For those longer mountain treks and backpacking trips…
Post written December 22: Todays’s trek from Namche Bazaar (3440 m) to Tengboche and Deboche (3820 m) was tough. Of course everything was beautiful and we had great sunny views of Everest throughout most of the trek, though clouds began to form above the peak. We first descended 200 metres to the river followed by 600 metres of strenuous uphill. At the current altitude, it was brutal.
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.
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 