this is the time of my life

This morning we left Namche Bazar at 0800 to begin our journey to Tengboche....descend 500m, ascend 700 m. I am actually getting used to the high altitude assault on my cardiovascular system or I am having some sort of high altitude euphoria because ascending 700 m over 6 hours and 9k was actually quite pleasant at almost 4km above English Bay. Don't get me wrong it was a challenge, but when I came around a corner and saw EVEREST in full view with the snow blowing off the top with the jet stream, I have to tell you, no words can describe its beauty. I tied a prayer flag to the monument commemorating the 50th anniversary of the Hilary/Norgay Everest summit.

We mostly were walking on switchback paths along mountain edges through coniferous forests and rhododendrons, it was mostly sunny with a cool Himalayan breeze. My trekking poles have been a life saver, I would highly recommend them for any sort of moderate to advanced hiking. I have been able to control my breathing, long breath in , long breath out...just focusing on the breath like yoga has taught me and it has made the most difficult trek in the world very rewarding.

We arrived in Tengboche around 1530, got settled into the lodge...very basic with outdoor bathrooms and shower. We then went to the Tengboche monastery and sat in on a puja with the monks. This place Tencboche is surrounded by the high Himalayas and I can see Everest from my window. It is in a small valley, immediately surrounded by forest and in the middle pasture with grazing horses. Tomorrow, another long day but we will spend 2 days at the next village acclimatizing as we will ascend 700 m to around 4400 m. On "rest" day we will gain 600m and return down.

I am still well...the diamox is making me pee every 3 hours. I even had a beer after we arrived at Tengboche....I said "that is what Canadians do...we work hard then have a nice cold beer!"