Brilliant walking day, steep vertical ascents, crossed Lobuche peak in proximity, first snowfield, solemn moments while crossing the Everest memorial area, spotted an eagle... its snowing outside and I am almost too tired to write.
We began the day very early with a quick steep 50 meter ascent to the hill right behind out lodge. Afterward it was a gradual two hour walk on a wide plain with brilliant views of Thamserku and other mountains flanking us to the left and in the distance behind us. Enough chopper flights abound for some great pictures and calls to Denise to take some too!
The flat section ended with mushroom soup at Thukla. After that we had a draining steep few hundred meters at least till the Everest memorial zone which was a solemn place to be. Post this we walked through a long-ish stretch of the moraine and ridge just before the glacier that surround Lobuche peak to make our way into Lobuche village. The lodge is brilliantly cosy around the dining hall. But the temperature is dropping as its snowing heavily outside. Thankfully this also means that the afternoon stroll has been canned and we can stay ensconced in our cosy dining area.
1610 hours
There is atleast a few inches of standing snow outside. I am sitting here with Josh, Nigel and Andrea (she’s tied to her puzzle book) as we all stare into the distance / contemplate the journey today. We’re up to trek to Everest Base Camp tomorrow and anticipation is in the air. Since we crossed the treeline its been a little desolate for scenic beauty and the mountains truly seem harsher. And... my reverie is interrupted by people taking turns to draw in my book. The initiative is led by Andrea who’s drawn Mr Potato Head...
I just happened to speak to another Andrea from Austria who is trekking her 14 year old son and husband, who incidentally biked to Khardungla pass some 15 years ago. Sweet. I’d like to be able to do this trek as a family someday though I wonder if I’ll be this fit at 45. Me and my peg leg ;)
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