Blog Hero
  • trekking
  • Wildlife Conservation

The First Hike

Posted: December 16, 2017

Day 1 – Monday 13.11.17

6:00am. Alarm clock. This will be my first hike. So I put an early alarm clock. Early! The only “buzzer” around here are the circa 100 roosters around here. But I put an early alarm. Want to be top-ready for the first hike. I take time to check again. Backpack: water – lunch; belt: knife – camera; body: sun screen – mixed repellent. Check. Check. Go.

7:30. A pick-up brings us to the trail. We walk over the slopes of the hills. Then we halt at a large open space. A cut down corn field. Wide views. Surprise! The herd is here too! A winning lottery ticket, now we can see the herd of elephants in open space: fantastic for photographs, intense for the interactions, and best for observing behavior. We can see everybody the grandmother – matriarch ‘Khum Suk’ – calm and smooth, gathered its Kha Moon, daughter, and San Jah. Whilst they wander around through the cornfield remnant, as if it was an open-space McDonald’s 10 football fields large, we observe, enjoy and surrender to a feeling of being privilege to see/feel this level of harmony. Everybody takes pics, loads of pics and often. Myles guides us, telling us timely when to step back. When to approach. It is amazing to to see how they use their trunk to slam the straw, almost as humans would do. It is amazing to see how they put dirt and straw on their back to protect their bodies from the sun. It is astonishing how the little one tries to take food out of the mouth of his mother. This is at the same time ‘play’ and ‘learning what to eat’. They leave the open field, move to a water hole nearby. They take turns by sucking in some water, and by putting of some mud for protection. I take 84 pics and 5 short video clips.

It’s almost noon. The heat on the path back is substantial. We all sweat. Upon arrival I quickly go to my homestay hut. The bathroom – shower + toilet – is 15 meters away. The ‘shower’ is a large barrel full of cold water with a pan. I plunge my whole upper body in the barrel. Woohaa. Cold. But refreshing. Soap myself and use the pan to finish my ‘bucket shower’. A strong start to my 4 week residence. If many days will be like this first one it will, for sure, be a memorable experience.

Geri

what’s up next?
Peak Climbing in Nepal: An Adventure of a Lifetime

Discover the thrill of peak climbing in Nepal with tips on preparation, training, and the best peaks to conquer.

You might also like these articles

Gap Year Checklist: Essential Planning Tips for Your Adventure Abroad
Read the article
Gap Year Checklist: Essential Planning Tips for Your Adventure Abroad
Volunteer and Adventure
Experience the Thrill of Bungee Jumping in Nepal
Read the article
Experience the Thrill of Bungee Jumping in Nepal
Volunteer and Adventure
Himalayan Serow: The National Animal of Nepal
Read the article
Himalayan Serow: The National Animal of Nepal
Volunteer and Adventure
Christmas in Nepal: A Unique and Festive Experience
Read the article
Christmas in Nepal: A Unique and Festive Experience
trekking
National Parks of Nepal: Exploring the Natural Wonders of the Himalayas
Read the article
National Parks of Nepal: Exploring the Natural Wonders of the Himalayas
trekking
Afadjato, the Highest Mountain in Ghana
Read the article
Afadjato, the Highest Mountain in Ghana
Volunteer and Adventure
Exploring the Magnificent Volcanoes of Costa Rica
Read the article
Exploring the Magnificent Volcanoes of Costa Rica
Volunteer and Adventure
Interesting Facts About Nepal That Will Leave You in Awe
Read the article
Interesting Facts About Nepal That Will Leave You in Awe
Volunteer and Adventure
A Guide to Winter in Nepal
Read the article
A Guide to Winter in Nepal
trekking