thing, got my sight seeing out of the way before i left to go to France. The Tower Bridge , London Tower.

Big Ben Parliment House

The iconic red double Decker London bus.                                                                     Buckingham palace

Leaving the UK by ferry to France, White Cliffs of Dover in the background

FRANCE

I hitchhiked to Paris; a friendly truck driver gave me a lift all the way. He didn’t speak much English, but we somehow we communicated, his job was taking goods from France to England. I left Paris and onto Basil, Switzerland, just spending two days to have a look around, then another two day in Zurich, then to Munich to meet Peter and Dani, I spent around 1 month in Germany, I had contacts in Munich and Northiem. I stayed for the Oktoberfest, and then over to East Germany, 1 year before the Berlin wall came down.

River Seine Paris                                                                                                                  Notre Dame

Eiffel Tower                                                                                                    Mona Lisa

Switzerland

Basier Munster Cathedrel, Basel

Germany & East Germany

Time to move on again, I left Demark and went down south to Amsterdam, now that’s a fun place. You know all about the cake shops or the cookie bars, staying on boats which are made into hostels, spent a few days on the boat, meeting some new friends and we all decided to head closer to the city, so much easier to get home after the hash cookies, Ganja cake and beer. I then got the train down to Paris, change train and straight down to Barcelona, Spain, which was another great place to visit. I really enjoy the Spanish hospitality and the food is delicious.

 After spending a couple of months looking and playing around Europe, it was time to get some money together, So I went back to London to get a job. I spent the night on the ferry from France to England, arriving in England the next morning.

I stayed at St Paul’s Cathedral Y.H. I started looking for a job the next day, I was very lucky, I got a job within 4 hours of looking, what a day. The boss was a Kiwi, and he offered me a little one bed unit to stay in for free, just around the corner from the site, on the condition I got the site open at 7AM, but the best about the unit, it was across the road from the Frog and Firkin Pub, it was great.

   Xmas was approaching fast, I had to make a decision whether to stay in London for another month (YUK) or move on. I had enough money to finish the rest of my travels and got the offer to have Xmas with one of the bricklayer on the site, so that was it, time to head north up to Scotland stopping in Leeds to stay with Warren for a couple of days. I got a bus to Newcastle to catch up with Tracy and Claire, the two girls I met in the USA, but they were still travelling. So I hitched up to Edinburgh, Scotland, then up to Aviemore, I then hitchhiked up to Inverness, it’s so easy to hitchhike in Scotland, I left Inverness and hitched  to Fort Williams and then down to Oban on the west coast of Scotland, it’s the gateway to the Hebrides Islands.

I got a ferry over to Larne, Northern Ireland, and then hitched to Bally Gally to find the Y.H. The next morning the owner of the Y.H. he drove us to the M8 to hitch to Belfast. We arrived in Belfast late afternoon, no Y.H. so we walked the city for some time and met some girls who snuck us into the dorm of the Queens Uni of Belfast, hard floor, but who slept. Spending the next couple of days checking out all the bars in Belfast, I then back to London, on the way I stop to visit the girls I met in New York three years ago, Tracey & Claire, just to catch up and have a drink, we spent the day at the Worm and Lettuce Pub for drinks then onto the Crown and Axe for dinner, I stayed the night then off to Coventry for a few weeks to unwind.

Time was running out so I went back London, hitchhiking to Bath,  stopping for the night, beautiful place with all the natural baths under the city. The next morning I got a lift very quick and got them to drop me off at Stonehenge, I spent a good 3 hours looking around before getting another lift to London to catch up with other people I met on my travels, and to have a bit of fun. I spent the last couple of days just looking around London, doing the tourist thing before heading out to India and Nepal, for the next couple of months this is what the trip is about, I can’t wait.

I’ve always wanted to go to Nepal so much this is why I decided to go there to do a trek.

After leaving Germany I went up to Copenhagen in Demark, whilst I was in the U.S.A. in 1986 I met a lovely girl Vivi, from Demark, we spent a little time together in northern California before we went our own ways. We exchanged addresses, so I paid her a visit two years later. Vivi gave me a place to crash for a week, we spent the week looking around Copenhagen, and over to Sweden for two days to visit her sister.

Denmark - Sweden

Amsterdam

Spain

UK

Scotland

Ireland

UK

India

This trip through India and Nepal was around 3 months from Bombay, then I heading up north to Delhi, then west to Agra, then all the way up into Nepal for the trek. Then back down south to Goa to relax for a while before going into South East Asia. This was the highlight of my whole trip so far, the trek in Nepal was so amazing, and India, well you have to see it for yourself, you either hate it or you love it. It’s such an eye opener to experience a country like India.

                  Back Bay Bombay, (Mumbai)                                  

Kids jumping off the gateway.

Beautiful country, people do what they have to do to survive, to us, it’s a different world, and to them it’s day to day living.

A snake charmer, that’s his job to make money, sitting for hours to make his daily wage.

  Haj Ali Tomb, at high tide it is an island tomb and can only enter at low tide, that’s in Back Bay.

The next day I got a boat from the Gateway to India, over to elephant island, it’s another temple of the elephant god.

Looking back at the Gateway and the Taj Mahal Palace Hotel.

The Taj Mahal Palace Hotel is a five star hotel located in the Colaba region of Mumbai, Maharashtra, India, next to the Gateway of India.

The elephant temple.

The Elephanta Caves are a network of sculpted caves located on Elephanta Island, (literally "the city of caves") in Mumbai Harbour, 10 kilometres to the east of the city of Mumbai in the Indian state of Maharashtra. The island, located on an arm of the Arabian Sea, consists of two groups of caves—the first is a large group of five Hindu caves, the second, is a smaller group of two Buddhist caves. The Hindu caves contain rock cut stone sculptures, representing the Shaiva Hindu sect, dedicated to the god Shiva.

On the left is the Hindu caves and the right are the Buddhist Caves.

This is a view from the top of Elephant Island.

Sunset on back Bay Bombay, (Mumbai)

 I left Bombay, I got a train up to Udaipur, 10hrs, the longest train ride ever. I met 2 African brothers from Kenya on the train, they are studying art in India. I finally got to Udaipur, I booked into the Hotel Sagar 15 rupees, that’s like $1, how good is that, had a beautiful view of Moti Magri Hill (Pearl Hill) from the rooftop. It’s so easy to meet people in India, travellers from every corner of the world, what a great place to visit. Two people stood out, Kim and Jeff  from England, the reason is, Jeff was travelling blind, he was an amazing person to speak to, how he could explain about the country in a very different way, he was so incredible.

Arriving in Udaipur city train station, the city is well know for the James Bond movie Octopussy.

The Taj Lake Palace 

Its culture, and scenic locations, Udaipur City is also known for its Rajput-era palaces. The Lake Palace, for instance, covers an entire island in the Pichola Lake. Many of the palaces have been converted into luxury hotels. It is often called the "Venice of the East", and is also nicknamed the "Lake City" or "City of Lakes, Well know in the James Bond movie Octopussy. On lake Picholia, the largest in India.

This is the view from the Hotel Sagars rooftop, looking over Udaipur City.

A great view of Moti Magri hill in the background

The exterior of the Udaipur City Palace.

An elephant on the grounds of the City Palace.

I went for a bike ride up to Moti Magri hills. (Pearl Hill,) on the way up there was many slum areas just on the side of the road.

Looking down at Udaipur City from Moti Magri hill.

One of many beautiful sunsets from Moti Magri hills. (Pearl Hill)

The remains of the SahastraBahu temples of the 9th & 10th century AD, This temple is on the Archaeological Survey of India's list of heritage monuments.

I got the train to Jaipur, trains are a great way to travel in India, but the seats are not very comfortable.

Camels and elephant are used as taxis, trucks or just everyday transport, carrying all types of things.

Hawa Mahal  "Palace of Winds" or "Palace of the Breeze"), is a palace in Jaipur, India, it was named because it was essentially a high screen wall built so the women of the royal household could observe street festivities while unseen from the outside. Constructed of red and pink sandstone, the palace sits on the edge of the City Palace, and extends to the zenana, or women's chambers.

The palace of the winds is a landmark in Jaipur, and one big palace.

The Ajmeri gate into Jaipur city, this is one of the main gates.

 I then got another train up to the famous Taj Mahal in Agra, where they make the best bang lassies, they are yogurt, milkshakes with a bit of gunga in it just to give you a nice relaxing buzz. Agra has to be the one of the best cities in all of India, the serenity is beautiful, at night it’s a whole different story the city comes alive with night markets singing in the streets, there is a wedding nearly every night on the streets. Such a great place.

I was staying at the Shanti Lodge in Agra, this is the view from the rooftop, with the Taj Mahal in the background.

Just relaxing in the gardens of the Taj Mahal, away from the hustle and bustle of the Indian street vendors.

The fort can be more accurately described as a walled city. Inside Agra Fort.

One of many Indian weddings, they just stroll down the street on horse back with music playing and people dancing, and donating money to the groom.

  Leaving Agra and got the train up to Varanasi, home on the Ganges River; also know as the Holly River. People come from all over to wash, drink, swim you name it, even shit in it.Varanasi is the spiritual capital of India, on the banks of theGanga inUttar Pradesh. It is often referred to as "the holy city of India", "the religious capital of India", "the city ofshiva", and "the city of learning". Some Hindus believe that death at Varanasi bringssalvation. It is one of theoldest continuously inhabited cities in the world. Varanasi is also known as the favourite city of the Hindu deityLord Shiva as it has been mentioned in theRigveda that this city in older times was known asKashi. 

        They have the Gats, which are concrete piers going out into the water, that’s where they burn the bodies then into the Ganges river. You sometimes see half burnt bodies floating down the river, people shitting in the river, while downstream other people are washing themselves, washing clothes, brushing their teeth, and some even drinking the water. All because they say it’s the holy river. You have the Bubbas who sit naked on the Ganges eat just potatoes and rub the ash all over their body, while smoking Chillums which is a little hashish pipe.

Different views of the Ganges River. From a boat in the middle of the river.

People washing themselves, washing clothes or just hanging out on the world famous Ganges River.

  As used in many parts of NorthernSouth Asia, the term ghat refers to a series of steps leading down to a body of water, particularly a holy river. InHindu traditions, cremation is one of therites of passage and the Ghats of Varanasi are considered one of the auspicious locations for this ritual.[4] At the time of the cremation or "last rites," a "Puja" (prayer) is performed. Hymns and mantras are recited during cremation to mark the ritual. The Manikarnika and Harishchandra Ghats are dedicated to the cremation ritual. Annually, less than 2 in 1000 people who die in India, or 25,000 to 30,000 bodies are cremated on various Varanasi Ghats; about an average of 80 per day. This practice has become controversial for the pollution it causes to the river.

At the Manikarnika Ghat in Varanasi, boats of firewood arrive all day to burn a high volume of dead bodies.

The bodies of the wealthier deceased are elaborately decorated prior to cremation.

Bodies are burned daily in cremation ceremonies near the banks of the river—sometimes, up to 200 cremations a day are performed.

As the body burns, last rites are performed. A water-filled pot is thrown into the air. When it lands and breaks, it symbolizes the escape of the soul from the material body and marks the soul’s journey toward heaven.

Rowing my way out on the Ganges River.

It just happened to be in Varanasi for a lunar eclipse, Maha Shivratri (the 'Great Night of Shiva') is a Hindu festival celebrated in reverence of Lord Shiva. It is the day Shiva was married to Parvati. The Maha Shivratri festival, also popularly known as 'Shivratri' or 'Great Night of Lord Shiva', is observed on the 13th night/14th day in the Krishna Paksha every year on the month of Falgun according to the Hindu calendar. It marks the convergence of Shiva and Shakti. Maha Shivratri is celebrated on the Krishna Paksha Chaturdashi of Hindu calendar month Maagha which falls in February or March as per the Gregorian calendar. Of the twelve Shivaratris in the year, the Maha Shivarathri is the most holy.

        Indians came from all over for this to celebrate on the holy river, that night you can not move, we were dragged into the police station to watch everyone prey at the river from a safe and less crowded place, it was bizarre to watch. The next day “poof” everyone just disappeared as if they weren’t even here. 

People walking down to the Ganges river on Maha Shivratri night.

It was time to go north upto Nepal for some time, spending about 1 month in Nepal, most of the time trekking up the Annapurna Mountains. It's better as you do a complete circle, no backtracking, always a different view.

Nepal

The trip to Nepal started at Katmandu, just for a few days, then on to Pokhara to start the trek. The trek was for 26 days reaching the summit of the Annapurna Mountains to 5400 meters, (17769ft) and temperatures down to – 40% with the wind chill factor, (fu….. cold.) BUT it was the best thing I’ve ever done in my life, and something I will never forget.

        The landscape changed every day, as you get higher in the mountains, and also the weather, the people have absolutely nothing, but are happier than most people in the western countries. The children have hardly any clothes snotty noses uncombed hair, but the biggest smile, and they are so happy to see people walk through their village day after day. Ok, so they do get things from the foreigners, mainly loose change from their pockets.

        Freak Street in Katmandu: is where most of the guest houses  and markets are, and it holds it’s name well FREAK STREET, man, is there some weird people hanging out there, lost in another world and can’t get out, or lost in their own world and don’t want to get out. Who knows.

A happy Nepalese lady spinning wool, and a cheeky kid, just having fun.

The Bishnumati River, flowing in the Kathmandu Valley, Bishnumati means the beloved river of Lord Vishnu. A few of the holiest places of the Kathmandu Valley are on the opposite banks of this river. Karbir Masan, a revered cemetery is also on the bank of this river, Bishnumati  is one of the most important rivers of the valley. It provides water for drinking, cultivating agriculture and ritual purposes for the local citizens. It has rich ritual cultural values.  

Bishnuthati river in Katmandu a holy river where they cremate most of the bodies, in view for anyone who wants to watch.

      Some of the guys I met at the Guest House, we all went for a short taxi ride and walk to the Swayambhunath Temple and the Pushupatinath Temple,  which apparently the biggest Hindu Temple in the world.

        Swayambhunath; is an ancient religious complex atop a hill in the Kathmandu Valley, west of Kathmandu city. It is also known as the Monkey Temple as there are holy monkeys living in the north-west parts of the temple. The Swayambhunath complex consists of a Stupa, a variety of shrines and temples, Much of Swayambhunath's iconography comes from the Vajrayana tradition of Newar Buddhism. However, the complex is also an important site for Buddhists of many schools, and is also revered by Hindus.

Swayambhunath Temple, you can see it on top of the hill.

The stairway up to the top of the Swayambhunatu Temple.

The view the Swayambhunatu Temple also known as the Monkey Temple, looking down at Katmandu.

Inside the Pushupatinath Temple, doing their washing.

  Baba Girri: India Vishnu religion holy priest, ram Hindu they bath in the Ganges river, Lal Baba has dreadlocks several meters long, which have been growing for over 40 years, they're smoking Chillums which is an important part of the daily lives of devout Hindus. The tribal leaders, called Babas and who are priests under Sadhus. They sit by a fire, eat potatoes and rub the ash from the fire all over themselves. Some weird shit happens over here.

A Baba (very religious Hindu) on the way to the Pushupatinath temple.

The main Stupa at the Pushupatinath Temple, Katmandu.

        We were breathless and sweating as we stumbled up the last steep steps and practically fell upon the biggest Vajra (thunder-bolt scepter) that I have ever seen. Behind this Vajra was the vast, round, white dome of the Stupa, at the top were two giant Buddha eyes wisely looking out over the peaceful valley which was just beginning to come alive.

  It was time to leave Kathmandu and head over to Pokhara to start the 22 day trek. Arriving late in the afternoon I found a place to stay, the Star Lodge, Pokhara, I met a great bunch of  travelers. The next day I had to apply for a trekking visa, I got a 1 month visa, you have to go through check points on your trek so no one will get lost, I was doing it all by myself.

It was a bit of a walk around to Phewa Lake, Pokhara from the bus stop, the main road to Phewa Lake where most of the lodges are.

Phewa Lake is a freshwater lake in Nepal located in the south of the Pokhara Valley that includes Pokhara city; The Lake is stream-fed but a dam regulates the water reserve, therefore, the lake is classified as semi-natural freshwater lake. It is the second largest lake in Nepal, Phewa lake is located at an altitude of 742 m it covers an area of about 5.23 km2  with an average depth of about 8.6m,  The Annapurna range on the north is only about 28 km away from the lake, and the lake is famous for the reflection of mount Machhapuchhre and other mountain peaks of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges on its surface.

The beautiful Phewa Lake, Pokhara.

I had to take this photo of a happy Nepalese family whilst I was walking around,

the  family willing to sit for a picture.

Amazing to watch them put a new roof on a house, looks like the women do all the hard work.

   This circuit is considered one of the best treks in the world, the road construction is threatening its reputation and its future as a classic trek. Yet no one disputes that the scenery is outstanding: 17 to 21 days long, this trek takes you through distinct regional scenery of rivers, flora, fauna and above all - mountains. There are four regions that are passed through on the trek; Lamjung, Manang, Mustang and Myagdi. Manang and Mustang are the higher elevations and are predominantly Tibetan Buddhist. 

        The trek goes counter-clockwise from Besisahar to Nayapul and reaches its summit in Thorung La (pass) at the height of 5416m. The route goes past the following mountains: Manaslu (an 8,000-plus meter peak), Langtang Himal, Annapurna II and IV, Annapurna III and Gangapurna, and, of course, Annapurna I and Dhaulagiri -- passing through the world's deepest gorge in between those two 8,000-plus meter peaks. Poon Hill, at the end of the trek, affords views of those two mountains, as well as South Annapurna and Macchupucchre, the "Fishtail Mountain."

        The trek also goes through Buddhist villages and Hindu holy sites, most notably the village of Muktinath, a holy site for both Buddhists and Hindus, and Braga, one of the oldest monasteries in the region. 

The trekking permit for Nepal immigration: the permit had to be signed at certain checkpoints on the way around the mountains, so you don't end up in restricted areas.

 I got to Dumre to start the trek by myself, whist waiting I met a Canadian guy, Pat, and an American couple Stefane and Ronnie. We had a good chat and decided to stick together until we got over Thorong La pass. We got a truck to the place to start the trek staying at most places we could, some villages we just by passed to the next, still taking our time soaking it all up.

Day 1; 790m   

 We left Beshi Sahar, crossed many bridges at Lumagon to Khodi, onto Ngadi, then a climb to Lampata to Bahundanda, staying for the night

The village started at 790 m finished 1310 m.

Myself on a safe bridge, Ronnie and Stephan on one of many suspension bridges.             

Ngadi waterfall, 1120 m.

Day 2; 1310 m

We crossed so many suspension bridges, some were safe and some, well, you let someone else go first. Passing another beautiful waterfall.We walk from Bahundanda and stopping at Chamje for the night at the Tibetian Hotel. 

Chamje village.1310 m to 1400 m.

  The Nepalese people just put a hotel sign on their house and you stay with the family, they are super friendly people. I love this place.

Stayed at the Tibetan Hotel in Chamje Village.

We came across a whole lot of marijuana just growing wild (yes, we did pick some.) And a whole lot of donkeys blocking the path, what a hassle it was to get through, seemed to take forever, you can see Ronnie and Stefan, not moving at all.

Finally, we got away from those donkeys, resting up a bit on the way to Jagat, filling our water up.

Crossing another bridge with this view of the river through the mountains.

        Day 3; 2160 m.

We left Chamje, it was a steep climb to a flat valley at Tal, we had a break then onto Dharapani for lunch, the it was up and down , finally stopping at Bagarchap for the night, we had a beautiful view of Lamjung peak and Annapurna II. 1400 m to 2160 m.

We stopped for lunch at Dharapani, got a nice picture of the local kids.

This is where we stopped for lunch at Dharapani.

Bagarchap for the night, stayed with a family who cooked a beautiful dinner.

Just a little further on we got this amazing view of Annapurna II. that's where we are heading.

        Day 4; 2685 m.

We left Bagarchap and walked through a narrow valley through a pine forest, then a stairway to hell, it just went up and up. We stopped at Koto for some pictures and lunch, then onto Chame for the night, at the Amar Lodge. 2160 m to 2685 m.

Just leaving our lodge at Bagarchap, looks like it might snow.

Another great photo of a local man in the village of Koto, he was just sitting there stripping bamboo down. I love his jacket.

Down the road in Koto we found a place to have some lunch, and more amazing views.

 View of Annapurna in the back ground, that where we are heading.

Stopped for lunch at Koto, what a view.

The town of Chame, where we will spend the night.

The owner of the Amar Lodge where we stayed the night, and the local store she owned.

Time for Pat to do some washing, mainly socks and underwear.

Day 5: 2685 m       

We all decided to stay the day in Chame to rest, we heard about the hot springs here, so we did all our washing and had our first wash in 5 day, everyone was a bit on the nose. Later that afternoon it started to snow, and snowed all night, most of us sat around and wrote some letters. 2685 m.

   Funny story about arriving in Chame, 15mins before we got the village we decided to fill our water containers up from the river, we put the purifying tablets in, waited 10 mins to have a drink, Ahhh beautiful fresh mountain water, so refreshing. Finally, we got to Chame after drinking all our water, got to the hotel, checked in, did our washing at the hot springs and had a bit of a wash, getting back to the hotel I asked where the toilet was and she pointed over behind me, it was a little shack over the river, we all just looked at each other and started to feel sick, you see we just realized we fill our water cans downstream of where the toilet was situated. We all had a good laugh, AND fill our cans up just as we leave any village, upstream of the toilets.

The village of Chame.

A Nepalese Sherpa with a load on. 

We found the hot springs, so Stephan and myself decided to have a wash, and do our washing.  

 Day 6; 2685 m to 3200 m

We all got an early start, it was so white outside, we stopped at Pisang for lunch then it started to snow again, just a little, stopping at Ongre for the night, just sat by a nice fire and talked. 2685 m to 3200 m.

Leaving Chame, snowed all night.

Ronnie and Stephan leading the way to Pisang for a lunch break. im right behind them.

Day 7; 3200 m to 3475 m.         

 We left Ongre, it was a short walk for today, just had to reach Manang for a few days to acclimatise. We took our time walking through Mungi Mountain’s, and then it started to snow so we moved on through Braga and onto Manang for the next couple of days. We got in early so decided to take an altitude sickness course 3200 m to 3475 m.

We left Ongre and had a short walk through the Mungi Mountain’s. Me with the village of Ongri in the background.

Walking through the Mungi Mountain range.

It started to snow the last 1 hour walk to Braga, so we stopped for the night.the temperature got down to -35 degrees that night with the wind chill factor.

The snow got quiet heavy as we arrived in Braga.

The Nepalese priest had a place to stay for us for the night.

We all got a nice dinner a fire to sit by for the night.

Then a few more trekkers arrived and stayed also, the family was so nice, it wasn’t even a hotel.

Day 8 & 9; 

We all had a lazy day, Pat and myself walked to the frozen lake and ice cave, and just to have a good look around taking it easy, as the trek gets hard from here on for the next 3 to 4 days.

     The next day I walked up to the big Tibetan Gompa (temple), just sat there for a few hours taking in the amazing view, then went back to the lodge had had a good chat with other trekkers.

Manang Village.

Pat and myself walked to a frozen lake and ice cave.

I walked up to the big Tibetan Gompa (temple), just sat there for a few hours taking in the amazing view, then went back to the lodge had had a good chat with other trekkers.

Inside the Tibetan Gompa (temple).

 Day 10; 3475 m to 4110 m.       

We left Manang and walked to Ledar staying the night, I was so sick and couldn’t go on, I went to bed early to rest up. 3475 m to 4110 m.

On the way to Ledar we stopped at another Gompa for a quick look.  

When we got to Ledar we met up with five other trekkers, so we all decided to stay together until we got over the pass. The others were doctors and nurses, just what I need, as I was sick as a dog, they pumped me with medicine to help me out.

Pat, Ronnie and Stephan, with the other trekkers, just sitting around having a good chat about what tomorrow will bring.

Day 11; 5416 m,

 We were leaving Ledar with the  5 other people, who were all doctors, we all went to Phedi, which is the place you stay before the pass at 5416 m, if you don’t get over the pass before 11am you have to turn around and try the next day, apparently the winds are so strong after 11am. So we all got settled for the night and had to get up at 4am to get over the pass.  

Views of Thorong Pass

Over the horizon you can see the little cabin, its where we will spend the last night before we head over Thorong Pass 55416 m.

  Day 12; 3802 m

We all left Phedi, a little late, 5.30am in the pitch dark, we heard some strange noises, maybe it was Sasquatch. Half way up I had to put my feet up Pats shirt, as I had, what they call an empty boot, couldn’t feel my toes and they were starting to go black. Took us 4 hours to reach the pass, so freaking amazing to reach the summit at 5416 m, we got all our photos and headed down before the winds. We then descended for 1 hour then had a good rest, then another 4 hours down to Muktinath for the night at 3802 m, Pat saved my toes, still a little numb but a lot better.

Just as the sun rises, a 4 hour trek, we can see Thorong pass, 5416m. What a magnificent view.

Going throuh Thorong Pass

Me at the top of the world, Thorong pass 5416m on the Annapurna trail.

 We had to get a picture of the 4 of us, we all started together, Stephane, Ronnie, Pat and myself 5416m, Thorong pass Annapurna trail.

The ten of us who did the last two days together to get over the pass, we all decided to stick together for the next 5 ½ hours to the next village, Muktinah, then we went our separate ways.

The slow walk down, gets a bit hard on your knees.

Once we got clear of the pass, we stopped to have some breakfast, oats and water and a chocolate bar.

Looking down at Muktinah.

       Day 13; 3802m

We all stayed in Muktinah for the night, 3802m, Pat and I decided to do the rest alone, even left Stephane and Ronnie.

Pat and I left Muktinah around 8am, 3802m.

We somehow had to cross this river to get to Jomson, the bridge was nowhere in sight, we found a way down and a safe place to cross, arriving at Jomson 2713m, around 4pm.

     What a magnificent view of the Annapurna ranges and beautiful view of Jomson.

Once we got to Jomson 2713m, we found a lady who was getting water, she baked some fresh bread and made us a cup of tea, it was like heaven after eating oat, nuts and chocolate bars the last 6 days.

Pat and myself are having some breakfast in Jomson.

       Day 14; 2713 m.

The next morning I wasn’t feeling the best, found a local doctor to get some medication, spent the day just looking around Jomson, not much, but found a great viewpoint, just sat there and wrote some letters, just had a very relaxing day.

  Day 15: 2713m

We left Jomson 2713m, and got to Larjung and stopped for lunch.   

Day 16:         

We left late, as it was going to be a big day's walk to Tatopani, on the way we could of got some great photos of the Annapurna range, unfortunately I was running out of rolls of film. Which i wasn't happy about. So had to pick my photos.

Leaving Lete, across another suspension bridge.We came across a beautiful waterfall, and a donkey trail.

Day 17-18-19:        

We got to Tatopani, 1188m, had some fresh oranges and great food, and met up with another Ozi guy, Darren. Stayed in Tatopani the next day went to the hot springs then came back and had the best shower ever, second shower in 18 days, then back to do some washing, and sat around just relaxing.

 The next day we left Tatopani, Darren came with us also. We climbed back up to 1920m, to Sikha, had some lunch, then climbed up to Chitre 2316m, and stayed the night.

Got a great photo of the Annapurna ranges at Chitre.

Day 20-21-22:        

The end of the trek, the last few days there wasn’t much to see, we stayed at Poon hill for a night, then onto Birethanti for the night, 1563m, the last day we stopped at Ulliers for lunch the a short walk to Pokhara, our 22 day trek is done.

You can see how bad my feet were after the minor case of frostbite, my toes were numb for around 4 months, by the time I got home to Australia I got my feeling back, it was worth every minute of the trek.

Pat, Darren and myself met up with Stephane and Ronnie again, so we all decided to take a sail boat out on Pokhara Lake for the day.

       We all had a great time, but its time to go our own way now, Darren and I traveled together for some time we went back in India and worked our way down to Goa, just to relax for a while.

India

Time to leave Nepal, left Pokhara in the early morning on the bus to Sunuli on the Indian boarder, and another short bus trip to Gorakapur, the bus trip was HELL, had to stand up for 3 hrs bus was absolutely packed. Finally got a train ticket to Lucknow, it was a night train so I could have a nice sleep (yeah right have you been on an Indian train). Then straight to Delhi to renew my visa, spending 4 days looking around New and Old Delhi, down to Mumbai, then down to Goa for 10 days to relax before going back to Mumbai to fly out to Singapore.

  I stayed at Ghandi’s Lodge in New Delhi. The next day we just walked around the city, I posted all my winter clothes back home, as I will be going to the warmer countries. I went to the Thai embassy to get a 3 month visa, then I spent most of the afternoon walking around Safdarjang’s Tomb, and Lodi Tomb New Delhi.  

New Delhi 

Safdarjang’s Tomb.

 Darren and myself booked a train to Mumbai, spend the day at the Red Fort in Old Delhi, the largest Mosque in India.

Where is a taxi when you need one?

The Red Fort Old Delhi.

  If you look at the picture below, you can see a water canal up to the fort, well coming back to India from Nepal, Nepal was so quiet, peaceful, now back in India it was HELL. So we were walking up to the fort and on the sides, they had markets, and in the middle was this canal, with disgusting water, shit floating in it, anyways, this young Indian man kept on asking me if I need a taxi, I kept on saying NO, by the way he was on a 3 wheel bike as the taxi, he rode passed again turned around, he then came straight to me, at the last minute he swerved away, then came up from behind me and hit me in the back of the head. This happened 2 times, so on the next time he came at me as he swerved, I grabbed the bike and tipped it over into the canal, everyone had a good laugh, But not him, he got out ran to a stall in the markets and grabbed a pair of garden shears and yelling out, (I’m going to fucking kill you), so, as you would, I ran like hell to the fort to the temple, lucky it was a temple not of his religion so he couldn’t enter. Darren and I ran to the top and just sat up there for 2 good hours while he was down the bottom waiting. After a while he disappeared so we got the hell out of that area. I have never been so scared in my life.

I could see the NEWS HEADLINES FOREIGNER KILLED WITH GARDEN SHEARS AT RED FORT, BY ANGRY YOUNG INDIAN MAN.

Don’t get me wrong India is a beautiful place, like everywhere, its just that one incident.

From the top of the temple, you can see the markets and water canal in this picture.

Darren, (who I met on the way down from Nepal,) we booked a ticket to Mumbai to go down south to Goa, it was an 18 hour overnight bus, we just wanted to relax by the ocean for a few days, just to get away from the hustle and bustle of the big cities.

      Benaulim Beach Goa.

Time to get a nice shave.

   Got to Benaulim Beach, found a guesthouse, got the last room. The American navy ships were  offshore, so the prices double.

Just relaxing. Benaulim Beach guest house Goa, Darren, deciding what to do.

The ladies walk along the beach to buy the catch of the day, fresh fish.

They bring in fish on the beach every morning.

He cooked a mean fish with Goan curry sauce.

 We got up early and went to Benaulim beach to get a motorbike, we rode into Margoa then went north to Panajim, to Old Goa. We had to get ferried across many waterways, from Old Goa to the Mandovi river to get a ferry to Divar Island. Goa has many tiny islands, you can go across with this so called ferry system, and it didn’t look too safe but the Indians use so we tried it, and survived once again. 

The Chapora Fort.

 Main town Margoa, it took Darren around 3 hrs to fill a form to send a parcel back to Australia, it was so funny.

The markets in Margoa

 Just waiting for the ferry.

Approaching the other side, we made safe and sound.

We came across this old church on Divar Island

Mr and Mrs Matheus, in the back yard, we stayed in the house, they moved the daughter into their room so we had hers.

Mr and Mrs Matheus daughter

Mr and Mrs Matheus daughter and son.

         We got back and spent the next 4 days doing nothing, getting ready for the train back to Mumbai, then I flew to Singapore and Darren went home to Australia.

Thailand

  I arrived in Singapore, just spent the night, then hitchhiked up the east coast of Malaysia, stopping at Cherating Bay, to see an old friend; he has now sold up and moved on, so I did as well. i got to Bangkok, just spending a few days there,I then  went straight up north to Chiang Mai, as Bangkok is way too crowded and polluted for me. I staying just over 1 week with a friend, Dim, doing 4 day trek. I left the north of Thailand and went straight down south to the Islands in the Thai gulf, where I was to meet up with some friends. Spending about 11 weeks on the islands, it was heaven, white sand, crystal clear water at every beach, it was my end of the trip so I just sat back, relaxed, did some fishing smoke a bit, swam, and helped Mr. Rod on the coconut farm, he gave me a little house up the back, away from everyone, I could have stayed another 11 weeks. I met so many people from all around the world, watching them come and go new faces every week, a few exceptions, Rachel and a few others who stayed a long time also with me; we ended up very close friend to this day.

         I was staying at C.H. Guest house in Khao San Banglangpoo, just happen to walk out and I ran into Donna, (Canadian) again, we stayed at the same place in Agra, India and also in Pokhara, Nepal, and Rob, (Ozi) whom I met in Delhi, India, Donna then told me she was staying at C.H. Guest house also.

Spent a good week looking around Chiang Mai, and doing a trek.

Donna, Rob and Byron. On our way to the Culture Centre for the day.

The dragon stairs up to Doi Sutep temple, a hell of a walk but on a clear day, what a view.

Doi Dutep Temple

A beautiful Thai girl in traditional Akha hill tribe clothes, whom I met on the way up to the waterfall and swimming hole.

All the young children come out to see the Falang, (foreigners).

 Khao San Guest House Chiang Mai.

 The first trek, first stop was the Meo Village, which was a 4 hour walk, day 2 was a ½ hour walk 3 ½ elephant ride with ½ hour walk after the elephant ride to the Karen Village, day 3, 4 ½ raft ride down the Mekong river to Shan village and the last day a 3 hour walk to another Akha village to get our ride back. this was the 1st 4 day trek i did. One of many treks.

    Day 1.

                 A few hours in we came across a water hole, so it was time for a swim, Sumbut was first in.

Dim at the first village for the night (Meo Village). Dim was the owner of Northern Treks Thailand, she came on a few treks with us.

Watching the sunset over the Myanmar (Burmese) mountains. Such friendly people, they just take you in for the night.

Day 2

 Next morning we headed off early to go to a small village, a  3hr walk, to get the elephants then we rode to the Karen village 3 ½ hrs by elephant (1hrs walk).

They are just cooling down the elephants and giving them a wash.

I got the best seat, Dim let me ride on the neck most of the time, it’s much more comfortable, special for 3 ½ hrs.

Our next place of stay, the Karen village.

       Arriving at the Karen village around 3.30pm, so enough time have a good look around, what a beautiful country. The Karen people make the rafts for the next journey down the Tang River to the Shan village, there they wait to take the rafts apart, take them back to their village and make them again for the next group to come through.

Just went for a walk, another part of the Karen village.

We all had a swim and a wash in the Tang River.

They are making the rafts for our next adventure down the Tang river.

Day 3.

Woke up the next morning with the local puppy asleep on my stomach, got up, had some breakfast then a 4 ½ hr raft ride down the Tang River, beautiful day and had heaps of fun on the way. On the way we spotted a river snake, so Jomson jumped in and belted it with his bamboo pole, so chilli snake soup for entrée that night, it was very nice

On our way down the Mae Tang River.

Dim got the raft stuck, just for a short time

Carlos and myself trying to navigate the Mae Tang river, we did good, no one overboard yet.

Just taking a small break, drifting down the Tang River.

Arriving at the Shan village, this village was so picturesque, I actually took quite a few pics here, with the new huts built right on the river high up so in the wet season they are still high and dry

Arriving at the Shan village.

Day 4.

The last day! We walked from the Shan village up to the Akha village where Sumbut’s mum and daughter met us, we then walk to his village, to look around.

Arriving at the Akha village.

Akah Village locals trying to sell things, just to make a living.

Akah Village locals trying to sell things, just to make a living.

Subut and his family

Akah Village locals trying to sell things, just to make a living. 

Sumbuts brother

It was time to say goodbye to Chiang Mai for a while, so up time to head further north to the golden triangle for a few days, so peaceful and relaxing. Northern Thailand would be one of my favorite places to go I just love the people, food and the smell in the air. Stayed in Chiang Mai for the night before heading up north.

Picture of the moat around the old Chiang Mai city.

I arrived in Chiang Rai around 1pm stayed at the Country Guest House, for the night, got a push-bike and rode around town to find a bar, and a place to hire a motorbike so I could ride up to Chiang Sean, the Golden Triangle. Yes, I found both, the Banana Leaf Bar run by a Canadian, I sat down and had a few drinks with him and for some tips, and he was very helpful.

The next day I arrived at Chiang Sean and found the Golden Hut Guest House, it had some great views from the guest house.

The Golden Triangle.

Local girls get dressed up for photos for tourist.

Boot, Ban and his sister, from the guest house took me on the Mekong river up to Bulla a Laos village, BUT we couldn’t get out of the boat the had patrols guards everywhere with guns.

You can see the guest house in background of the picture.

From the guest house, I walked to the waters edge where the Ruak river meets the Mekong river.

The views from the Golden Hut Guest House, as the sunrise.

On the way back, I spent few hours shopping in Burma (Myanmar) at Mai Sai.

I rode back to Chiang Rai, then got the bus back to Chiang Mai for the next week hitting the bars.

One of my favourite bars, The Love Bird Bar. The local singer, he sang a lot of old songs.

He got me up to sing Proud Mary, a old CCR song.

Another favourite bar for dinner, Dim and Nok, the Peacock Bar.

Ning and Noi, also at the Peacock bar.

I left Chiang Mai and got a night train to Bangkok, then another night train to Surrat Thani, and then a bus to Don Sak, where the ferry leaves from to go to Koh Samui. It's time to relax on the Islands. First stop was Lamai beach in Koh Samui then over to Koh Phangan, Koh Tao and Koh Nang Yuan. Great Islands.

Koh Samui was the place to go in the 80”s, plenty of bars, girls, magic mushrooms, ganja you name it: it was there, and of course friendly Thai people. Every night there was something happening, on the beach all day smoking, having mushrooms for lunch and dinner, then going out drinking at night, 5 days of this, time to move on.

I met a German friend in the USA in 1986, we decided to catch up again in Koh Samui, at Lamai Noi Beach.

Lamai Noi beach Koh Samui.

Peter and his girlfriend Dani, the German guy i met in the USA ,at Lamai Noi Beach.

It was time to head over to the next Island, Koh Phangan, we got a taxi to Nathon and ferry over to Koh Phangan, now this island is more relaxed, not like Samui, unless you go to Had Rin, that’s where all the drug addicts stay, so it’s a no for me. We were met by all the Thai people on the ferry trying to get everyone to their bungalows; we decided to go to OK Bungalows on Hin Kong beach, the west side of the Island. We met a Canadian girl Susan, we all wanted to go to the other Island. So we went to Koh Tao for the day just a day trip not many places to stay, and the beaches are all rocky, very good for scuba diving. Spent the day on Had Sai Dang, the next day we went to see another beach, but all rock, so we then went to Koh Nang Yuan, we stayed 1 week. Koh Nang Yuan is one of only two places in the world where three Islands at high tide and low tide the become one Island, such a beautiful place.

The Rocky Rest Bungalows, Haad Sai Dang, Koh Tao.

View from my bungalow for the night, The Rocky Rest Bungalows.

Peter and Dani, on the verandah, Koh Tao.

Lek, the boat driver took us to Tanot bay, unfortunately they had no bungalows, so we went further around to Aow Leuk at Chumnan Beach, only 3 bungalows, and were all full, we stayed the day then we all went back to Mae Hut to  get another boat to Koh Nang Yuan.

Aow Leuk at Chumnan Beach.

On our way to back to Mae Haad on the longtail boat.

Koh Nang Yuan

It was so peaceful here, we decided to stay for a week, simple little bungalows right on the beach.I was told that this is one of three places in the world, that at low tide its one Island, and at high tide they become three separate Islands.

This place is amazing the restaurant on one island and the bungalows on the other, so at high tide you have to walk in water half way up your leg at times, just to get to the restaurant for dinner. Oh, and you can’t see a thing unless you have moon light.(or a torch)

View from our bungalows, Koh Nang Yuan.

My bungalow, Peter and Dani had the one on the right.

I stayed in the bungalow on the left with blue and whit hammock.

We went for a walk to the top rock to get some photos. Me on the top rock with a great view of the Island.

Peter on the lower rock, also with a great view.

Time for a smoke.

Peter and myself relaxing on his verandah.

The owner of Koh Nang Yuan.

Well, that week went quick, it was time to go back to bottle beach, Koh Phangan, Susan, Peter, Dani and myself. When we got there it was full down on the beach, we were forced to stay at OD Bungalows on the rock, nice bungalows, Susan and I shared to save some money.

The next 2 months I spent on Bottle Beach, different people coming and going, Rachel was the only person that stayed with me for the 60 -70 days on bottle beach. Mr. Rod the owner even gave me my own little house up the back away from everyone, it was so peaceful, and plenty of smoke. We had a couple of full moon parties, and he even gave me a going away party, and every time I go back to Koh Phangan, I call in to say hi to him and his wife.

Susan, Peter and Dani left after a week, so I went down to Sea Love Bungalows for the last 60 -70 or so days before going home.

Having a game of cards on the verandah.

OD Bungalows Restaurant, on the rocks over looking the entire beach.

The views from the Od Bungalows of Bottle Beach, Sea Love Bungalows in the background.

Just taking it easy at the point.

Me in my hammock.

Mr. Rod, the owner of Sea Love Bungalows, gave me the house up the back away from everyone that was so good of him; it was the best place to stay, had friends come up at night listen to music and have a smoke. There was a good group of people from all different countries, man we had a blast.

The house where I stayed for the last 2 months, I had a day hammock and a night hammock set up, my own well on the left so i could do my washing.

I went for a walk to Chalok Lum with Autja, a lovely German girl.

Autja at Chalok Lum beach.

Part of the group in the restaurant in Sea Love Bungalows, planed the day, as it was my birthday, turning 28. They decided we should get a boat back to Chalok Lum, then walk to the Wang Pladuk waterfall for the day. So we did, Katherine, Autje, Ule, Marcus and Angelica, had a great day bit of skinny dipping, a smoke and, a nice feed, just a great day.

Rit, Taking us to Chalok Lum.

Marcus climbing a flat coconut tree.

Myself, Angelica, Marcus, Katherine and Ule at the waterfall.

Angelica, Katherine and Ule swimming at the waterfall.

Time for a skinny dip.

Katherine, Angelica, Ule, Autja and Marcus, back at Sea Love Bungalows.

Katherine and my cutie Autja from Germany, Autja (on the right).

Nat and Joe, who worked there, having a smoke with me, as they did every day.

Rachel, (English) who stayed at Sea Love for around the same time as me, while everyone came for a shorter time, and Kathy (Ozi) we went for a walk up to the top of the island for the day, what a great view.

we passed a small village Baan Fai Mai on our way up to the view point

Kathy and Rachel climbing to the top rock.

We made it what a view.

One of many beautiful sunsets at Bottle Beach (Had Kuad).

Mr. Rod starts the Full moon party.

The feast Mr. Rod put on for us all, all free that night and plenty left, that’s what a great man he is, just to make us feel welcome, he had a big heart and very funny man.

The Sea Love Bungalows staff.

Time to dig in and eat.

Took some of the guys up to the top rock again, I sort of started a mini tour up to the rock, it was quite a trek through some rough paths and took around 1 hour walk up.

What a great view, this would have been my last time up as it is time to get back to reality and go home.

Bottle Beach from view point.

I stayed a few more weeks on Bottle Beach, then headed back to Bangkok for a few days then flew home.

I must say, this was the best thing I have ever done, traveling opens the mind and clears your thoughts, you can sit back, watch and learn from all different people, religions and cultures, so as the old saying goes don’t judge a book by its cover, do the same with people.

GET TO KNOW THEM.