Chapter 1 - Advance Party in Pindi

The advance Party of me, Linda, Matthew and Anisa got to Pakistan a week before the rest of the group. We had not too much time to get Trekking permits, food, handle logistics and get everything in order for the rest of the team to move without the delay. Saadia, Zaby and Daany timed their visit for the same time to creat the greatest amount of "rownak" or happy activity around the house. We got to go to Trek 3 for a training hike and then to Murree for a nigher altitide hike at 8000 feet.

We make JFK on time even though we left an hour late. Linda picked me up at the Neward airport where I had come in from the UK. Good thing we were confused on time.
We are checked in. Relief.
On the ramp to board the airplane at JFK. It was a pretty new Boeing 777ER.
Leg space was substantial. The entertainment system had a small movie selection.
We were in a row and Matthew was in the seat in front.
Starting to get dark. We left right on the minute mark. PIA was doing better.
Monsoon clouds on the way to Lahore.
Flooded fields below us on approach to Lahore.
Landed at Lahore International.
A small detour to show Matthew the Badshahi Masjid in Lahore.
Planning meeting at Mummy's house. There was a lot of debate about the number of porters we might need. We opted for the conservative approach so that we would have some margin.
Making a quick spreadsheet to figure out that our basic needs could not be met by less than 40 porters unless we bought kerosene along the way.
An essential stop was at Askari Aviation where we put down a deposit for a helo evacutaion if necessary and get a kit for a makeshift helipad and a windsock.
Out in Islmabad to get money. We ran out of time to withdraw enough cash so we had to visit the ATM in Islamabad every day to withdraw the maximum amounr.
The capital barricaded off from normal traffic.
We all head for a training hike on Trail 3 in the Margalla Hills. As usual we left a little late and had little ones with us like Asad.
They were told to look exhausted but kept breaking into grins...I finally got the weary shot.
Bilal with his unauthorized footgear. By this time it was to late to do anything. To his credit he completed the hike with not a single complaint.
At the first overlook.
Trying to squeeze Rawal Lake.
Daaniyal puts on Anisa's pink hat!
Adil trying to bribe and distract Asad with trail mix. It did not last for long.
Still less than half way and the sun was already sinking....but I said we were not going to turn back but go all the way to the end where the restaurant was.
Zaaby thinks it is a little too warm!
Linda brings up the girls. Methinks they had been going a little light on the preparation training.
I thought Matthew was going to break out in his singing voice.
Now it was getting darker, and Asad was in no mood to walk. It took some clever game playing so he would give Adil a break. It was a good idea to not have Adil carry a pack for the hike!
After almost 2.5 hours and a vertical gain of 2000 feet, we reach Manal Restaurant where Uncle Joji was waiting. The soldiers in the hill had already put up razor wire on the trail but thankfully they warned us when we got near. Gave Matthew quite a scare.
We head to BarBQ Tonite. Just the best place for tikkas and kebabs in Islamabad.
Shaman and her kids join us for dinner.
The nice thing was that Mummy was able to come as well.
The food arrives.
Totally worth the wait.
The old fashioned way...over a charcoal grill....no other way to do it.
I went out side to the grill to take some pictures of how it is done.
The proper technique.
Chicken Tikkas on the grill. They make cuts in the chicken so the marinade gets in everywhere.
Daaniyal took a spill on Trail 3 when we went on the hike. Battle wounds.
The oft travelled road to Islamabad from Pindi.
A little kid manning the corn rehri (Cart). His dad had just left to say his prayers and he was determined to do the job right.
Saadia and our driver Fareed Khan work the equipment since they felt so bad for the kid. After burning a few fingers they concluded it was harder than it looked.
A little kid manning the corn rehri (Cart). His dad had just left to say his prayers and he was determined to do the job right.
Next stop Metro. It is like Costco and the place to buy stuff in bulk.
Anisa, Linda and Saadia had been busy buying shalwar Kameezes,
The fashion show.
The fashion show.
Asfandiyar's birthday.