Honey Valley.

After climbing the highest peak on my 3rd day of trekking, I arrive at Honey Valley. This is paradise. Okay, so that might sound a bit over the top but, if after 21km of hiking (the last 5km solo with the instructions; there should be signs?) you reach an isolated coffee plantation in the middle of nowhere and someone hands you hot water and a cold beer - then I think paradise is appropriate.
I've spent 5 days here mainly reading, writing and becoming the Honey Valley Scrabble champion. I've also managed to crack my scalp open by landing head first on a pretty solid rock whilst crossing a river on the way back from a short trek. Luckily my Field nurse; Des was on hand to stop the bleeding with her nice orange scarf and make me look like a fairly feminine Rambo in the process.
Des is one of the group of very interesting folk I've met here. I'm pretty sure her love life will make it into print one day - should make a good read. I also met Karen who has the Job everyone wants - Getting paid to travel and update guidebooks! What a Bitch!!
Jack whose crammed a few lifetimes into his 50yrs and has that calmness that comes from seeing lots of life's highs and lows and then taking it down to the simplicity of ending the day with a beer and a cigarette.
Alissa who manages to do the crazily enthusiastic American thing without you wanting to wrap her head in Gaffa tape - impressive.
And lastly I met Fred - making his way down India on an old Enfield with about 5Rupees to his name. Best of British to you Fred!