Gualala Arts Lecture Series presents:
Trekking the Annapurna Circuit

with R.C. Vasavada
Monday, February 9, 2009, 7:00 p.m.
$5 donation requested

Gualala Arts will host a photo lecture about trekking Nepal by R.C. Vasavada on Monday, February 9 at 7:00 p.m. A $5 donation is requested.

This lecture describes R.C. Vasavada's trek that covered 130 miles over 19 days. Accompanied by two friends, two guides and two porters, R.C. retraced the Annapurna Circuit, an ancient trade route between India and Tibet. He will include photographs of the spectacular scenery, a glimpse into village life along the journey, and a brief illustrated history of Kathmandu as an introduction to Nepal.

Starting at an elevation of 2,700 feet the group followed the Marsyangdi Valley north, crossed the Thorung La Pass at 17,770 feet, and steeply descended to the historic village of Muktinath at 12,500 feet before following the Kali Gandaki River to the final destination near Naya Pul.

The scenery changes from terraced farmland and leech infested rain forests at the lower elevations to conifer forests with huge rhododendrons followed by treeless alpine meadows nestled among snow-covered peaks. The Annapurna Range of mountains in this Himalayan region dominates the scenery.

The strenuous effort required to climb over 15,000 feet was amply compensated for by the unforgettable variety of scenery and the intimate glimpse into a life of those who live in the villages where the trekkers found modest accommodations.

Dr. Ravindra C. Vasavada, better known as RC, has been a full-time resident of the coast since March, 2000, after retiring as Professor of Pharmacy and Director of Graduate Programs at School of Pharmacy, University of the Pacific, Stockton. He is active in many organizations including The Rotary Club of Gualala and Gualala Arts.

He combines his interest in photography with his love of the high country in the Sierras and elsewhere. RC came from India with a bachelor's degree and completed his Ph.D. here. His son Ashwin Vasavada, a planetary scientist at Jet Propulsion Laboratory, gave a very well received talk on exploration of Mars in September of 2008.

The Gualala Arts Center, located at 46501 Old State Highway in Gualala, CA,
is open weekdays 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., and weekends from noon to 4:00 p.m.
Please call (707) 884-1138 for more information, or email info@gualalaarts.org.

Serving the coastal communities of northern Sonoma & southern Mendocino Counties.