- 67 km trekked and tracked by GPS in the Thimphu, Wangdi, Punakha and Bumthang regions. The survey team was warmly received and well fed by locals along the trail. Enthusiasm is building as the trail project roles out across the country!
- Marketing – The initial branding choices were circulated to the Steering Committee. Additional options were shared. A ballot process will take place at the February 14th Steering Committee meeting in order to present a couple of options for final approval.
- The Senior Project Director hiring process is underway. Eleven candidates have submitted an application. The Selection Committee will meet during the first week of February to review and select candidates who will be invited to an interview. The intent is to have the successful candidate chosen and in place by the middle of March.
- Initial meetings have taken place to establish partnership with De-suung, Scouts and Forestry. The National Land Commission Secretariat has agreed to undertake the survey process of the trail starting in March.
- Additional members have joined the Steering Committee including representative(s) from De-suung, Bhutan Sustainable Tourism Society and the Association of Bhutan Tourism Operators.
- Local business – Greener Way will provide recycled plastic poles for trail signage and way finding.
- Curriculum is in the development stage in support of the Gyalsung (youth) program.
- Several meetings took place this month with senior decision makers – Dzongdas, other senior officials sharing the trail project along with creating alliances in order to work together supporting the trail initiative.
Guides and supporters, thank you!
Building a trail takes many hands and full bellies. The TBT would like to thank the following Elders, guides, supporters and sustainers for their generosity in helped the team along the trail in January:
- Phurda from Chamkhar
- Sonam Tenzin from Tangsibi
- Pem Norbu from Ura
- Chiney Wangchuck from Bumthang
- Pema Wangda from Bumthang- Driver
- Kailah and staff from Bumthang
- Ugyen from Wangdi
- Um Pema La, Sumchog and Yangday
- Dechen Yangzom, Tshering Yangdon and Kinley Peday from Domkhar
This blog and photos are by Catherine Smart, see the original post and more by Catherine here: https://smartmovetraining.ca/index.php/smart-move-blog/
