Wandering the World with Wally

#4: Wally wanders Expedition Everest

- by Walter Octavius March, January 10, 2011

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Fellow Adventurers, have I ever told you about the last trip I took to Mount Everest?

I boarded a train outside of Anandapur. Mid-way to the base of the mountain, the train went speeding out of control and we plummeted into a deep tunnel and then raced madly upwards.

Suddenly, we had to stop - the rails had been ripped apart! Some say it was the weather, others hint of darker causes. And then a horrible noise, like a screaming from the great beyond, that made me look quickly to the left where I saw, in a flash of lighting - the Yeti! The great beast itself was there on the mountain with us.

click an image to expand:

There, sir, there awaits our quarry!

Welcome to Everest Expedition!

A trace of what we seek

An artifact recovered from the slopes

Rather higher than expected, actually...

Ah, yes, well...

The conductor of our little train put us into reverse and we zoomed back down the mountain to the train station. Many were scared, some were thrilled, but I curious: that's why we will make this trek again, you and I!

I will take you with me on the Adventure of a Lifetime to the Forbidden Mountain in the lower Himalayas. I suggest you dress warmly and bring your camera: we're traveling to a place as beautiful as it is dangerous. Another time when I was there, I lost my Sherpa, a good man - quite a shame! - but the elements and the Monster were just too much for the poor fellow...

Wally Prepares for the Trip

Our travels will start in the Asian village of Anandapur.

Here the townsfolk pay their respects to the powerful and mysterious Beast that lives in the mountains which surround their town. Long ago, the railroad was shut down and Anandapur seemed forsaken. But then came Norbu and Bob, owners of Himalayan Escapes: Tours and Expeditions. They bought the old railroad and now use it to transport Adventurers and Thrill-Seekers like ourselves to the base of Everest, the tallest mountain in the world.

Before we get to the railroad, we will journey by foot to Serka Zong, the Fortress of the Cham, passing through the Yeti Palace Hotel and stopping briefly to pick up our supplies at Gupta's Gear.

Then we head to the Himalayan Escapes Booking and Permit Office manned by the capable Norbu and Bob. Once our papers are in order and our supplies ready, we'll take time to pay our respects in the Yeti Mandir, a pagoda-like building intended as a shrine to the Yeti - perhaps in hopes of currying its favor.

Those of you unfamiliar with the Yeti will surely know him as the Abominable Snowman. This 'mythical' creature has been sighted here in the lower Himalayas for many years - the proof is the artifacts kept in the Yeti Mandir where you will also find information about the legend, lore, and science of the Great Beast.

In the Yeti Mandir, we'll see a plaster cast footprint of the Monster and some of the items that the last group to venture into the mountains left behind.

Maybe now is a good time to mention that this last group of adventurers hasn't been heard from since - not to worry, though, since you will be travelling with me, Walter Octavius March, the Greatest Adventurer Ever!

Come back here...

The Train Readies for Departure

Ah, I'm glad you decided to stay with me for the rest of the journey. It's time to board the old train cars. They did a nice job of refurbishing them, didn't they? You can barely see the ... stains.

After a short ride to the foot of Everest, we will start our climb. I expect a smooth, quiet ride - possibly with time for a brief nap. But in case the ride is the same as it was last time, keep your eyes open when the lightning flashes and look to the left.

Maybe you'll catch a glimpse of the elusive Creature!

It will surely catch a glimpse of you...

KUNGALOOSH!

Don't stop there! Check out more Wandering the World with Wally...