A Different Way of Crossing the River

As I move farther up the Swat Valley, I begin to edge away from the Swat River, but still run parallel to it. Today I stop at around one mile west of the river, between some small communities.

Almost due east from where I stop, across the Swat, is the village of Alam Ganj (or Alamganj). In 2009, the World Health Organization (WHO) released a report of studies of diseases in the North West Frontier, including the Swat Valley. They reported a number of cases of suspected measles in the town of Alam Ganj and surrounding area, and partnered with UNICEF and other organizations to vaccinate children. In total, almost 1,200 children in the Swat Valley area, including Alam Ganji and Saidu Sharif, another town that I passed, were vaccinated and/or treated.

As I have mentioned before, methods of crossing the river are a bit difficult in places, especially now after the flooding. The photo seen below shows an interesting and somewhat enjoyable way to reach the other bank.

A breezy day here in Helena reflects climate of the photo below, where the snowcapped peaks of the high mountains stand in the background and the trees have dropped their leaves in preparation for the coming winter.

Until next time,
Sarah Capdeville


Summary
Today's distance: 3.29 miles
Total distance: 108.4 miles
Distance to go: 49.6 miles

Weather in Helena: 65 degrees F, sunny, breezy
Weather in Mingora: 100 degrees F, sunny