More trash talk

Pictures reach me of the Mount Dennis Residents Association ravine clean-up on 9 April. This is Chaplain Clive on the left joining me in bringing the rubbish back to base.

More flowers

What is it about spring that makes folk rush outside and start photographing the flowers? Here is a pic from Andy Thomas.

Katmandu days

More from Steve Taylor in Nepal:

Arrived safely after 13 hours of flying only to find that one of my bags had been sent somewhere else....hey ho!! I did get it back some 1/2 a day later but very worrying all the same as it had all my mountain kit in.

Settled down quickly, especially as my friends had already done the donkey work and so all I had to do was turn up.

Met up with our mountain guides today very friendly and looking forward to the climb....but that is not until the 28th. Fly out to Lukla tomorrow to start the long haul up to Chukhung, very exciting.

Spent today wandering around Thamel and Katmandu experiencing some of the wonderful temples, food and local sites also. Had the fortune (or mis-fortune perhaps) of seeing a cremation ceremony (a very public spectacle over here) and enjoyed the
thought that I have trod in the steps of Mr Michael Palin.

Also meet Alan Hinkes in one of the climbing shops - he is Britain's top climber who is just about to start his latest venture - his 14th 8000m peak which, if successful,
will make him the first British climber to conquer all 14 8000+m peaks in the world...a privilege indeed.

Not too sure when I will be able to chat again but will do so when I can.

There is not mobile phone service out here due to the local Maoists taking the service out in Feb and there remains a turf war to see who controls what - so no service which means that I have less contact than I imagined.

Never mind...the comfort of my bed calls as I have an early start tomorrow.

So 'til the next time.

Best regards,

Steve

Take to the mountainside

I've just been IMing with my good buddy Steve Taylor in Nepal who is going climbing in the Himalayas. Here is an edited version:
Steve Taylor says:
Hi Rupert...are you free to chat?
Rupert Lloyd Thomas says:
k
Rupert Lloyd Thomas says:
how u?
Steve Taylor says:
I am over here in Nepal, Katmandu just starting my 4 weeks off
Rupert Lloyd Thomas says:
amazing
Rupert Lloyd Thomas says:
do u have laptop?
Rupert Lloyd Thomas says:
inet cafe
Steve Taylor says:
should be ...I will be trekking upto base camp then later on meetup with some experienced guides to take us up to 6200m - Island Peak
Steve Taylor says:
No laptop using the hotels icafe
Rupert Lloyd Thomas says:
k
Rupert Lloyd Thomas says:
can u copy me in on any msgs
Steve Taylor says:
Long day on arrived a few hours ago...leaving C'Field yesterday
Rupert Lloyd Thomas says:
good stuff
Rupert Lloyd Thomas says:
I will blog
Rupert Lloyd Thomas says:
if OK?
Steve Taylor says:
I have set up a mail group so when I send anything you will be included...although when I leave here on thursday there probably won't be much chance but I will do my best
Rupert Lloyd Thomas says:
k
Rupert Lloyd Thomas says:
great
Steve Taylor says:
blog?? sorry please excuse my ignorance
Rupert Lloyd Thomas says:
hope u hav a great tour
Rupert Lloyd Thomas says:
blog = http://punchbuggy.blogspot.com/
Steve Taylor says:
OK..I remember now. Thanks
Rupert Lloyd Thomas says:
k
Rupert Lloyd Thomas says:
now have pics
Rupert Lloyd Thomas says:
on blog
Rupert Lloyd Thomas says:
when u back in UK?
Steve Taylor says:
I have both cameras but no means of getting the pics onto the PC so will have to wait until I get home.
Rupert Lloyd Thomas says:
k
Rupert Lloyd Thomas says:
I'll be in UK shortly after
Rupert Lloyd Thomas says:
u shld have some amazing pics
Steve Taylor says:
hope so...if you drop me a mail with the dates I will see if we can get together
Rupert Lloyd Thomas says:
k
Rupert Lloyd Thomas says:
take good care of yourself
Rupert Lloyd Thomas says:
and keep safe
Steve Taylor says:
Thanks Rupert...maybe talk again another day.
Steve Taylor says:
TTFN
Rupert Lloyd Thomas says:
u can comment on my blog
Rupert Lloyd Thomas says:
k
Rupert Lloyd Thomas says:
bibi + good luck

Spring has sprung

Rode the Brompton bicycle to Dimpflmeier's bakery outlet - first short trip of the year in warm still sunshine. Spotted this 1941 Plymouth (I think) for sale on the way - definitely a fixer-upper.

smart for the chopper

The Guardian has a story of trouble at smart, a division of DaimlerChrysler. How they have managed to lose so much money while charging premium prices for the product is beyond me.
The ForTwo city car has been slow to appear here in Canada and they have left the USA to the grey importers. The launching of what is a five-year-old vehicle here in Canada has been hampered by rumours of dealers being out-of-stock. It is odd that the car, which is made for these high-fuel-cost times, should be foundering financially.

Media notes

Internet drudges Molly and Howard have created a BBS for expats, with a transatlantic flavour/flavor, down in Lewes, Sussex. Lewes is an unlikely location for cutting-edge internet development but this small town, known as "Islington-on-the-Downs", is gaining attention as a happening place among media folk.
Jim Healey, Lewes-based ITN cameraman, covering the so-called "Jacko" trial in Santa Maria, California said "I can't wait to get back to Lewes for a pint of Harvey's in the Lewes Arms."
Maybe one day the town will get a permanent radio station - meanwhile you'll have to hold on for Rocket FM in the autumn/fall marking the 400th anniversary of bonfire.