Post written December 21: I started the day with porridge. I figured that after the horrible stomach bug, I should eat something bland but full of energy. Thankfully it did not upset my stomach again, as we had a 400 metre climb to the Hotel Everest View.
Post written December 20: Last night was a crazy cold night. During my correspondence with Chattra at Nepal Eco Adentures, he mentioned that you may be hiking in 15 degree Celsius weather, but sleeping in -20 degrees. And sure enough, even with my baselayer, cross country ski pants, wool socks, baselayer top, fleece top, downjacket, sleeping bag fleece liner, and warm sleeping bag, I was cold. Damned cold.
Post written December 19: Today is the day. The day we left the big and noisy city of Kathmandu to the mountain town of Lukla. After a night of running around getting supplies and packing our bags for the trek, we had little sleep before awaking for our 5:30 am departure time. Usually I would say “gah” to waking up so early. Maybe it was inherent excitement. Maybe my system was becoming foiled by the different foods, which is why I really needed to use the bathroom. Either way, at 4:30 am, I was wide awake and ready to go.
Post written December 18: Now that was the longest day ever. I don’t even know what happened on that last flight from Guangzhou to Kathmandu. I think I passed out and missed dinner. Then I passed out again. Then suddenly I was at the Tribhuvan International Airport at 11 pm waiting to pay my $40 Visa entrance fee. I met my driver and we were off through the sparse night streets of the city. And then I grinned a large ecstatic grin. It had been many months in the making, and I was finally in Kathmandu, about to begin a trip that I’ve been dreaming about for a long time.
The trip is here! I’m currently at a Priority Pass lounge in the Vancouver airport awaiting my long flight to Guangzhou, China. From there, it’s off to Nepal! Admittedly, I’m a bit concerned. There’s a 40 minute delay, which puts me at 1 hour and 10 minutes to navigate the large Guangzhou airport and catch my connection. But that’s future Rick’s problem.
HIKES & HAMSTRINGS 