We are now back in Kathmandu. We got in mid-afternoon today, but for a while we weren't sure if we were going to make it. We got into a very rainy Lukla (probably just to prep us for London) to receive news that there had been no flights for 2 days. Shyam assured us that if flights were flying today, it wouldn't be a problem, because he had a friend at the airport....
We awoke today to sunny skies, and during our breakfast the first flights started arriving from Kathmandu. We made our way to the airport to find it packed with the backlog from the last 2 days. Shyam's friend was nowhere to be found, he was out of town on a family emergency, looks like we'd have to wait in line with the normal folks. Our stars were lucky and after 6 or so hours of waiting we got on the last flight for the day. The take off was even more adventurous than the landing in Lukla (remember the 12 dgree runway) Sitting at the top of it, you can see it drop off...and feel like shouting "Feel the Rhythm, Feel the Rhyme, come on boys its bobsled time!" and the your stomach jumps into your throat and you watch the plane get off the ground with what seems to be about 3 meters until the runway drops off a cliff. Disembarkation in Kathmandu was smooth and we got back to the hotel in one piece.
We all spent the afternoon enjoying the luxuries of Discovery Channel and hot showers and then ate went back to that New Orleans restaurant that we ate at at the beginning of the trip. MEAT for all!!! mmmm bacon cheese burgers (buffalo-burgers) Tomorrow Shyam has promised to take us shopping and hunt out the good deals on souvenirs.
Since leaving Namche we had a short hike to Monjo (we left later in the day, Dave's GI system doesn't like Namche, but we've made it back to civilization still supplied with ample TP. We both wish that you never have to experience rationing out your squares) and then a good hike to Lukla.
Last night in Lukla we had a bit of a farewell party with our guides and porters. Dave, our Nepali friends, and I brought down the house with the funniest rendition of Dead Puppies anyone has ever heard, there was food and drink and Nepali dancing, and good times all around.
Its been an amazing time, but I think we're all looking forward to getting back to the western world. Onward to adventures in London!
Sunday, May 24, 2009
Thursday, May 21, 2009
Namche day 2
We awoke this morning to a knocking at our door, Shyam demanding our presence in the kitchen to finish cooking breakfast. This was a nice way to wake up after we had a night of going out for apple pie, checking on my patient, assessing the nightlife (and Rameshes involvement in it...), and an impromptu night hike. We got up dressed and were prepared to take over the kitchen at the cooks request, as the previous evening we re-hashed memories of Ron and I ordering hash browns for lunch... and lets just say it was a good thing we were at an outdoor patio... I'm sure the local wildlife enjoyed what was presented to us. Thus after that story we were asked and gladly accepted preparing everyones hash browns for breakfast. The cook was happy we joined him and showed him the western style of things. Everything was served shortly after seven and enjoyed by all, not a potato was left in sight. Breakfast was made even sweeter by brandied grape jelly appearing out of no where.
After breakfast a contingent of the group geared up and headed back into the hills to visit Khumjung. Khumjung is situated in a valley that yes, we had to go uphill both ways!! Thats right, uphill there and back. We can finally use the saying honestly. Tea was had by all in Kumjung in a small quaint tea house. We also passed a nice field...err airstrip on our way back to Namche. We feasted on lunch upon our return followed by Siesta's. The rest of our day has been filled with equipment and personal hygiene maintenance along with resting up for tomorrows hike back to Phakding.
Looking forward to touring London;
The boys
After breakfast a contingent of the group geared up and headed back into the hills to visit Khumjung. Khumjung is situated in a valley that yes, we had to go uphill both ways!! Thats right, uphill there and back. We can finally use the saying honestly. Tea was had by all in Kumjung in a small quaint tea house. We also passed a nice field...err airstrip on our way back to Namche. We feasted on lunch upon our return followed by Siesta's. The rest of our day has been filled with equipment and personal hygiene maintenance along with resting up for tomorrows hike back to Phakding.
Looking forward to touring London;
The boys
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
Return to Namche
We are back in Namche Bazaar, for today and tomorrow. It was been an interesting couple of days. On our way back from the internet cafe in Dingboche, we ran into Ian, a solo british trekker we have befriended along the way. He recounted his adventures from Gorak Shep, a day behind us, and had complaints of chest pain. Dave raided our teams medical supplies and the two of us made our way to the lodge he was staying at, feeling like we were back at HSR on an emergency run. While Dave was treating Ian, another girl who had come from tengboche overheard he was a medic and asked him to take a look at her friend, who was not doing so well. Long story short, Dave spent the night at that lodge treating two patients, Ian was Heli-evac'ed in the morning and we picked up a couple more trekkers during the 2 days it took two nurse the other patient back to health.
We stayed at Pangboche last night, which looks a little like a swiss mountain village. It was one of the first clear nights we've had, so after dinner, Dave and I sat out and watched the stars come out, and lightening some of the liquid weight our porters have been carrying.
Today's hike saw completely different weather from when we last passed this way and we were rewarded with a great view of Everest from Tengboche. (Some people in the group had trouble identifying the peak...it's a little tricky to remember the mountain profiles)
Tomorrow we'll likely hike up to Khumjung and the very swanky Everest View Hotel. If we pool our resources we might even be able to get a cup of tea from there.
Thanks for the comments, and thanks to Dad for his updates from the Canadian end.
Peach
We stayed at Pangboche last night, which looks a little like a swiss mountain village. It was one of the first clear nights we've had, so after dinner, Dave and I sat out and watched the stars come out, and lightening some of the liquid weight our porters have been carrying.
Today's hike saw completely different weather from when we last passed this way and we were rewarded with a great view of Everest from Tengboche. (Some people in the group had trouble identifying the peak...it's a little tricky to remember the mountain profiles)
Tomorrow we'll likely hike up to Khumjung and the very swanky Everest View Hotel. If we pool our resources we might even be able to get a cup of tea from there.
Thanks for the comments, and thanks to Dad for his updates from the Canadian end.
Peach
Monday, May 18, 2009
Notes from the Lads
Namaste and Good Victoria Day morning, all,
Dan’s dad here again.
The lads have sent a note early this morning via e-mail and have asked me to post it. They sent both accounts below as one e-mail note. Sound like they are having a fine time.
JP
May 16
This afternoon marks a momentous occasion and all of you are welcome to follow our example and have a "wee" nip of whatever you fancy … in a word "Everest". We completed today our plans to visit Everest and meet some of the well known climbers/summiteers -- Dave Hahn among them.
Backing up to when we last wrote. We left Dingboche early, enroute to Dughla, and made it in a blistering 2 hours. That morning we were lucky enough to add Island Peak, Peak 38, Lhotse, Makalu and Pumori to our list of peaks that we have seen. We enjoyed a quick lunch while we planned our attack on Awi Peak. It was a good, scrambly peak, with a lot more snow up top than anticipated. 200ft from the top, the footing got too iffy and we made the responsible decision as group guides and turned back. We were all pretty proud of the climb though. Yesterday we had an easy hike to Lobuche, followed by a quick visit to the Italian High Altitude Research Pyramid. We seem to have attracted quite the posse of trekkers. It’s nice to fill the teahouses with friends and feel like we own the place for the night. This morning we got an early start to Gorak Shep, then continued onto EBC after a snack. It was gorgeous, but it was probably one of the toughest hikes we have done. Tomorrow is Kala Patthar and then towards the Cho La Pass - conditions pending. Mike and Shyam have been doing a good job of coming up with alternative routes if needed.
On a different note, everyone reports that as we gain altitude their dreams become more and more bizarre. We figure it’s only a matter of time before the two of us have the same dream simultaneously.
Signed....The cheese
May 18
3:30 am came far too quickly yesterday. We both wondered what the point of leaving so early was. We left Gorak Shep just after 4am. It was foggy out and the climb (up Kala Pattar - 5550m) started steeply. As the light increased we got a fleeting glimpse of Everest through the fog. This inspired us to continue on our quest for the peak. Loose footing, winds, the damp morning air, and snow were among the obstacles along the way. Our numbers diminished as the altitude and weather took its toll on the group. In the end, when the summit was finally reached, we Canadians and Ron, our American friend, stood tall with our guides staring outwards towards our reward. The sky was clear, the sun’s rays showing all details of the Himalayan giants previously hidden by lower peaks. Smiles were beaming, congratulations all around, but no words, for words were unable to do justice to the accomplishment and scene. We took the necessary pictures and took in all the peaks we have seen along the way magnificently reaching through the clouds. After a quick breakfast we headed down to Dingboche, where today we enjoyed a well deserved rest day in the warm sun.
Signing off we are not going to forget our nation’s holiday... and its traditions.
The Intrepid Himalayan Travellers
Dan’s dad here again.
The lads have sent a note early this morning via e-mail and have asked me to post it. They sent both accounts below as one e-mail note. Sound like they are having a fine time.
JP
May 16
This afternoon marks a momentous occasion and all of you are welcome to follow our example and have a "wee" nip of whatever you fancy … in a word "Everest". We completed today our plans to visit Everest and meet some of the well known climbers/summiteers -- Dave Hahn among them.
Backing up to when we last wrote. We left Dingboche early, enroute to Dughla, and made it in a blistering 2 hours. That morning we were lucky enough to add Island Peak, Peak 38, Lhotse, Makalu and Pumori to our list of peaks that we have seen. We enjoyed a quick lunch while we planned our attack on Awi Peak. It was a good, scrambly peak, with a lot more snow up top than anticipated. 200ft from the top, the footing got too iffy and we made the responsible decision as group guides and turned back. We were all pretty proud of the climb though. Yesterday we had an easy hike to Lobuche, followed by a quick visit to the Italian High Altitude Research Pyramid. We seem to have attracted quite the posse of trekkers. It’s nice to fill the teahouses with friends and feel like we own the place for the night. This morning we got an early start to Gorak Shep, then continued onto EBC after a snack. It was gorgeous, but it was probably one of the toughest hikes we have done. Tomorrow is Kala Patthar and then towards the Cho La Pass - conditions pending. Mike and Shyam have been doing a good job of coming up with alternative routes if needed.
On a different note, everyone reports that as we gain altitude their dreams become more and more bizarre. We figure it’s only a matter of time before the two of us have the same dream simultaneously.
Signed....The cheese
May 18
3:30 am came far too quickly yesterday. We both wondered what the point of leaving so early was. We left Gorak Shep just after 4am. It was foggy out and the climb (up Kala Pattar - 5550m) started steeply. As the light increased we got a fleeting glimpse of Everest through the fog. This inspired us to continue on our quest for the peak. Loose footing, winds, the damp morning air, and snow were among the obstacles along the way. Our numbers diminished as the altitude and weather took its toll on the group. In the end, when the summit was finally reached, we Canadians and Ron, our American friend, stood tall with our guides staring outwards towards our reward. The sky was clear, the sun’s rays showing all details of the Himalayan giants previously hidden by lower peaks. Smiles were beaming, congratulations all around, but no words, for words were unable to do justice to the accomplishment and scene. We took the necessary pictures and took in all the peaks we have seen along the way magnificently reaching through the clouds. After a quick breakfast we headed down to Dingboche, where today we enjoyed a well deserved rest day in the warm sun.
Signing off we are not going to forget our nation’s holiday... and its traditions.
The Intrepid Himalayan Travellers
Sunday, May 17, 2009
Made it to EBC
Namaste, all.
Dan's dad posting here.
Well, it looks like there have been some alterations to the pre-trek plan. We have got a little info from Mary's posting on Mike's blog. The group has successfully travelled to Everest Base Camp (5364m) and had tea and apple pie at the 'bakery' set up by some Sherpas at EBC - probably the highest bakery in the world at about 17,400 or so.
They will not be able to head over the Cho La (a high pass - 5330m)) to the west since the recent snow in the area has put this route out of condition. So, they have turned and are returning down the valley. They may head east from Dingboche towards the Chunkung area or they may head back towards Namche Bazaar and try to reach the Gokyo Lakes area from the south instead of reaching them by crossing the Cho La.
Some of the group were able to get up Kala Pattar (5440m), a small mountain which always was the high point of the whole trip. From there, they would have had excellent views of Everest (which one cannot see from the base camp.)
Too bad they could not complete their intended route, but that is something that one must accept in the mountains; weather and conditions dictate the decisions for experienced people. If the pass was out of condition, following the adage that "it's easier to stay out of trouble than to get out of troouble" becomes paramount. One needs to be prepared to turn back if the conditions, the weather, or the health of a group member is doubtful, whether in the Rockies or the Himalayas. The mountains will always be there; the key is to make sure that you are so you can return later.
There should be increased internet access soon, so the lads should be posting in the near future. If we get any information, I'll pass it along.
Cheers
JP
Dan's dad posting here.
Well, it looks like there have been some alterations to the pre-trek plan. We have got a little info from Mary's posting on Mike's blog. The group has successfully travelled to Everest Base Camp (5364m) and had tea and apple pie at the 'bakery' set up by some Sherpas at EBC - probably the highest bakery in the world at about 17,400 or so.
They will not be able to head over the Cho La (a high pass - 5330m)) to the west since the recent snow in the area has put this route out of condition. So, they have turned and are returning down the valley. They may head east from Dingboche towards the Chunkung area or they may head back towards Namche Bazaar and try to reach the Gokyo Lakes area from the south instead of reaching them by crossing the Cho La.
Some of the group were able to get up Kala Pattar (5440m), a small mountain which always was the high point of the whole trip. From there, they would have had excellent views of Everest (which one cannot see from the base camp.)
Too bad they could not complete their intended route, but that is something that one must accept in the mountains; weather and conditions dictate the decisions for experienced people. If the pass was out of condition, following the adage that "it's easier to stay out of trouble than to get out of troouble" becomes paramount. One needs to be prepared to turn back if the conditions, the weather, or the health of a group member is doubtful, whether in the Rockies or the Himalayas. The mountains will always be there; the key is to make sure that you are so you can return later.
There should be increased internet access soon, so the lads should be posting in the near future. If we get any information, I'll pass it along.
Cheers
JP
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
Dingboche - 4410, m
Peach writing from Dingboche.
Here we are where internet time is a whopping 20 Rs/ min. We are here instead of Pheriche because Pheriche is a hole. 3 days ago we left namche for a long 6-ish hour hike to Tengboche. About 1.5 hours in it started pouring on us, shortly after, turning to sleet. We had lunch at Phunki Tenga, where the rain had stopped. after lunch we began the 500 m climb up to tengboche, through thick fog. the tea house was very busy, with many familiar faces from the trail. The next morning we awoke to several inches of fresh snow, and near white out conditions. Dave and I felt right at home. The snow stopped mid morning, and the clouds opened up to give a fantastic view of ama dablam. We passed through Pangboche and Shormare, and crossed the treeling shortly after lunch, arriving in Dingboche late afternoon yesterday. This morning we took a quick acclimatization hike. After the hike we ordered lunch and had a team meeting. Mike proposed an itinerary change. Tomorrow we head to Dughla, halfway to Lobuche. Dave and I proposed an attempted hike up nearby Awi Peak for tomorrow as well. Our guide Shyam was doubtful because he had never done the hike, but agreed to go if Dave, myself and him teamed up to guide it with any who wished to join us. All mutually agreed to this plan. We also received news that cho la might be impassable due to the recent snow. all we can do now is stay warm for the rest of the afternoon and keep hydrated. Dave is back to full health except for a nagging cough.
Here we are where internet time is a whopping 20 Rs/ min. We are here instead of Pheriche because Pheriche is a hole. 3 days ago we left namche for a long 6-ish hour hike to Tengboche. About 1.5 hours in it started pouring on us, shortly after, turning to sleet. We had lunch at Phunki Tenga, where the rain had stopped. after lunch we began the 500 m climb up to tengboche, through thick fog. the tea house was very busy, with many familiar faces from the trail. The next morning we awoke to several inches of fresh snow, and near white out conditions. Dave and I felt right at home. The snow stopped mid morning, and the clouds opened up to give a fantastic view of ama dablam. We passed through Pangboche and Shormare, and crossed the treeling shortly after lunch, arriving in Dingboche late afternoon yesterday. This morning we took a quick acclimatization hike. After the hike we ordered lunch and had a team meeting. Mike proposed an itinerary change. Tomorrow we head to Dughla, halfway to Lobuche. Dave and I proposed an attempted hike up nearby Awi Peak for tomorrow as well. Our guide Shyam was doubtful because he had never done the hike, but agreed to go if Dave, myself and him teamed up to guide it with any who wished to join us. All mutually agreed to this plan. We also received news that cho la might be impassable due to the recent snow. all we can do now is stay warm for the rest of the afternoon and keep hydrated. Dave is back to full health except for a nagging cough.
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
Where they are now...we think
Dan's dad here...
The lads and their group should be in Pheriche, farther up the trail towards Everest Base Camp (where there is currently 8 inches of snow on the ground.) They have two nights in Pheriche to help with their acclimatization to the higher altitude.
They were to arrive at Tengboche (3 syllables - pronounce the 'e'.) on Monday. This would be a bit of a distance from Namche Bazaar, but without too much altitude gain. Tengboche is the main Buddhist monastery in the area, but there are some services and places for visitors to stay. Traditionally, trekkers and climbers have an audience with the head Lama who bestows a blessing and drapes a white scarf around the traveller's neck.
There was supposed to be Internet access in Tengboche, but since no one from the group posted to either of the blogs, it is possible that the "cafe" was closed or the satellite link was down. From this point of the trek onward, there will be little Internet access.
We have heard that this year, there is an "Internet cafe" operating in Gorak Shep, which is just below the Mt. Everest Base Camp. So, it is possible that we may get a posting or an e-mail from there. If it is the latter, I will post the information on the blog. They are scheduled to arrive at Gorak Shep on Friday. BTW, Nepal is 8 hours and 45 minutes (really) ahead of Toronto time.
After Gorak Shep, it will be unlikely that they can find net access for a week or so. When they finish the northern loop of their trek and head back to Namche Bazaar, we should get something. Possibly, one of the bigger towns just north of Namche Bazaar will have Internet services.
In case you are wondering, we believe that their guide carries a satellite phone, so if there is a real emergency, he should be able to contact the appropriate services.
Namaste, all.
Sunday, May 10, 2009
Day two in Namche Bazzar
Greetings all who are following us on this trip. As was hinted towards I have been sick the past few days but am on a rebound and am feeling much better. I'm left with what could be described as a head cold or just runny sinuses. Thanks for all who sent notes of better health. As Peach and I kept saying better to get it over with at lower altitude where "America" is still the "standard" then higher.
Our day started off well with the sounds of stone workers continuing to chip away at the granite mountain we are on to create another building...approx 5amish. Breakfast was served to me in bed as I was still recouping. After a nap or so we went for an hour or two hike up into the military base ontop of Namche. We were able to catch glimpses between puffs of clouds, of taboche, ama dablam, Nuptse, Lhotse, and of course the big one we came to see Everest!!! Located on the base was a nice museum of sorts depicting the area, types of rocks (peach got excited again) and local wildlife.
All in our group could notice our breathing difficulties climbing the steep mountain as when we headed back down we felt no difficulties at all and had excess energy. Its amazing what the difference of a few hundred metres makes. (Its also interesting how atrocious my english and spelling is getting... many forgiveness please Mr. Alpini)
Upon our return to the hotel we are staying at...hotel being used loosely, but its clean and has a matress of sorts ontop of the plywood bed so no complaints here... most of the group headed for a rest of naps, adding entries into their personal journals or reading various books they have brought.
Lunch was simple for a few of us not feeling 100%, Peach and I headed out to tour the area and shops. We have been approached by our guide Sam and one or two of our fellow trekers to teach them Map and compass work as Peach early on in the trek showed his abilities of figuring out our location and which mountains we were all taking pictures of. We are unsure if we will be continuing our journey tomorrow morning or taking an extra day as another trek member has become a little under the weather, but for now Peach and I must go teach the compass work.
So long for now!
Our day started off well with the sounds of stone workers continuing to chip away at the granite mountain we are on to create another building...approx 5amish. Breakfast was served to me in bed as I was still recouping. After a nap or so we went for an hour or two hike up into the military base ontop of Namche. We were able to catch glimpses between puffs of clouds, of taboche, ama dablam, Nuptse, Lhotse, and of course the big one we came to see Everest!!! Located on the base was a nice museum of sorts depicting the area, types of rocks (peach got excited again) and local wildlife.
All in our group could notice our breathing difficulties climbing the steep mountain as when we headed back down we felt no difficulties at all and had excess energy. Its amazing what the difference of a few hundred metres makes. (Its also interesting how atrocious my english and spelling is getting... many forgiveness please Mr. Alpini)
Upon our return to the hotel we are staying at...hotel being used loosely, but its clean and has a matress of sorts ontop of the plywood bed so no complaints here... most of the group headed for a rest of naps, adding entries into their personal journals or reading various books they have brought.
Lunch was simple for a few of us not feeling 100%, Peach and I headed out to tour the area and shops. We have been approached by our guide Sam and one or two of our fellow trekers to teach them Map and compass work as Peach early on in the trek showed his abilities of figuring out our location and which mountains we were all taking pictures of. We are unsure if we will be continuing our journey tomorrow morning or taking an extra day as another trek member has become a little under the weather, but for now Peach and I must go teach the compass work.
So long for now!
Saturday, May 9, 2009
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
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
Friday, May 8, 2009
En Route to Namche Bazaar
Namaste, everyone. Dan's dad here.
Just a quick update on the plan for the group.
Today, the group was to have a fairly short trek to Monjo. It is unlikely that they will find internet access there, but they should be able to update the blog from their next stop at Namche Bazaar (pronounced - Namche - as in 'nam chay' and Bazaar as in 'bazaar').
This village is a little higher at around 11,000 feet or so. They should start feeling the altitude a bit more here and so they will spend two nights there to allow a little acclimatization time. Namche Bazaar is the main village for the Sherpa people. When the group arrives, it will be a bustling community. They arrive in Namche on Saturday which is market day. Sherpa people from all over the area come to the market to sell their wares and produce and to buy supplies. The lads should be able to get some great pictures of the market activity.
Have a good weekend.
JP
Just a quick update on the plan for the group.
Today, the group was to have a fairly short trek to Monjo. It is unlikely that they will find internet access there, but they should be able to update the blog from their next stop at Namche Bazaar (pronounced - Namche - as in 'nam chay' and Bazaar as in 'bazaar').
This village is a little higher at around 11,000 feet or so. They should start feeling the altitude a bit more here and so they will spend two nights there to allow a little acclimatization time. Namche Bazaar is the main village for the Sherpa people. When the group arrives, it will be a bustling community. They arrive in Namche on Saturday which is market day. Sherpa people from all over the area come to the market to sell their wares and produce and to buy supplies. The lads should be able to get some great pictures of the market activity.
Have a good weekend.
JP
Thursday, May 7, 2009
Phakding
Peach here. Just a quick post because internet time here in Phakding is limited. We left Kathmandu at 0630 this morning and arrived in Lukla by about 7. The Runway is quite steep and at the end you have to mae a sharp right turn or else you crash into the mountain side. the pilot nailed it. We got some tea and our 3 porters were organized by our guide shyam. We began hiking at 0900. The scenery is amazing. Its so hard to describe, the nearby mountains are green and lush, and you can see some snow capped peaks not to far away. we are very lucky to have a sunny day with no haze. at 10 we stopped for a nice lemon tea break, at Chheplung. Then had lunch at Thado Koshi Gaon, vegetable fried rice all around. At this altitude it takes about an hour to cook lunch. We passed little villages all morning and generally went down hill. Not many trekkers going our way, but a lot of porters and many trekkers and yak teams going the other way. Just after lunch we hit our low point of the dayabout 2400m and had a 200m climb up to phakding (pron - pakding) we did it in about an hour. overall we hiked about 7-8 km today, everyone reports that they are feeling great, though the heart sped up and the breathing deepened with the uphills. Tomorrow we have a short day to Monjo. and then to Namche Bazaar.
about 20-25 C today. quite cool this morning in Lukla.
Namaste
about 20-25 C today. quite cool this morning in Lukla.
Namaste
Wednesday, May 6, 2009
Kathmandu
Well we are at the end of Day...errr 2 in nepal. Time is still confusing so bare with us. Peach is here with me helping with this entry. We just got back from dinner at a local jazz bar called New Orleans. This was suggested to us by many books and our main tour guide. Food was good, and the music was better. It was a nice mix of local area music with some very recognizable american tunes as well.
Today was spent sightseeigng. We visited three temples or stupas, one of which being the "monkey temple" and yes there were many monkeys.... not to mention a monkey only swimming pool, with slide. pictures will follow if possible. We were all very amused at the various monkey activity throughout the day. At this monkey temple were 365 stairs to get into it or a tourist entry point which required a fee of $1.5 US... Our guide stated that the stairs were for if you couldn't come to the temple everyday all you had to do was go up the stairs and it counted for a whole year of attending the temple.... now if only our churches could get on that bandwaggon...Prayer wheels are commonly used everywhere, that premis is that inside the wheel is a prayer written at least 1000 times... then when you spin it once your praying 1000 times...I hope your getting the common theme. Pray smart not hard.
The next temple was the holiest place for all Hindu's, Nepals population being split up into about 80%Hindu 10%Budhist and the other 10% made up of christians and muslims. At this temple we were shown the local custom of cremation by the river and sweeping the remaining ashes into the river. There were 108 shrines to Shiva there, the story of Shiva and his family is quite the story closely relating to many soap operas... thus we wont get into it.
Lastly we went to the largest Stupa (temple) in Nepal. it was surrounded by a circular courtyard with many shops and religious buildings. Our guide took Peach and I on a lil walk on the rooftop of the Stupa and was giving us an indepth explaination of the Hindu teachings.
Weather today was around 35C and incredibly hazy in the morning. We struggled to stay hydrated but have been keeping it in the front of our minds and are succeeding. Tonight we have to repack all our bags and prep for a 0530 departure from our hotel for a 0630 flight to Lukla.
Today was spent sightseeigng. We visited three temples or stupas, one of which being the "monkey temple" and yes there were many monkeys.... not to mention a monkey only swimming pool, with slide. pictures will follow if possible. We were all very amused at the various monkey activity throughout the day. At this monkey temple were 365 stairs to get into it or a tourist entry point which required a fee of $1.5 US... Our guide stated that the stairs were for if you couldn't come to the temple everyday all you had to do was go up the stairs and it counted for a whole year of attending the temple.... now if only our churches could get on that bandwaggon...Prayer wheels are commonly used everywhere, that premis is that inside the wheel is a prayer written at least 1000 times... then when you spin it once your praying 1000 times...I hope your getting the common theme. Pray smart not hard.
The next temple was the holiest place for all Hindu's, Nepals population being split up into about 80%Hindu 10%Budhist and the other 10% made up of christians and muslims. At this temple we were shown the local custom of cremation by the river and sweeping the remaining ashes into the river. There were 108 shrines to Shiva there, the story of Shiva and his family is quite the story closely relating to many soap operas... thus we wont get into it.
Lastly we went to the largest Stupa (temple) in Nepal. it was surrounded by a circular courtyard with many shops and religious buildings. Our guide took Peach and I on a lil walk on the rooftop of the Stupa and was giving us an indepth explaination of the Hindu teachings.
Weather today was around 35C and incredibly hazy in the morning. We struggled to stay hydrated but have been keeping it in the front of our minds and are succeeding. Tonight we have to repack all our bags and prep for a 0530 departure from our hotel for a 0630 flight to Lukla.
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
Greetings from Kathmandu
Namaste to everyone back home. We got into Kathmandu last night around 5, local time. After a very good flight.
Spent monday being tourists around London. First thing we saw when we got off the underground was a pizza hut and then we turned aroun to a McDonalds ad. We wandered around, and were surprised when at Lunch we looked at our map and had knocked off a good a good amount of things on our list. Neither Dave nor I realized how close all the touristy things in London were. We saw Big Ben, Parliament, Westminster Abbey, Buckingham Palace at the same time as trying to dodge some sort of rally that had started in trafalgar sqaure and was marching around
The flight to Bahrain was great, we got bumped up to business class, enjoyed a very nice meal (with cloth tablecloths) and enjoyed the chance to stretch our legs. It was pretty cloudy so the Himalayan Giants didn't show themselves.
Kathmandu airport was a zoo, but once we figured out which forms we needed it was actually quicker getting a new visa than already having one. Met with our driver and took a terrifying drive to the hotel. They drive on the wrong side of the road. (The British Side), don't really have lanes, and busses, motorcycles, bikes, rickshaws and pedestrians are all there, with no one really having the right of way. Dave was excited to see a monkey on the side of the road. I didn't see it. We got to the hotel and could feel the 1400 m asl altitude change at the top of the stairs on the 4th floor. Poured ourselves some of our very fine scotch to calm the nerves.
Met the rest of the team and went out to dinner with Puru. Excellent food. very similar to any of the indian restaurants in toronto (I think they had the same bowls too) had a Thunderstorm and power failure halfway through dinner.
Today we are all meeting for breakfast in the hotel, in about 20 minutes and then are getting out to do various touristy things around Kathmandu. There is someone waiting for the computer now so I'm going to sign off.
Spent monday being tourists around London. First thing we saw when we got off the underground was a pizza hut and then we turned aroun to a McDonalds ad. We wandered around, and were surprised when at Lunch we looked at our map and had knocked off a good a good amount of things on our list. Neither Dave nor I realized how close all the touristy things in London were. We saw Big Ben, Parliament, Westminster Abbey, Buckingham Palace at the same time as trying to dodge some sort of rally that had started in trafalgar sqaure and was marching around
The flight to Bahrain was great, we got bumped up to business class, enjoyed a very nice meal (with cloth tablecloths) and enjoyed the chance to stretch our legs. It was pretty cloudy so the Himalayan Giants didn't show themselves.
Kathmandu airport was a zoo, but once we figured out which forms we needed it was actually quicker getting a new visa than already having one. Met with our driver and took a terrifying drive to the hotel. They drive on the wrong side of the road. (The British Side), don't really have lanes, and busses, motorcycles, bikes, rickshaws and pedestrians are all there, with no one really having the right of way. Dave was excited to see a monkey on the side of the road. I didn't see it. We got to the hotel and could feel the 1400 m asl altitude change at the top of the stairs on the 4th floor. Poured ourselves some of our very fine scotch to calm the nerves.
Met the rest of the team and went out to dinner with Puru. Excellent food. very similar to any of the indian restaurants in toronto (I think they had the same bowls too) had a Thunderstorm and power failure halfway through dinner.
Today we are all meeting for breakfast in the hotel, in about 20 minutes and then are getting out to do various touristy things around Kathmandu. There is someone waiting for the computer now so I'm going to sign off.
Dan's dad here... Tuesday AM.
The lads reported in from the Bahrain airportand are "a little tired". They visited London during their stopover in England and Dan said they enjoyed their visit. No details though. At this time, they should be in the air about 2 hours or so from arrival in Kathmandu.
That's it for now.
Namaste, all.
The lads reported in from the Bahrain airportand are "a little tired". They visited London during their stopover in England and Dan said they enjoyed their visit. No details though. At this time, they should be in the air about 2 hours or so from arrival in Kathmandu.
That's it for now.
Namaste, all.
Sunday, May 3, 2009
This is Dan's dad posting.
The lads are enroute from Toronto's Pearson International Airport to Kathmandu, Nepal. The first leg is to London's Heathrow where a lengthy stopover will allow a little tourist time. Then they are off to Bahrain and from there to Kathmandu, arriving in the late afternoon on May 5. They will be met at the airport by a representative of Above the Himalaya trekking company and shepherded through Nepal customs and the visa office and thence to their accommodation.
At the Samsara Resort Hotel in the Thamel region of Kathmandu, they will meet with the US contingent who are flying west across the Pacific to get to Nepal. They also left today and are to arrive on the 5th.
The lads might check in to an internet cafe in England, but if not, then we will not expect any new posts until they get to Nepal. The hotel has internet access for guests, so we expect to get some new postings from there.
Here's a picture from the airport today.
Namaste, all.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Posts
