I was extremely saddened today to learn of the tragedy in Nepal which took the lives of more than 40 trekkers when a winter storm, fueled by a cyclone moving through India, dumped 6 feet of snow on the Thorung La Pass, the highest point on the Annapurna circuit.  Ten months ago, I captured this image of myself standing where most of the trekkers fell victim to hypothermia on the downside of the trail headed to Muktinath.  I was prepared for winter snows which are common in December but unusual for the month of October.  I crossed the pass the day before the first major storm of the season and think back now on my good fortune.  Faced with white out conditions, this section of the circuit would have been nearly impossible to navigate.  No doubt, many changes will be made by the Nepalese government in the aftermath of this tragedy.  In my opinion, the most effective change would be to provide up to the minute weather forecasts at strategically located points along the trek.  The technology exists to do this.

My thoughts this day are with all who lost lives and suffered in the Himalaya and those who survive them.