North to Nathia Gali

North to Nathia Gali (Mar 2)
It is decided that we should leave Lahore today rather than wait until tomorrow due to the fact that GW Bush is arriving in Islamabad and their may be a general strike in the whole country that may affect travel. I can't see how any force can affect travel, but we take the advice an head for the North. On the motorway north we see villages which range from small brick/wood houses to complexes of brick and wood building interconnected. The motorways have rest stops to allow us to break and snack.


Our first planned stop is at the Salt Mines - a 2000 year old complex, now with tourist facility. Amazing caves of natural salt water and crystal salt. Lick the walls of the slat mines and make a wish. Nice spot. A snack brought from home was enjoyed and we are back on the road.
In Katas we stop a the ruins of a Hindu Temple. More ruins to explore than time allowed.

We pass Rawalpindi and through Islamabad - a beautiful modern-ish city. We stop for an oil change and a 1/2 hours market stop. After ice cream and soda are consumed and and a failed shoe shopping expedition we are off up the hills.

Next we travel further north into the hills of Muree and towards our hotel in Naithia Gali. We have taken the classical Pakistani honk and pass driving model and added sharp hair pin turns and sporadic guard-rail-less areas for a winding assent 8000 ft. I am glued to the windows but the drive of the day has made the other passengers sleep - how can how sleep through this view.

We arrive at the Hotel, not knowing what to expect. The Elite Hotel is, of course, located on a hill side. Several 3 story brick building house 6 large rooms and a common room per floor. Not luxary, but more than excellent on these scales. The temperature of about 8 deg and the building ar not heated. Extra comforters and warm bodies provide warm.

The sun as risen for the day and we are warming up - We will go the main house for breakfast shortly and debate the days trek- higher into the mountain. Nanny and Auntie will probably stay lower, but we will all try to bypass the minor snow and climb another 500m to the top of the highest peak in the area. It is said that on a clear day you can see the summit of Nanga Parbat - a darn high mountain - We will see what we can do - I certainly beats Pakenham - We will ensure to bring the Humm to make our mark in Almonte travel circles.

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