Sure Travel Journey Vol 3.2 Autumn 2017 | Page 39

• E N R O U T E / / A D V E N T U R E T R A V E L
Initially the terrain was easy going and the dawn sky was crisp and clear so we were treated to magnificent views of the four giants . The chance of seeing these snow-capped peaks was one of the main reasons I had entered the race , so I gave thanks to the weather gods . After the ridgeline we faced a steep , long descent of over 1 200 metres to the finish in the village of Rimbik . “ The race is not over until the elephant ’ s tail crosses the line ,” Mr Pandey had cautioned . “ Don ’ t break an ankle on the jungle paths . Not even the toughest Landis can get there to rescue you .” We took his advice , running carefully and enjoying the changing landscapes and vegetation as we descended through forest to the lower slopes , where we passed well-tended fields and houses surrounded by flowers , the yards full of maize cobs drying in the sun . The final two days were spent running in the Rimbik area , through rugged mountainous scenery with deep gorges
Initially the terrain was easy going and the dawn sky was crisp and clear so we were treated to magnificent views of the four giants ... After the ridgeline we faced a steep , long descent of over 1 200 metres to the finish .
and raging rivers . The small settlements were fascinating , with numerous shrines draped in colourful prayer flags . Life went on for the curious locals as we odd-looking intruders hobbled through . Before the final leg back to Maneybhanjang we stopped on a hilltop for our last glimpse of the majestic Himalayan mountain range before the long descent to the finish line . Frenchman David Fontaine took podium , while Anna Petrakos from Australia was the first woman home . But simply completing the course made us all feel like winners . “ If you found something really great , take it to your country . And if you found something bad , please leave it with me in my country ,” Mr Pandey requested as we boarded the bus in Mirik . I left nothing save my weary footprints . And I took away great treasures . The views of the mountains , the connection with my grandmother on the Toy Train , the camaraderie of fellow runners and the memory of the friendly people that we encountered along our route will be with me forever .
MAKE MEMORIES FOR LIFE // 39