Mount Shasta: Full Circle

The drive up from San Francisco was Northern California at its finest. The rolling hills dotted with cows here and there wore a fresh coat of green. Coming up the Sacramento River canyon from Redding we watched the spring blossoms of redbud by the roadway turn into the white of winter as we entered Mt Shasta.

Jet lagged, cold and tired we returned home to find it much as we had left it; deep in the throes of winter, snow bound and storming. I shoveled six inches of snow out of the drive to get into the house. This six inches was followed by another six inches last night and this morning.

We are overwhelmed by how clean everything is. The trash and filth of India slowly fades from our memory as we breathe the crisp air and fearlessly drink the water straight out of the tap. We take showers that blast us with hot water and wash away the grime of India. We eat fresh salad and marvel at the taste of Romaine lettuce. A bottle of Pinot Grigio tastes like elixir of the gods as we wash down a dill baked piece of Steelhead salmon. Its good to be home.

Our trip to India was a true adventure. Things often went wrong but equally often they went very right. At times the level of exhaustion and frustration overwhelmed us. Yet everytime we reached the breaking point we would have an experience that would make it all worthwhile.

There is nothing easy about traveling in India. Transport is difficult, the food is strange, the water undrinkable, the pollution overwhelming, but it is all fascinating. The people of India are equally fascinating. Clinging to ancient superstitions coupled with the education of the modern age there was one constant; their warmth. We met some of the nicest people we have met anywhere. Deb's camera and gift of gab won us so many friends, some of whom we will keep for the rest of our lives.

India is not for the faint of heart or weak of stomach but anyone intrepid enough to venture through it will find rewards that compensate for the trials of the journey. I can't say I heartily recommend it to everyone, but if you have the stamina and patience, it is a journey well worth taking.

Thanks for following along on our journey to India. We hope you enjoyed the ride.