Going off the grid

Nov. 29, 2008

I am officially going off the grid for the next 16-20 days as I embark on a 150 kilometer trek of the Annapurna Circuit. The trek will take me through valleys and across plains and up over 5,000 meters to Thorung La, one of the highest altitude passes in the world.

The trek is not the wild adventure it once was. The trails are well-traversed and lined with dozens of small villages along the way. But still it is called one the best mountain walks in the world.

I am nervous but excited. It's a little late in the season to be undertaking the trek. Temperatures at the pass have been reportedly falling well below 0 degrees Fahrenheit in the past few days. But I'm feeling good and healthy, so off I go.

If you don't hear from me by Dec. 20, send in the search party.