My plans for Manaslu haven't exactly been on hold, but we've been carefully considering whether it still makes sense to go, given the level of destruction from recent earthquakes. 

Since the first and most devastating 7.8 magnitude earthquake near Gorkha on April 25th, there have been over 240 additional, smaller rumbles.  One of which, a 7.3 magnitude on May 12th  was situated near Namche Bazar, closer to Manaslu.  My hesitation to continue the trip was twofold:  I don't want to climb on an unstable mountain and I don't want to be inconsiderate of the local people who are rebuilding their homes and lives.  Making the best decision was complicated by the fact that getting accurate, detailed information from such a remote area is very difficult. 

But, after multiple internet searches and conversations with friends and acquaintances that were in the area during and after the first earthquake, two themes emerged:  climbing Manaslu in August will probably be safe but I need to be flexible in the event that it is unexpectedly not, and that the locals are eager to receive visitors and tourists in order to boost their economy and hasten the rebuilding process. 

So, on Saturday we confirmed our trip, sent a big fat check to our friend Jeff Witt to begin building our team of Sherpa and base camp support, and I started shopping for plane tickets.