epic (for me) community service trek in nepal

I am on my way home after five or so weeks in the Himalayas, where I worked as part of a medical team in a really rugged and remote part of Nepal. Some stats: we walked approximately 140 miles, climbed five passes over 17000 feet (and about as many more at 15000 feet or more), and accumulated the equivalent of going ten miles straight up.

Along the way, we did six official medical clinics, four or five impromptu clinics, treated about 900 people (most seeing more than once clinician) and six or seven horses and mules.

Preparing for this trip has been the focus of my last eight months of gym (weights and cardio) and outdoor (hiking and climbing) work. I am happy to report that I didn't get hurt, or even too sore, and even better, I had enough energy to enjoy working in the clinics in addition to the physical challenges, for which I was well-prepared.

I think my next challenge is prepping for a ten day mountaineering course that ends with a three day climb of Mt. Rainer. I'd love to make some new friends that spend time in the gym so they can do this kind of stuff...