Namche Bazaar

We are in Namche right now, got in around 1245 today. Left the tea house in Monjo about 845.

Yesterday was a great hike to Monjo, a little altitude gain and only about 3 hours, it was sunny and hot and we followed our way along the Dudh Kosi river, crossing several suspension bridges. At one point we were in a pine forest and if you ignored the view, we could have just as easily been at home in Algonquin. We were graced with views of several snowy peaks, including kumbi yuh lha, at the north end of the valley. The Monjo tea house was very crowded at lunch, with many visitors going the other way en route to Lukla. We ran into a Canadian pair who had met up in Gokyo and were finishing the trek together. We swapped stories of our respective treks, and Dave and I got advice for later on. One thing that holds true for all the hiking and climbing lodges I've stayed in is you always meet great people. That afternoon the clouds rolled in and it started to rain, but not before we were able to get out for a short hike to the Sagarmatha National Park museum and a nearby monastery. Dinner was once again fantastic. We spent the night in the common room playing cards. I predicted that it would clear up for morning and that we'd see some fresh snow higher up on the slopes. The tea houses are all similar with a common room/ dining room and then so far 2 person rooms off to the side. or on a second floor.

This morning my prediction about the weather came true. we awoke to a chilly clear morning and some fresh fluffy white stuff was gracing the slopes. (it made for some great pictures.) Mike was already up by the time I rolled down to the common room about 530...the yaks started passing at about 430, and I couldn't handle trying to sleep through the yak bells.

The hike to Namche was a slog. there's no other way to put it. 2000 feet or so of fairly steep switchbacks on dusty trails. The first part of the hike was great, we crossed 3 bridges and followed closely along the river. I occupied my mind by mapping out the geology of the cliff across the river and picking out lines to run down the river...

There were more people going the other way on the trail this morning, and a few more going our way. we kept seeing the same people piggy backing back and forth.

The weather stayed good and there was a nice wind keeping us cool. it rained a little as we neared the end of the trail. Its cool here this afternoon.

Namche is a really interesting town, its built like a horseshoe, with the buildings terraced above each other. There's a great view....or will be when the clouds clear up. We're staying at the Everest Hotel here in Namche, its by far the largest tea house we've stayed at. Tomorrow is a rest day, which is a good thing. Dave seems to have had a run in with the local water supply...or the food. he got the hero award for persevering through the grunt of a hike today, and he's keeping his sense of humor up, which is always a good thing. His ego took the biggest hit when our guide starting carrying his pack for him...Dave was taken back to his outtripper days when he was carrying others' packs. He told me to try and make this funny, but there's not much funny about the runs...

We're thinking about everyone back home. and taking lots of pictures, the internet is kind of dodgy so we haven't tried uploading. We miss you, but are having a great time. In case we don't get on tomorrow (which I believe is Sunday) Happy Mothers day.

Ok. I'm off to peruse the local market. Thanks for all the comments, its great to here from everyone back home

Namaste

Dan