Footsteps to the Ganga

Even though I've been on this journey for 6 weeks now, I still keep pinching myself. Sometimes it really is a bit much to take in. Grace has consistently brought "bodyguards" to take me along this adventure with both safety and great company. As of late this position has fallen to both Cameron from Down Under, and Dave from London. Our other lovely friend Kelly from NYC just left the Quartet, so now myself and the lads have been making the most of our last few days in Rishikesh.
Two days ago Our trio awoke hours before dawn to take a ride up to the tippy top of a dark mountain temple. We arrived in time to watch the sunrise over the vast horizon of jagged Himalayan silhouettes, and witness the morning temple Puja (prayer offering) to Kali, the Goddess of destruction and creation- quite a job. The morning was cold and several rounds of chai was just what we needed to get a jump start on the 8 mile hike down the hill. We a had a guide to lead the way, who spoke a total of 9 words to me, which were all the different names of the Goddess Kali (she's big around here). He made the whole journey without any water, or snacks, despite my attempts to force some down his throat. Gosh, now that I think about it he didn't even stop to pee, but then I guess that evens out with his liquid intake.
The day was amazingly clear, and the sense of the Himayalas was spectacular. It was the most quiet 4 hours spent yet in India. Just the birds, monkeys, and footsteps.