OUT OF THIN AIR

SUSANNAH H. SNOWDEN,—MYSTIC, CONNECTICUT

I firmly planted my trekking pole and climbed higher into the Himalayan mountains. It was Day Three of a four-day trek from Ghorepani to Ghandruk, Nepal. My camera swung from its crisscrossed position on my body as my guide and I climbed higher in altitude. But the rocky, slippery, steep trail requred all my concentration, leaving me few opportunities to take in my surroundings.

We eventually crested the peak of Gurung Hill at 3,700 meters (12,139 feet). Suddenly the thin trail opened up into a tremendous view. The glorious peaks and valleys of Nepal were visible all around me!

We stopped to take a break. Though I was tired and ready to relax for a few minutes, my photographer's eye was still active. I was immediately drawn to a rocky platform on top of the hill that had brightly colored prayer flags flowing from it. I was thrilled with the way the flags were gently blowing in the thin air, and loved how their saturated colors contrasted against the crisp blue sky.

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