KATHMANDU TO KALIMPONG 2014: 03/09/14

Writing this in a shaking, shoogly sleeper train heading from Siliguri to Kolkata. Started the day at 8.00am, breakfast of porridge, omelette, and toast. DGH sits on a ridge above Kalimpong but the road continues behind it, up to the top of Deolo Hill, from where there are stunning views of Kanchanjunga, the third highest mountain in the world. Usually at this time of year the mist is down and on my two previous visits I have never seen it. Maybe I will be lucky this time ? Olga and I take a taxi to the top, a beautiful flower lined road, fantastic views of the flowing Teesta River and surrounding hills. And yes, there it is , the Kanchanjunga Range appearing through the mist, not sharply clear but visible. We are so happy, definitely worth the visit. We take plenty of photos, oohing and aching away. Reluctantly we leave and the taxi drops us back in Kalimpong to do some shopping, bought some presents for my grandchildren. Bags for the girls, colouring and designs from Tibet, Nepal and Bhutan. Singing Bells for my grandson. We then went to Gumbo's Restaurant and had 4 large pork filled Momo's. So delicious. Ken and his family came in and joined us. We returned to our hotel to await out transport back to Siliguri, down the steep dusty hill that we had cycled up. How did we manage it? Some took sickness pills but the journey wasn't too bad this time. In Siliguri Prakash met us and we were treated to dinner by his company, Heat Flexi Travels. It is 10 years since they started assisting John with the bike ride so Prakash made a moving speech and presented John with a plaque. John was very emotional in his reply. Prakash then conveyed us to sleeper train, he has taken care of the bikes too, so efficient. John has booked us into the '1st class' sleeper carriage. We have a separate compartment, 4 ladies together, Janine, Olga, Vanda and myself. What luxury. Before I was sleeping along the side of the corridor being passed by all sorts. I have, 2 sheets, blanket and pillow but I am using my sleeping bag liner just to be on the safe side. The train noise is quite soothing, I hope I sleep. So sad to say goodbye to Prakash and his team, he is such a lovely man. Vanda is still not a hundred percent, her tummy has troubled her all week. She has cycled the whole way, even managing the hill at the end, without stopping. Some girl. Natasha has to go into hospital in Siliguri and have her wrist reset and plastered. She has not complained when she must have been in pain, camping must have been so difficult for her. How quickly this trip is now coming to an end. Don't want it to finish.