by Peter Matthiessen
Published: 2008
Publisher: Penguin Books
Paperback: 336
Rating: 5
Memoir, Travel, Nepal | Goodreads
Travel destination: Nepal
First sentence(s):
In late September of 1973, I set out with GS on a journey to the Crystal Mountain, walking west under Annapurna and north along the Kali Gandaki River, then west and north again, around the Dhaulagiri peaks and accross the Kanjiroba two hundred and fifty miles or more to the Land of Dolpo, on the Tibetan Plateau.
When Matthiessen went to Nepal to study the Himalayan blue sheep and, possibly, to glimpse the rare and beautiful snow leopard, he undertook his five-week trek as winter snows were sweeping into the high passes.
My two-bits:
With all the trials and tribulations undergone including some life and death situations in this travel adventure, a lot of growth and introspection were the benefits.
Weekly feels posted on Sunday posts:
co-read with Naida at the the bookworm
Aug 17-23: Prologue & chapter 1
I got halfway through the introduction and decided to stop as it was getting too spoilery for me. I will get back to it later along with the acknowledgments which was also part of the front matter of the book.
Enjoying the details of the trek and learning about the various members of the party and how they function.
Aug 24-30: chapter 2
Importance of a good comfortable pair of hiking boots made an impression. Similar to what I found when I read Wild by Cheryl Strayed.
Love his writing style. Felt the cold, danger and beauty of the Himalayas as the search for the Blue Sheep and Snow Leopard continue.
"I am here to be here, like these rocks and sky and snow, like this hail that is falling down out of the sun." -page 108
Liked the reference and thoughts about the Yeti.
Aug 31-Sep 6: chapter 3
Meditation and expectations.
Sep 7-13: chapter 4 & wrap-up
Final thoughts and observations by the author of the place and people left me ready for a new outlook on future travel adventures.
* part of Armchair Autumn Travel (here)
