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| 79-yr-old Mr Meeker still strong for a trekking trip |
| 21-Oct-2003 |
KATHMANDU, Oct 19
Elated Mr Herbert Meeker is found now juxtaposing his spontaneous feelings and tranquil recollections in his mind: How to unfold them to his sons back in America? Mr Meeker is excited about how to begin the story of his stint he achieved in trekking when he meets his sons at the airport back home. Would they feel proud that their father, at the age of 79 years, walked around the Annapurna Range after crossing the 5000m-high Thorong-La Pass?
Meeker had come to Nepal for three weeks. He is returning to America on Monday. A corporate finance lawyer in New York, Meeker has had the first experience of trekking in Nepal for his age. No one of this age has yet circumnavigated the Annapurna Sanctuary. When he listens to questions about his exploit, he grins with his wrinkled cheeks stretched far and wide.
"My sons had tried to stop me from coming to Nepal," Meeker recounts those days, "They had even asked all known travel agents not to issue me with the air tickets."
But the sons’ attempt did not work against his strong will and commitment. He successfully completed a strenuous two-week-long trek begun from Beshisahar of Lamjung district enroute to Manang and Mustang and back to Beni of Myagdi. He proved himself not less than other trekkers of much younger age and fitter physique.Other trekkers on the route had even expressed their surprise to see him walk.
But he walked with the zeal of a young trekker and a strong commitment like that of a veteran Everester. Nor did the high altitude affect him in any way. "My sons were worried about my age and the treatment of my throat cancer, " Meeker says. He had had an operation for throat cancer a few years ago.
The news about Maoist insurgency, widely publicised in America, also terrifies most Americans. However, Meeker said. "But I never encountered any Maoists on my trek. I’m scared here in the capital where cars, buses, motorcycles and even trucks ply on the narrow roads."He had however noticed security forces personnel pointing their guns at a couple of tourists at close range in Pokhara. This sight disturbed him. He was equally surprised to see security personnel poking with their weapons into the loads on the backs of mules in Jomsom.
"But I’ll come to Nepal again," he said.-"I’ll try other easier areas if I could not traverse such difficult trails during my next visit."He went to his gym club regularly for about six months before he came to Nepal for trekking. He went on a trek to the hills in Colorado where he climbed upto 13,000 feet.One of his American colleagues had advised him to circumnavigate the Annapurna Range.
"Now I find myself stronger, both mentally and physically. I’ve recorded all the experiences of my trek in my diary. My children will enjoy it one day," Meeker spoke with utmost pride in his eyes.
Source: TKP
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