Restless

 I am feeling very much like I am in a state of limbo. I'm restless to travel again, but at this particular moment I cannot get away. The weather has been quite warm, very humid and still somewhat rainy. It is not an optimal time to go hiking here. It has even been lousy weather for doing a bit of gardening. The few new plants I put out a few weeks ago were eaten by the deer. I have never had issues with deer in the past. I'm not sure why the decided to venture down my street and make my garden their dinner table. I bought an electronic motion deterrent, and that seems to help and the bonus is that it has kept the neighborhood cats from using my beds for a litter box.  So anyway... about being restless. I am considering heading off to New Mexico in a week or two (plus again in July) to do a bit of camping and hiking. I'm just watching the 10-day forecast to find a good 4-5 day window to go.  In the meantime I will keep hitting the gym five days a week and keep up with my maintenance workouts for now. Once I gain some more weight (I've gained 3-4 lbs) I'll start increasing my workouts back up to a training level. I have increased my calorie intake by over 500 calories a day and that seems to be slowly working. I need to gain a minimum of another 9 pounds before I leave for Nepal.

I received an email from the Volunteer Organization I'll be working with while I am there.IT was mostly information about getting ready for the trip. When I first read through it all and clicked on the links it felt a bit overwhelming. There were a few things that I hadn't thought of though that I will need to get. Transportation option were discussed and the expense of each. I am pretty sure I will go with the private jeep to Salleri event though the cost is quite a bit more than a shared one. A shared jeep or the bus usually have luggage limitations and I don't want to stress about that. 

They also sent me information about having them organize the EBC trek. Logistically it just makes sense to do through them as I can roll in the  cost with my volunteer expenses and I won't have to worry about having the cash on hand to pay as I trek. I will be assured of getting a licensed, experienced guide and porter too. They did recommend though that I trek during the two week Dashain Festival in late October as the schools and Monastery will be quiet. This would have me working four weeks after I arrive and then four weeks after the trek. I would then have two weeks remaining to explore Nepal. I know a trip to Chitwan National Parks  is a must and probably a stay in Pokhara. I will also allow a few days rest before I fly on to South Korea. In my nine days there it will be a whirlwind of activity. I will need to be well rested. 

Now I just need to stay healthy and injury free for the next several months. Oh and I've got to keep those doubting demons at bay, they have been taunting me this past week. The best cure for that is to get out and hike!