Nov 03 2009
Tampa Bay Sailing Area, West Florida
Tampa Bay
Tampa Bay is centrally located on Florida’s west coast, and is one of the largest protected bays in the country. A chain of barrier islands north and south of Tampa Bay protects the coastline. Picture-postcard white sand beaches stretch along the whole coast. The Gulf of Mexico beckons for long, open water sails along the coast.
Enjoy sailing and exploring the bays, rivers, estuaries, barrier islands and the Gulf of Mexico. Secluded anchorages, upscale marinas, parks and nature reserves; the selection offers something for every life style. Although the area is fairly shallow in nature, it is well documented and full of navigational aids.
Places of Interest:
Egmont Key State Park, is located at the mouth of Tampa Bay
Egmont Key
Although this park is primarily a wildlife refuge, it can be a personal refuge – a place to relax and collect shells along secluded, pristine beaches. Accessible only by private boat, Egmont Key has a unique natural and cultural history, including a lighthouse that has stood since 1858. During the 19th century, the island served as a camp for captured Seminoles at the end of the Third Seminole War and was later occupied by the Union Navy during the Civil War. In 1898, as the Spanish – American War threatened, Fort Dade was built on the island and remained active until 1923. After touring the historic sites and trails, visitors can enjoy swimming, fishing, wildlife viewing, and picnicking. Located at the mouth of Tampa Bay, southwest of Fort DeSoto Beach. Anchoring is recommended anywhere but the southern end, which is designed a bird sanctuary. Docking is limited to government vessels
Manatee River
The Manatee River flows into the southwestern part of Tampa Bay. There is a wonderful anchorage a few miles up the river before you get to the bridge. You can drop a hook just off a spit of land covered with mangroves. The sandy beach there is great for salt water fly fishing – tarpon and snook abound there. This is also a place where you can watch the pelicans diving all day for their dinners.
Florida Water Adventures offers Egmont Key Day Trips
Tarpon Springs to Egmont Key
North of Tampa Bay, Sail up the coast and back just enjoying the beautiful waters and scenery along the way.
Clearwater Beach:
Clearwater Municipal Marina is ideally located on world-renowned sparkling Clearwater Beach, that has the distinct classification of a Blue Wave Beach. It is one of the best-equipped and most versatile marinas in Florida. Clearwater Municipal Marina offers access to all boating activities. We are home to the finest fishing charters, sailing charters, sight-seeing boats, dinner cruises, dolphin tours, parasailing, and personal watercraft. We also have restaurants, gift shop, barber shop, nautical shop, laundry, mini-mart, post office, newspaper, bait house and dental clinic. It is centrally located so you are close to shopping and entertainment venues.
Clearwater Municipal Marina is a 210-slip marina that is open seven days a week, 365 days a year.
Three Rooker Bar, Gulf of Mexico.
Anchor just off this beautiful white sandy island, between Honeymoon Island and Anclote Key off the western Florida ICW, and dinghy ashore for some of the best shelling along the west coast. The island, a bird sanctuary, is somewhat exposed and the water is shallow, but the anchorage at the northern end is sheltered and provides a perfect setting for watching the sun set.
Anclote Key, Gulf of Mexico
The remoteness of this unique island is the key to respecting its fragile beauty and character. The lighthouse at the island’s southern end served as a beacon to ships for years after President Grover Cleveland declared Anclote Key a lighthouse reservation in 1886 and the lighthouse and two houses for its keepers were built. In 1984 the lighthouse was decommissioned after modern navigation technology made the lighthouse obsolete. Just north of Anclote is a sandbar which is very popular with local boaters. Just North of Anclote Key is the North Sandbar, nice beach and lot of traffic on weekends.
North Sandbar, Anclote Key
If you are looking for a sailing charter in the area go to Water Sports FL
Sailing has a language all its own. Some terms make sense, others do not, but if you know even just the basic words/phrases, it can keep the novice sailor out of trouble. If you hear terms you do not know, do not be afraid to ask! Here are some of the most common:
Listen and ask questions at the chart briefing and use your cruising guide during the charter. The employees at the charter base know a lot more about the local sailing area than anyone else and they want you to have a good time on your Caribbean charter. You will learn about great places to go, as well as places to avoid. Pay special attention if a “red line” chart is provided since this highlights dangerous or off-limits areas. 
LEAVING THE DOCK
Neatness counts, especially because it is safer. Do not throw lines in heaps about the boat. They will kink, tangle or jam when you need them and you or someone in your crew is likely to trip over them. Rid the line of any kinks or knots. Take one end of the line in one hand, and feed the rope to the other hand, making loops. As you coil the rope, place a slight twist in the line to flatten the coils. Continue to make the loops until you near the end of the rope. Wrap the free end of the line 3 times around the top of the coil. This will form a neck and the coil will have the shape of a bowling pin. Tie off the free end of the rope, and place the coiled line in a storage locker.
A cleating knot allows you to secure a line from one of the strong cleats on your boat to a dock or mooring ball, and can also be used to secure your dinghy to your boat if you are hauling it. First, take a length of line and pass it under the safety rails of your yacht. Wrap the line around the base of the cleat for one full wrap so the line crosses itself once. Second, cross the line over one of the horns of the cleat and then pass the line under the horn. Then bring the line up to cross itself on the top, center part of the cleat and take it around the second horn. Third, make a loop in the line by twisting it once. Place the loop over the first horn, making sure that the end of the line runs toward the rest of the cleat and not away from it. The results should be that the 3 rd crossing of the cleat sits parallel to and on the same side as the 2 nd crossing of the cleat. Finally, pull the knot tight and make sure all lines run freely and will not get caught and tangled on other lines.
Winches are a great tool for sheeting, but plenty can go wrong like pinched fingers or fouled lines. Here is how to do it properly. Make sure the sheets are running straight from the block to the winch without rubbing against anything that will inhibit turning. Lay the sheet in the open palm of your hand, than begin wrapping it in a clockwise motion around the spool of the winch until you have 3 wraps that lay next to each other, snug to the winch. There should be no overlaps or knots in the sheet. Then pull the sheet over the silver guide and into the self-tailing jaws. Make sure the sheet is secure in the jaws. Insert your winch handle and crank away. With enough tension, the winch should rotate and you will hear it clicking. When you are not grinding the winch, remove the handle and place it in its holder. These expensive items have never passed the float test, and having the handle removed is safer if you must quickly release the line on the winch. Remember to wrap your winch before you need it – while there is no load on your sheet. And, always keep your fingers/hands outside any wraps that might come under load.
Determine the wind direction and point the bow of the boat into the wind. Trying to raise the mainsail before pointing the bow of the boat toward the wind is a common mistake of new sailors. If the boat is not pointed into the wind, raising the mainsail may be impossible because the wind fills the sail when it is part way up, putting too much load on the halyard. Make sure the halyard is securely attached, and then unclamp and release the mainsheet in the cockpit. Hand-over-hand, steadily pull the halyard to raise the sail. When the resistance becomes too heavy, wrap the halyard around the winch and grind the winch by turning the winch handle until the sail reaches the top of the mast, and the sail cloth is taut along the mast. Cleat off the mainsail halyard, coil it or place it out of the way so you can sail. Be careful, however, that you never tie off a coiled halyard in a way that you cannot immediately release it to run freely. You never know when you will want to lower a sail quickly! Steer slightly away from the eye of the wind and haul in on the mainsheet until there is tension and the sail fills with wind.
Most yachts on a Caribbean charter use a jib roller. The sail is unfurled with the jib sheets. After raising the mainsail, and when the boat is in the open – away from other yachts- release the furling line so it is free to run without snagging. Then with the boat on a leeward reach, pull the leeward jib sheet and the wind will unfurl the sail. Pay attention, however, because if the sail is unfurled too quickly, the furling line cannot unreel quickly enough and begins rewinding on the drum in the opposite direction – similar to what happens on a fishing reel that is unreeled too quickly. To furl the jib, ease the sheet tension and pull in the furling line until the sail is fully furled. Always maintain some tension on the jib sheets to permit a tight wrap on the furler and prevent the lines from knotting as they whip in the wind as the sail luffs. Make sure the jib is tight on the furler, with only a small area of sail projecting, if any. The sheets should be tightly secured around the jib sheet cleats aft and the furling line should also be firmly secured. Any looseness in the system will cause a problem if strong winds develop because the jib will catch the wind and unfurl. 
Anchoring a boat securely is one of the most basic skills in boat handling.
Besides your actual charter boat, the dinghy is perhaps the most important and fun piece of equipment you will use while sailing.
All boats must show the correct lights at night whether at anchor or underway. Since most Caribbean charter companies do not allow sailing at night, the only reason to have the boat’s exterior lights on is to identify an anchored boat in a dark anchorage and to find your boat when you are returning from shore. Most people leave their masthead light on. A few cruisers might leave the deck light on, but this is really annoying to nearby boats because it is so bright. Recently, we were
If you are chartering in the Caribbean , it is safe to assume that at some point during the night, it will rain. It may be for a few minutes or a couple of hours, but it will rain. Rain at night is good if you have clothes or towels hanging on the safety lines. It rinses them out and refreshes them. Rain at night is bad if your shoes are left out on deck or your hatches are open! It is a good idea to pull your shoes in at night. Close the salon hatches before you retire for the night. That way, if you do have to jump up in the middle of the night, the only hatches to close will be in your cabin.
WATER VS. FUEL TANKS
A) Radio Checks: After leaving the base, turn into Channel 16 and say, “Moorings, Moorings (or name of the charter base). This is the yacht ______________(name of your boat) calling for a radio check. Over.” Wait for a response. When you get a response, say, “Roger.” To end the call, say, “Over and out.”
Although you have been sailing like a pro, and as much as you hate to see it end, at some point your Caribbean charter must end and you need to return to the dock/base. The key to docking is slowing down at a controlled rate before you get there. Approaching slower is better but do not get too slow or you will lose steerage. Make sure the sails are all down. Plan your approach so that your crew knows what to expect. Have your fenders and dock lines tied and ready to go. That includes bow and stern lines, as well as a spring line. Approach the dock as directed by the base personnel. Make sure no body parts are between the boat and dock. That is what fenders are for! NEVER have your crew jump to the dock! Sailing etiquette is that if you see a boat approach a dock, you should walk over and offer to help catch a line. On a Caribbean charter, you will always call ahead. Reps from the base will tell you which side to put the lines/fenders on and will be there to assist you. Therefore, you need to know how to throw a line accurately and far. Otherwise, you will miss your target and you will have to pull soggy lines out of the water. The key is to start with a well-coiled line. (See above). Put a few coils (about 15 feet) in your throwing hand and hold your other hand open with the rest of the coils pointed at the target so the extra coils can feed out. Throw the coils underhand, aiming 
slightly above your target. When you are all tied up, make sure to always thank your assistants! No matter what you are into – from snorkeling to kicking back on a white sandy beach to musical and cultural adventures, there are certain moments you can only capture aboard a yacht. When you are at sea, there is no better way to see, touch and feel your tropical escape to paradise. By following the above tips, even if this is your first time booking a Caribbean charter, you can leave your worries behind because you will look like a pro!
Presently the majority of trips are seven day charters for family and friends looking for leisurely sailing, daily snorkeling, diving, hiking with some local cuisine and nightlife. I am working on some alternative type trips. For example during a seven day charter how about taking two or three days sailing offshore. Night sailing is absolutely the best type of sailing. The wind and water are the only sounds you will hear, you will see more stars than you have very seen and the thrill you and your companion feel as you share the midnight watch is something special. What type of customized sailing vacation would you like to have? Presently talking to one couple about sailing the Leeward Islands for two weeks in early January.
birthday smilestone, isn’t it time to find your girlfriend groove again on a “chick” trip? Whether it is a group of friends with a past history together, sisters, mothers and daughters, or other women relations, a chick trip is the time to get together and leave all the annoyances and stress of your daily lives at home. It is a chance to get away, let down your hair, and just enjoy yourself and each other, without having to worry about your husband or boyfriend, the kids, the house, the car, your job or any other responsibilities. Perhaps there is no better place to get away from the daily grind and have a chance to bond, reconnect and rejuvenate than on a girls-only BVI yacht charter. Now, do not panic! Even if you have never been sailing or do not know how, sailing in the British Virgin Islands is easy and safe. Think of it as a floating pajama party. If you book through a charter broker, they will help you make all the arrangements and will even think of things you probably did not know to ask.
Imagine a “girls’ night out”, but longer! A sailing charter in the BVI is a chance to relax and feel free to be just who you are, to do what you want-when you want- without having to please someone else. It is about friendship, connecting and support without competition. It is a time to truly be yourself – to laugh, cry, hoot and holler, sing, relax and just be girls again all with the incredible adventure of exploring the BVI by sea on a chartered yacht. People come from all over the world to experience sailing on the exquisite turquoise blue waters of the BVI. Referred to as the sailing capital of the Caribbean , the BVI is truly the finest and safest sailing area in the world. The islands are extremely beautiful and are relatively close to one another. There are constant trade winds, yet the islands are well protected from the Atlantic weather. The calm seas and line of sight navigation make them ideal for first time BVI yacht charterers. The anchorages are beautiful and there are many isolated coves and deserted sandbars where you can just jump overboard and swim ashore. In addition, if you are looking for onshore adventure, there is plenty to do in the BVI. There are many options for booking yacht charters in the BVI. If someone in your group is an experienced boater, a bareboat BVI yacht charter is the ideal adventure where you captain your own boat and visit the islands at your leisure. If no one knows how to sail, or you simply want to experience a life of luxury as you are pampered aboard a private yacht- no worries. Try a crewed yacht, in which you are looked after by a captain and crew, and where your wishes are their commands. Whether you choose to laze about all day onboard or engage in some exciting activities, you will not be disappointed with your time spent on either type of BVI yacht charter.
So, what is a girl to do on a BVI yacht charter other than just hang out with the girls? If you do not know how to sail – learn. Many captains on crewed yachts are more than willing to share their knowledge. Otherwise, there are plenty of other activities sure to be fun:
Shopping: Don’t most girlfriend getaways include some sort of shopping? Unfortunately, the BVI is not as much a shopper’s paradise as some other islands in the Caribbean, but there are some shops to distract you. You will find some small boutiques offering locally made handicrafts, but most of the merchandise is imported from other Caribbean islands. The BVI does, however, have some prolific and talented artists, so if you are looking for souvenirs, visit some of the galleries scattered around the islands.
JR O’Neal Botanic Gardens: Let’s face it- men do not always share our interests- and the guys in your life could probably not care less about flower gardens. So why not visit a place where you will not have to rush through because “he” is bored. Situated within a wall in the center of Road Town, the gardens are devoted to indigenous BVI and Caribbean-wide flora, and are divided into sections on either side of a central alley of royal palms. Areas are devoted to orchids, cacti and local herbs, and there are collections of heliconia, anthuriums and 62 species of palms.
Although there are no BVI yacht charters yet with on-board spa facilities, do not let that stop you. There are a number of major hotels and resorts in the BVI that have recently put in spas that you can utilize. Two to note are The Spa at Little Dix Bay and the Peter Island Resort. The Spa at Little Dix Bay, Virgin Gorda, has a beautiful setting on a ridge overlooking Sir Frances Drake Channel. There are eight treatment rooms, all linked by walkways through the rocks and greenery. Two rooms are wet rooms and three are on the cliff edge. Treatments include massage with hot and cold stones, reflexology and aromatherapy, body wraps and cleansers, as well as facials and manicures. Although you can use the facility, you must book in advance because hotel guests take precedence. The Spa at Peter Island Resort sits above its own beach in Reef Bay. There are ten treatment rooms, including wet rooms, regular massage rooms, and two rooms set separately right above the sea. Treatments include a salt scrub using salt from Salt Island just a few miles away, body wraps and different sorts of massage including a “sand bundle” massage using local sand. There is also a beauty salon. Visitors can use the spa by appointment only. Finally, if you really want the ultimate in pampering, you can arrange for an independent massage therapist to come onboard your BVI yacht charter.
Music, Dining and Drinking: Men know how it is with “the guys”, so make it your version. The BVI is very good at entertainment. If you are looking for great music, you will find it in the bars and restaurants. You will also eat well in the BVI. If you have a crewed yacht charter with a chef, he or she will be an excellent cook. You will also find many good places to dine throughout the BVI that range from 5-star gourmet meals to tasty snacks at roadside stalls. And, let’s face it, even if you normally do not drink at home, it is hard to resist those incredibly refreshing rum drinks. The beach bars have to be counted among some of the best features of the BVI. Whether it is a shed beneath the palm trees on an isolated stretch of sand or something more substantial, there is usually at least one bar in almost every bay. You can sail from bay to bay, snorkeling, stopping for lunch, and then, after anchoring in the afternoon, catch the sunset with a rum drink in hand at a cool, funky fun Caribbean hangout.
Bring old photos. You will spend time on the trip reminiscing, so it is fun to have the pictures.
A girlfriend getaway on a BVI yacht charter provides a great opportunity for laughter, swapping stories, shopping, exercise, exploring beautiful scenery, learning new skills, and relaxing, all while on a Caribbean adventure that is out of the ordinary. There is no where else you will find the tremendous support, encouragement and bonding that occurs on a sailing chick trip. So if you are looking for a unique way to recharge your batteries and stay connected with your gal pals, contact 
Or you can simply fly directly into St. Martin and pick up your sailing charter. Regardless of how you get there, St. Maarten/St. Martin has been half Dutch and half French since 1648. The island’s rolling green hills overlook deep set coves that, in the past, provided ideal hiding places for pirates. Today, with unrestricted border crossings, the island is one of the major tourist destinations in the Caribbean, especially as a shopper’s Mecca, with duty-free status on luxury items such as jewelry, watches, cameras, liquor, perfumes, and crystal. With 37 beaches, historical sites to explore, biking and hiking, golfing, luxury hotels, casinos and nightclubs, and a wide choice of excellent restaurants, there is something for every cruiser enjoying a Caribbean sailing charter to this piece of paradise known as, “The Friendly Island.”
St. Martin is suitable for all types of cruisers, including party-goers looking for an active night life, families with young children, and wealthy sailors with their luxury yachts. On the Dutch side, the currency is the Netherlands Antilles Guilder, while on the French side, the euro is the local currency. Most establishments, however, will quote in and accept US dollars. The island has always boasted a wide ethnic mix in its population, including Dutch, French, African, Asian and Indian,creating a melting pot of over 350 dining choices. Traditional French, Dutch, Asian and Creole creations are often fused with Caribbean foods. The island has an amazing array of outdoor activities to keep the Caribbean cruiser amused, including sailing regattas, scuba diving, hiking, and mountain biking. In addition, an excellent variety of water sports including windsurfing and jet skiing are available. The French Orient Beach on the northeastern coast is the center for water sport activity with several places to rent jet skis, windsurfers, snorkeling gear, as well as parasail and boat trips out to nearby Green Cay, Tintamarre and Ilet Pinel.On the Dutch side, Simpson Bay also has plenty of operations renting out similar equipment.
If you are looking for a break from your sailing vacation, St. Martin offers many onshore activities including mountain biking, hiking and horseback riding. Mountain biking tracks are available for all levels of riders. The Cay Bay and Mullet coasts are particularly friendly for beginners, while the Bellevue loop between Port de Plaisance and Marigot is more demanding. For those looking for an adventuresome hike, Pic Paradis (at 390 meters- the highest point on St. Martin), offers a 3-hour trek over rocky trails and through fields of papayas and bananas up into the rainforest for a fantastic view of the island.
Apart from Pic Paradis, the Sint Maarten National Heritage Foundation has over 25 miles of hiking trails through hills, valleys, cliff tops and beaches. These trails are rated for all levels, and vary in length from 90 minutes to 4 hours. Finally, a horseback ride on the beach is an unforgettable experience, especially if you take one that includes swimming with the horses through the surf. Both Bayside Riding Club and Lucky Stables can accommodate novice or experience riders. Regardless of where you go on St. Martin, paved roads link the major tourist areas. The roads, however, are narrow and sign-posting is limited. The major problem is the sheer volume of traffic, particularly on the Dutch side. Traffic can slow to a crawl or even a standstill, especially when the Simpson bay Bridge rises for yacht traffic. Allow plenty of time to get around.
Heading north from Marigot, is the gastronomic capital of St. Martin- the little town of Grand Case. The most touted creativity in St. Martin is culinary, and this village alone offers dozens of choices lined up along the beachfront road. If you are looking for a break from your Caribbean sailing charter galley, this is the place to do it. With daily specials chalked up outside, Grand Case prides itself on its well-deserved reputation as one of the finest dining centers in the Eastern Caribbean. Wherever you opt to dine, you will not find a bad meal here! There are also several art galleries and a golden-sand beach that lines the wide sweeping bay.Continuing east from Grand Case, the road leads around a salt pond, which attracts many birds, to the tiny settlements of Anse Marcel and Cul de Sac. Sheltered Anse Marcel is a favorite spot with Caribbean cruisers who take advantage of the large resort there as well as the long sandy beach. Driving through the rolling countryside and mangrove swamps, you will come to Cul de Sac, characterized by its cute little red-roofed houses. Cul de Sac is the departure point for boats making day trips to Ilet Pinel, a pristine and uninhabited offshore island that offers excellent snorkeling and several lunch spots. 
Along the rough Atlantic shores of the east coast, there are several isolated beaches popular with windsurfers. Perhaps the best known beach in this area is Orient Beach. The area consists of a large development of hotels, villas and condos, but the beach itself is a fabulous swatch of brilliant white sand lapped by turquoise blue waves. As mentioned above, this beach is the hub for water sport activity. And, if you are looking to acquire an all-over tan, the Club Orient, a nudist resort, is located on the southern end of the beach. From Orient Beach, an easy day trip to the offshore isle of Tintamarre will also provide an unforgettable experience. The anchorage provides a nice rest for those on a Caribbean sailing charter that want to soak in the world-renowned mud baths. If you have had enough beach time on St. Martin, the Ferme aux Papillons is a good distraction. The best time to come is in the morning when this large collection of tropical butterflies is most active. Finally, continuing south, you will come to Oyster Pond, which is divided in half by the French/Dutch border. This is a well protected landlocked anchorage. If you are into buffets, Captain Olivier’s lays out an impressive
Caribbean spread with whole grilled grouper and lobsters, as well as various salads and desserts. The best beach in Oyster Pond is actually on the Dutch side. Dawn Beach is the perfect place to watch the sun come up as well as enjoy great views of St. Barths. There is good snorkeling offshore and the reefs lure scuba divers to their caves and cliffs. Beware, however, that the coast itself is wild and the waves can really roll in. The charter bases there recommend that you allow one of their captains to bring you in and it is best to heed their advice. Nightlife on the French side is usually quiet, although several of the hotels may have their own entertainment and there is often a Jump-Up in Grand Case on Friday and Saturday nights, especially between January and May.
Few people stay in Philipsburg, preferring instead the hotels, resorts and series of white sand beaches around the Simpson Bay Lagoon that dominates the west coast of St. Maarten. Maho Beach is often drowned out with noise as airplanes swoop down into Juliana airport. Nevertheless, the beach is very popular and the Sunset beach Bar is usually packed when the sun goes down. Millet Bay Beach is one of the more popular beaches. It is known for its gentle surf, white sugary sand and ample shade provided by numerous palm trees. The quieter Cupecoy Beach has long been clothing optional. It is a dramatic beach with richly colored limestone cliffs and caves. The best nightlife in terms of bars, nightclubs and casinos is on the Dutch side. For partygoers, there is something happening every night from small salsa bars to happy hour two for one specials and raucous booty-shaking music in the nightclubs.
A busy island shared between the Dutch and French, St. Martin is a haven for shoppers and sun seekers. It is a great destination for a Caribbean sailing charter. Whatever its origins, St. Martin’s border bisects the smallest landmass (37 square miles) in the world shared by two countries. The difference between the two is immense. The quieter St. Martin is decidedly French in style, developed on a small scale but including Parisian shopping and gourmet restaurants while Dutch St. Maarten is a party-goers delight with its resorts, casinos and fast-food chains. Whatever your pleasure, there is no other island like it in the Caribbean. Where else can you book a Caribbean sailing charter and explore two countries on one island? To experience this unique piece of paradise yourself, contact 
Our trip began with a 7 hour drive in a private coach from Kathmandu westward across the lowland countryside to the bustling town of Besisahar. Nowadays you can drive a further 45 minutes or so on a rough dirt road to the village of Bhulbhule, which sits along the mighty Marshyangdi River. One of the great attractions of the Annapurna area is the fact that most treks start at a low elevation and gradually ascend. At 2,625 feet/800 meters, Bhulbhule Village makes for an excellent jumping off point to begin the acclimatization process. Over the next three days we gradually ascended the Marshyangdi River valley camping at the villages of Syange, Tal and Koto respectively. These were wonderful days to wander through villages as the locals were bustling about getting the fields ready for planting. On an autumn trek, we would see villagers busily harvesting the rice, wheat and vegetables our group witnessed them planting. In the middle hills of rural Nepal, daily life consists of 
a beautifully orchestrated list of chores in which all family members play a role. Upon reaching Koto at 8,660 feet, we truly had the sense that we were about to enter a very special place. Koto is the eastern gateway into Upper Manang. Ninety-nine percent of all trekkers camped here tonight will continue west on the main Annapurna trail tomorrow. In the morning, however, our small group is the fortunate 1% that will be heading north into the narrow canyon with the huge sheer rock walls that we can see from the campsite. It looks as though we will be walking into a Lord of the Rings movie! We are all very excited.
Manang. On this trek, we first make our way to Phu Village which is located in the northernmost corner of Upper Manang and only two days walk from Tibet. It takes four days of trekking to reach this remote community. En route we camped at the non-permanent winter settlements of Dharamsala, Meta and Kyang before finally crossing through the Phu Gate and arriving at this impressive walled citadel. We felt as if we had truly stumbled upon a lost civilization. Settled around the 10th Century by Tibetan herders and traders migrating south from Tibet, the inhabitants of Phu (also noted on maps as Phoo) once placed high value on their remote and strategic location. Tall stone lookout towers, now standing in ruins, where used to spot possible invaders coming from all directions and thick wooden doors where bolted shut at night locking the residents securely inside. We had the entire next day to explore this fascinating area. After a well appreciated late bed tea, our day was spent wandering around the village, visiting with the local school master who teaches 25 of the village’s children and had the great pleasure of sightseeing inside the Tashi Lakhang Monastery, which sits high above the village. Tashi Lakhang – ‘the blessed house of gods’ is one of the oldest monasteries (or gompas) in Manang. The gompa is one of 108 constructed by Lama Urgen Lhundup Gyatso and, along with the monastery in Braga, makes up the heart of spiritual life in the Manang District.