Nepal is a place I have wanted to visit since I was a small child, and my draw just to see the Himalayas has nagged me throughout my life.  My colleague Dave Holland and I were fortunate to recently spend some time in Nepal working for Nepal Water for Health (NEWAH), an organization active in developing water supply systems for some of the most remote corners of the country.  I have worked in some of the most remote and inaccessible places in the world, yet I was astonished at the effort just to visit some of these villages.  Some places require several days driving and hours, and hours of trekking on mountainside trails and over passes only those that have visited the Himalayas can understand.  I have profound respect for the work that NEWAH is undertaking and not only what they have accomplished in terms of implementing water systems in such places, but for what they have taught these remote communities.  It is inspiring to see the villages take ownership and manage their infrastructure, collect fees….they have money for water system maintenance and repairs, their kids are healthier and now they are eager to tackle the next challenge….electricity.  Very cool and inspiring!

As we were in Nepal….Dave and I stayed and trekked into the Annapurna range.  It was great timing, as we were nailed by an unseasonal snowstorm that brought 4-feet of snow and cascades of avalanches.  Regardless, a good time was had by all and a hot spring at the end of our journey erased all unpleasant memories of being ill prepared for the snowstorm.

Enjoy the photos, you can click on one to enter a slider of higher resolution.