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One of Nepal's largest development projects is taking place just upstream from where you crossed the Arun River. It is called the Arun III Hydroelectric Project. What does hydroelectric mean? Since most of the valleys in Makalu-Barun drain into the Arun, developers are trying to harness the waterpower of this river to generate electricity for the people of Nepal. How will this project affect local people? How will it affect the environment?

Glaciers on Mount Makalu. Photo: Alton ByersWhen you climb out of the tent this morning, there is a blanket of snow on everything. How beautiful! Although you knew Mount Makalu would be covered in glaciers, you have to admit you're a bit surprised to see new snow. It is the dry season, after all. During the pre-monsoon season (April through early June) and the post-monsoon season (late September through November), the weather is preferable for expeditions.

Evidence of mountain top mining in the Appalachian Mountains. Photo: Library of CongressYou worry that the proposed mountaintop mining activities on Blair might have an impact on the quality of these water supplies. If the top of Blair is removed to uncover the low-sulfur coal at its center, rocks and debris will be dumped in the valley. This would fill in at least part of the river, eliminating it as a water source and destroying any aquatic life that is present.

Mountain waterfall. Photo: USDAYou wake up to the sound of a mountain stream flowing next to your campsite. When you climb out of your tent, the sun is shining. How beautiful! Late spring or early summer is the best time to be hiking in the mountains of West Virginia. The temperature at night (60°F) is perfect for sleeping and during the day (75°F), perfect for hiking. The weather during the winter is less favorable for expeditions.

You worry that many of the activities you have seen during the expedition might have an impact on the quality of these water supplies. So far, you've seen land cleared for farming and grazing, trees cut for firewood and charcoal, and plants removed during resource mining. You've even seen the bare land that is left behind. Without vegetation, erosion must be taking place, washing soil into the rivers and degrading the water supply. Are people other than those in the Andes affected by the quality of this water? Are other species affected?

When you climb out of the tent this morning, there is a blanket of snow on everything. How beautiful! The sun is shining and although the air is cold, you know that by noon most of it will have melted and the mountain people will shed their heavier clothing and seek refuge from the sun.

At 14,767 feet (4,500 meters) you've reached the elevation where the high-altitude porters take over. While this exchange is taking place, you mention to one of the guides that you are amazed at how many useful plants there are in the mountains. He tells you that this is nothing compared to the way it used to be. Most of the people you've seen collecting plants are herdsmen who travel up and down the mountainside checking on their livestock. Local collectors either use the plants themselves or sell them in the local market.