Author Archives: TA Loeffler

Great Big Walk Day 8: To Amjilosa (2308m)

Posted on March 8, 2014 by TA Loeffler

To Amjilosa (2308m). The stage from Sukathum to Amjilosa is a challenging day. After crossing the suspension bridge outside Sukathum we enter dense forest once again until the valley narrows into steep gorge country.The sound of the river is deafening … Continue reading →

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Great Big Walk Audio Update Day #8

Posted on March 8, 2014 by TA Loeffler

Hey this is TA calling in from Amjilosa. Day 8. We’ve had a great walk today. I had 18,819 steps. Actually about 300 more since we actually got here to camp. Marian had 17 682. The big news is that we broke … Continue reading →

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Great Big Walk Location Update Day #8

Posted on March 8, 2014 by TA Loeffler

TA Latitude:27.56741 Longitude:87.85756 GPS location Date/Time:03/08/2014 06:48:41 NST Message:Great Big Walk: This is TA & Marian’s location on the Great Himalaya Trail in Nepal.Thanks for walking with us Click the link below to see where I am located. http://fms.ws/Ft8NI/27.56741N/87.85756E If … Continue reading →

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It’s Find Your Fit Friday on the Great Big Walk Day 7: To Sukathum (1576m)

Posted on March 7, 2014 by TA Loeffler

Find Your Fit! Find Your Fit! is a provincial physical activity promotions/communications campaign designed to get individuals motivated and moving towards healthy, active living.  The Find Your Fit! website is an excellent resource for physical activity throughout the lifespan.  You are … Continue reading →

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Great Big Walk Audio Update Day #7

Posted on March 7, 2014 by TA Loeffler

“Hey this is TA calling in from day 7 on the great big walk and it is find your fit Friday. So hopefully you’re finding a way to find your fit. The most important thing about finding your fit is that it … Continue reading →

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Great Big Walk Location Update Day #7

Posted on March 7, 2014 by TA Loeffler

TA Latitude:27.53630 Longitude:87.80797 GPS location Date/Time:03/07/2014 06:04:31 NST Message:Great Big Walk: This is TA & Marian’s location on the Great Himalaya Trail in Nepal.Thanks for walking with us Click the link below to see where I am located. http://fms.ws/FsDCQ/27.53630N/87.80797E If … Continue reading →

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Great Big Walk Day 6: To Chiruwa (1270m)

Posted on March 6, 2014 by TA Loeffler

To Chiruwa (1270m) The trail ascends and descends steadily for approximately 4 hours as we make our way towards the Tamor Khola and the valley floor at Nagadin. This area is significant to the history of Nepal and is where … Continue reading →

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Great Big Walk Audio Update Day #6

Posted on March 6, 2014 by TA Loeffler

“Hey this is TA calling in from day 6 of the Great Big Walk. We are in the village of Chiruwa at an elevation of 1286 meters and we had a great big walk today. I had 25,258 steps and … Continue reading →

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Great Big Walk Day 5: To Mitlung (1542m)

Posted on March 5, 2014 by TA Loeffler

Walk To Mitlung (1542m) Today we will begin our Great Big Walk!  We will walk approximately four hours to Mitlung.  The trails throughout the lower sections of the Kanchenjunga region pass through fertile valleys that typically produce up to three … Continue reading →

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Great Big Walk Audio Update Day #5

Posted on March 5, 2014 by TA Loeffler

“Hey this is TA calling in from Mitlung, Nepal. Thanks for listening! First off, I just wanted to start by thanking the Memorial University of Newfoundland offices Engagement for making these audio updates possible, and also thanks to my communications … Continue reading →

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Great Big Feet

Posted on March 4, 2014 by TA Loeffler

Our bus assistant taking in the road ahead from a perch outside the bus. My feet. As you can see, the brightness has already started to tone down. Tomorrow the feet get put to the test when the Great Big … Continue reading →

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Great Big Drive 2

Posted on March 4, 2014 by TA Loeffler

Epic drive today in the TATA mobile. Here you can see how close the other oncoming traffic has to pass. The slightly less Trudy stead needed several stops for banging, hammering, and other assorted mechanical manifestations. Hairpin warning sign. We … Continue reading →

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Momo Lesson in Ilam

Posted on March 4, 2014 by TA Loeffler

We began our day with an impromptu Momo lesson by the hotel owner in Ilam. Momos are small dumplings that can be filled with meat or veggies. Here she is adding the special twist to seal in the filling. Cabbage … Continue reading →

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Great Big Walk Day 4: Drive to Taplejung (1820m)

Posted on March 4, 2014 by TA Loeffler

Drive to Taplejung (1820m). Today we plan to drive to Taplejung. Flights can sometimes be delayed due to mountain weather and so flexibility and patience may be required. The Kanchenjunga region is home to Sherpa, Limbu, Rai and Gurung people.  … Continue reading →

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Great Big Walk Audio Update Day #4

Posted on March 4, 2014 by TA Loeffler

“Hey this is TA calling in from Taplejung. I’ve been practicing saying that all day, and the best news is I’m calling in! We got the SAT phone to work so this is just a test to make sure it’s … Continue reading →

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Great Big Walk Location Update Day #4

Posted on March 4, 2014 by TA Loeffler

TA Latitude:27.35520 Longitude:87.66903 GPS location Date/Time:03/04/2014 07:59:25 NST Message:Great Big Walk: This is TA & Marian’s location on the Great Himalaya Trail in Nepal.Thanks for walking with us Click the link below to see where I am located. http://fms.ws/Fpcoh/27.35520N/87.66903E If … Continue reading →

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Great Big Walk Location Update Day #3

Posted on March 3, 2014 by TA Loeffler

TA Latitude:27.72047 Longitude:85.32004 GPS location Date/Time:03/02/2014 06:59:53 NST Message:Great Big Walk: This is TA & Marian’s location on the Great Himalaya Trail in Nepal.Thanks for walking with us Click the link below to see where I am located. http://fms.ws/Fosu4/27.72047N/85.32004E If … Continue reading →

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Great Big Drive

Posted on March 3, 2014 by TA Loeffler

Here we are celebrating our safe arrival in Ilam with some organic Ilam tea. A real treat since we drove through many hillside tea plantations. Ilam is known for its tea. And quite a drive it was… This is our … Continue reading →

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Great Big Walk Day 3: Fly Bhadrapur (2420m). Drive to Ilam

Posted on March 3, 2014 by TA Loeffler

Today we fly  to Bhadrapur (2420m) and then drive to Ilam. Bhadrapur is situated in the terai, south east of Lukla. The flight from Kathmandu takes approximately  50 minutes and affords views of the entire trek and the Himalaya from … Continue reading →

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Flying is Done, Busing Begins

Posted on March 3, 2014 by TA Loeffler

Beautiful flight, awesome mountains, safe landing and now hoping for safe driving.

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Ready to Fly

Posted on March 3, 2014 by TA Loeffler

Loading up the plane. Have the requisite seat on the left of the plane. Hoping for a view of the Himalayas and our entire route. Bless this flight and see all safely through

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Great Big Walk: Going East Soon (i.e. tomorrow)

Posted on March 2, 2014 by TA Loeffler

We had an excellent day touring some of the famous spots of Kathamandu, including my favourite, Boudhanath Stupa. The stupa is the second largest in the world and the largest in Nepal. The stupa was alive with many folks celebrating … Continue reading →

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Great Big Walk Day 2: In Kathmandu (1330m)

Posted on March 2, 2014 by TA Loeffler

This morning we’ll be sightseeing and taking in  key attractions in and around Kathmandu. The Kathmandu Valley has an amazing range of fascinating highlights.  We will visit Pashupatinath and Boudhanath (two favourite places of mine). Quote for the Day All … Continue reading →

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Great Big Walk: Lazy Day in KTM

Posted on March 1, 2014 by TA Loeffler

We’ve begun! Tonight we met our two teammates, Ray and Carmelina at our trip briefing. We women are all Canadian and Ray is Australian. We lazed about today only making 5461 steps because a thunder shower changed a plan away … Continue reading →

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Great Big Walk Day 1: In Kathmandu (1330m)

Posted on March 1, 2014 by TA Loeffler

Meeting the Expedition Team In Kathmandu (1330m) Today we will be meeting up with the members of our expedition team.  We’ll try to get to know each other, build team bonds, and work to take care of last minute tasks … Continue reading →

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Great Big Walk: Visit to Kopan

Posted on February 28, 2014 by TA Loeffler

We had an awesome day yesterday settling into Kathmandu life. We visited Raj and saw how his new trekking office renos we’re going. Lunch at Nargila with fresh lemon soda and the adventure of buying a Nepali SIM card for … Continue reading →

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We made it to Kathmandu

Posted on February 27, 2014 by TA Loeffler

This is our view from breakfast. We arrived in Kathmandu late last night (the evaporation of flight from Delhi to KTM meant we were moved to the evening flight). With power load shedding, the portion of the city from the … Continue reading →

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5, 4, 3, 2, 1, GO! For a Great Big Walk

Posted on February 25, 2014 by TA Loeffler

Bags are packed. No sleeps left. No hockey games left. A few more things on the to-do list left to do and then 34 hours of travel. We fly St. John’s to Halifax to London to Delhi to Kathmandu. We … Continue reading →

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Packing for The Great Big Walk: Stage Five

Posted on February 24, 2014 by TA Loeffler

Stage Five: Close and weigh bags. Breathe sigh of relief. Go attend to the 50 other things still on the to do list. Try to get some sleep.

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Packing for The Great Big Walk:Stage Four

Posted on February 24, 2014 by TA Loeffler

Stage Four: Tame the Chaos All the decisions have been made and clothing and sleeping systems tamed into bags. Next step, bag the bags.

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Packing for the Great Big Walk: Stage Three

Posted on February 23, 2014 by TA Loeffler

Stage Three: Now that all gear has been pulled, it’s time for final decisions and grouping supplies into categories for bagging. This is our mini repair kit. It will allow us to patch our thermarests, resole our boots, and fix … Continue reading →

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Packing for The Great Big Walk: Stage Two

Posted on February 22, 2014 by TA Loeffler

Stage Two: it gets worse before it gets better!

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Let The Serious Packing Begin for The Great Big Walk

Posted on February 22, 2014 by TA Loeffler

And so it begins… Step One: Start pulling all the gear on the list.

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Visual Soliloquy #950 Whenever you find yourself on the side of the majority, it is time to pause and reflect…

Posted on February 20, 2014 by TA Loeffler

Whenever you find yourself on the side of the majority, it is time to pause and reflect. ― Mark Twain

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Great Big Walk SPOT Testing #1

Posted on February 19, 2014 by TA Loeffler

TA Latitude:47.57008 Longitude:-52.70300 GPS location Date/Time:02/19/2014 20:06:00 NST Message:Great Big Walk: This is TA & Marian’s location on the Great Himalaya Trail in Nepal. Thanks for walking along. Click the link below to see where I am located. http://fms.ws/Ffe2x/47.57008N/52.70300W If … Continue reading →

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Audio Post Testing from St. John’s

Posted on February 19, 2014 by TA Loeffler

Great Big Walk acknowledges the support of the Memorial University of Newfoundland Quick Start Fund for Public Engagement in making these updates from the field possible.

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Visual Soliloquy #949 Experience is one thing you can’t get for nothing…

Posted on February 19, 2014 by TA Loeffler

Experience is one thing you can’t get for nothing.–Oscar Wilde

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Visual Soliloquy #948 Use your imagination not to scare yourself to death but to inspire yourself to live…

Posted on February 18, 2014 by TA Loeffler

Use your imagination not to scare yourself to death but to inspire yourself to live. ― Adele Brookman

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Kathmandu Things I’m Looking Forward to on the Great Big Walk

Posted on February 17, 2014 by TA Loeffler

These are a few of my favourite things about Kathamndu…we’ll be there in ten days! 1) Landing in Kathamndu and heading down to the Nargila for a fresh lemon soda and a plate of hummus! (Fresh lemon soda is fresh … Continue reading →

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Visual Soliloquy #947 Never trust anyone who has not brought a book with them…

Posted on February 16, 2014 by TA Loeffler

Never trust anyone who has not brought a book with them. ― Lemony Snicket

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