Discussion Topic |
|
This thread has been locked |
SC seagoat
Trad climber
Santa Cruz, Moab or In What Time Zone Am I?
|
|
Beautiful Mike.
I love this saga. Every time I see an update I open it with great anticipation!
Susan
|
|
rockermike
Trad climber
Berkeley
|
|
|
Topic Author's Reply - Oct 19, 2015 - 02:59am PT
|
Gang of Pamiri girls. The Pamiris - by the way - are Tajik citizens and the Pamir mountains are in Tajikistan..... but historically, linguistically, racially, and religiously they are a seperate people. They are Ishmaili muslims... a very liberal sect.... and many as blue eyed and blond haired as your typical southern Cal surfer boy. Super poor country. Super generous people. They will give you their last crust of bread. In fact one shepherd did give me his last loaf of bread. I tried to give him at least half back and he refused. I ran into him the next day 40 kilometers down the road. It turned out he had walked all night through the snow and cold to take his heard of sheep , goats and yaks down valley for the winter. All without anything to eat in 24 hours.
|
|
rockermike
Trad climber
Berkeley
|
|
|
Topic Author's Reply - Oct 19, 2015 - 03:18am PT
|
Right side of photo is Afghanistan. Spent 4 days following this river and within a stones throw. Only difference I could see was the Tajiks were in Toyota Land Cruisers ( drug smuggling money I'm told) and the Afghans are still riding donkeys.
As to my future, I'm still resting up from a hard 24 days push through the mountains on horribly rocky roads... and haven't decided yet. I don't think I'm going further west to Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan. .. both very tourist unfriendly countries. So I may fly home or I may fly somewhere warmer like southern India and continue from there.
|
|
crankster
Trad climber
No. Tahoe
|
|
|
Oct 19, 2015 - 05:04am PT
|
Sounds like a good plan, Mike. Keep the adventure going, safely!
|
|
overwatch
climber
|
|
|
Oct 19, 2015 - 07:25am PT
|
you are an amazing guy although it sounds like you're not alone out there. Anyone doing what you are doing has deepest respect from me.
I have not been out of the country since a trip to Taiwan in the late eighties. I leave in 10 days for a 10 day trip to Bangkok, Thailand with a little bit of trepidation about being so far from home.
you inspire me not to be light and just say whatever happens, happens.
|
|
donini
Trad climber
Ouray, Colorado
|
|
|
Oct 19, 2015 - 07:28am PT
|
Mike....I've been on that same road in Takjikistan. Keep the adventure going! The Ismails in Khorog love to dance.
|
|
Reilly
Mountain climber
The Other Monrovia- CA
|
|
|
Oct 19, 2015 - 07:42am PT
|
Yes, Tadzhiks are wild and crazy guys!
|
|
overwatch
climber
|
|
|
Oct 19, 2015 - 09:22am PT
|
All three, but especially the guy in the middle, have "angel eyes".
|
|
NutAgain!
Trad climber
South Pasadena, CA
|
|
|
Oct 19, 2015 - 11:38am PT
|
Mike, it's cool that you take the time to share your adventures with the armchair hangers-on back here in Comfortistan.
|
|
donini
Trad climber
Ouray, Colorado
|
|
|
Oct 19, 2015 - 01:08pm PT
|
Mike did a similar thing in South America a couple of years ago. He was a welcome guest at our home in Patagonia for a few days.
|
|
Joron
Trad climber
Hoodland, Oregon
|
|
|
Oct 20, 2015 - 10:50am PT
|
Good photos and update, Mike. I've been wondering where you are.
|
|
Rhodo-Router
Gym climber
sawatch choss
|
|
|
Dec 31, 2015 - 09:06pm PT
|
Anyone seen Mike lately?
|
|
Jan
Mountain climber
Colorado, Nepal & Okinawa
|
|
I just discovered this thread again. Count me in as one of your die hard friends.
Looking forward to more updates.
|
|
skcreidc
Social climber
SD, CA
|
|
|
Jun 26, 2017 - 04:01pm PT
|
^^^^Yes Mike, this is a great thread and I for one would love to hear more.
|
|
Brandon-
climber
The Granite State.
|
|
|
Jun 26, 2017 - 04:15pm PT
|
Totally. I followed your progress daily, as it was such a great journey.
|
|
|
SuperTopo on the Web
|
Let us know!