Pumped up.

Day 2 Saw more fog and more climbing as a mix of cycling, pushing and heavy breathing got me through to my night halt at Sandakpur 3700 metres up freezing cold and windy. Highlight of the day was the approach by Indian border security forces and questioning on whether I had bike pump or not, unsure as why this was relevant I handed over the pump much to their delight. Deflated volleyballs and football's were brought forward and the 1st pump to reach Sandakpur for years was put to good use. Leaving the army post a happy place full of ball bouncing soldiers.
Most of the afternoon and the night was spent in the kitchen of the hut I was staying at, huddled up next to the family over a metal container of hot coals slurping beers and eating rice mixed up with rancid Yak's milk and unidentifiable meat.
Day 3 Miss the days only sighting of Kanchenjunga whilst pumping up more balls for the local kids. Weather has cleared somewhat and the day promised a 20 km ridge ride before a 1800 metre descent down to the river at Shri Khola.
Some of the best riding I have ever done took me along singletrack and rocky trails on undulating terrain through an amazing landscape littered with dead trees . Wandering Yaks and the odd bemused Sherpa carrying bundles of stuff to who knows where provided the only company. Descent proves incredible, windey hard packed trail with a few wooden steps and ramps running over the small rivers. Takes about 90 minutes to get down the increasingly tricky track to the Shri Khola lodge.
Day 4 Bag of shite compared to previous days, many more trekkers on the trail which widens and widens until it becomes a dirt road. Routs taking me back to Darjeeling listed as trekking routes turn out to be roads so abandon after 60 km and jeep back up to Darjeeling for a another night in Joeys pub with the Charlie Chan look alike landlord.