Thursday, March 31, 2011
Namche Bazaar (11.2 K)– Acclimatization day
Today is our acclimatization day so that we can get used to the altitude and to “rest”. We started our day visiting a Sherpa Peoples’ museum and learning about both the culture and the flora and fauna. I learned much and have great respect for this strong and resourceful people.
We did a 2 hour hike as is our custom, straight up a mountain. We went to the Everest view Hotel(12K) to see a close view of Everest but it was cloudy and we only saw Lhotse . That was spectacular in its own right. We had tea with our guide and porter on the deck of the hotel and then headed down. It takes about half the time to get down but it is hard on the legs. So far we haven’t had any sore muscles. Chocolate of course J I am drinking water every hour and taking about a quarter of a protein bar with it and that seems to be sustaining.
We got back a 2 pm and now are having our rest. We didn’t have any issues with the altitude. Tomorrow we above 12K so that will be the test of our acclimatization.
Sylvie and Pat at Everest View Hotel
Lhotse Peak
Looking down on Namche
Our common room - note the Coca Cola :(
Phakding to Namche Bazaar - yesterday
As we started our day we followed a group of pack animals who were taking supplies up to other villages along the trek. We knew we had 4-5 hours of pure trekking ahead of us but little did we know how arduous the day would be. Hari our guide said that the morning wouldn’t be too bad but the afternoon would be really tough. As we hiked along up hills and down, crossing suspension bridges that hovered hundreds of feet above the rive we kept thinking. How much tougher could the afternoon be? This was pretty rugged. Sylvie kept on reminding me that it would give us buns of steel. We had made a pact years earlier that when we had bodies like Greek goddesses we would go to Greece Greece
We stooped for a nice lunch at the last teahouse before Namche and we told eat well for the afternoon will be an effort.
Stanley at Lunch
Looking down on the river that we crossed earlier in the day
I can say that afternoon was the most strenuous of my life. Think about three hours going up a steep staircase. We name to the hell stairway to heaven. I have run 11 marathons and hiked 7 14ers and nothing compared to this day!
But we arrived safely in Namche and were surprisingly not all that tried after having a cup of tea and a shower. We then hit the shopping. Namche is a relatively large and prosperous town. Beautiful homes and Guest houses made from stones. There is nearly every modern convenience and very tons of markets. We had pledged not to shop until the way down but we soon succumbed to buy a few light items.
We were chilled to the bone after taking our showers and then walking into the cold night, we sat by the fire and dried our hair and warmed up. After a hearty meal of Dal Baht and fried rice we went to our room and read. I crashed as usual at 8:30 pm and woke up a 6 am. Ready for another day… Namaste!
Tuesday, March 29, 2011
Lukla to Phakding
We landed safely at Lukla. The flight was a bit noisy but genarally smooth. I took wonderful pictures of the mountains as we arrived. Poor Rocky Mountains... you have some growing to do! I tried to upload some pictures but theconnection is too slow. Never the less, I marvel that we even have a connection.
We were accompanied by our guide Hari and our porter Purna. The poor porter had to carry our 30 kg of belongings on his back using a head strap for stability and support.
We had a light day today, only three hours. The hardest part was the rocky path which for me is difficult footing. We had to do alot of dung dodging. Sylvie of course, is an Olympian since she walks the streets of Paris! We made it to Phakking. After a lunch we slept for an hour since we had less than 5 hours of sleep the night before. We are refreshed and relaxed.
This time of year is beautiful with Rhodedenrons and wild flowers all abloom. There are plentiful vegetable crops and fruit trees are blooming at present. Tomorrow we head to Namche Bazaar and will spend two days acclimatizing. The shopping will have to wait since I am not carrying another ounce on my back.
Sylvie says hi to all. Namaste!
We were accompanied by our guide Hari and our porter Purna. The poor porter had to carry our 30 kg of belongings on his back using a head strap for stability and support.
We had a light day today, only three hours. The hardest part was the rocky path which for me is difficult footing. We had to do alot of dung dodging. Sylvie of course, is an Olympian since she walks the streets of Paris! We made it to Phakking. After a lunch we slept for an hour since we had less than 5 hours of sleep the night before. We are refreshed and relaxed.
This time of year is beautiful with Rhodedenrons and wild flowers all abloom. There are plentiful vegetable crops and fruit trees are blooming at present. Tomorrow we head to Namche Bazaar and will spend two days acclimatizing. The shopping will have to wait since I am not carrying another ounce on my back.
Sylvie says hi to all. Namaste!
Monday, March 28, 2011
Off we go to Lukla
5 am and off we are going to Lukla. I took my dramamine since I was told it was a hairy ride! We arrive in Lukla and then only hke for about 3 hours in order to get acclimatized.
Kathmandu - Day 2 Part 2
Sylvie arrived and we have gotten our orientation for our trek. We must arise at 4:30 am to catch our ride to the plane to Lukla. Too early but this means our adventure begins.
I spent the day roaming around Thamel looking at shops and people. It was so dusty that I wore my mask and was grateful for it. I purchased some Thankas and spent time in the shop getting to know the artists. There were three very nice young men. The explained the symbolism behind each painting. I purchased three very small paintings since I don't have much wall space left in my house.
I tried the cuisine and put aside my fastidiousness with cleanliness. Otherwise, I would not have eaten!
Sylvie and I wandered around tonight, changed money and drank our last beer for 12 days. No drinking for us at that high altitude. The city is actually nicer at night. It is softened by the cloak of darkness.
Off to sleep and finish packing. Despite our many travels, this is a journey that exceeds any prior expectations.
I have pictures. I will post when I am able. Who knows when I will have internet again? So no post may be coming for a few days! Namaste!
I spent the day roaming around Thamel looking at shops and people. It was so dusty that I wore my mask and was grateful for it. I purchased some Thankas and spent time in the shop getting to know the artists. There were three very nice young men. The explained the symbolism behind each painting. I purchased three very small paintings since I don't have much wall space left in my house.
I tried the cuisine and put aside my fastidiousness with cleanliness. Otherwise, I would not have eaten!
Sylvie and I wandered around tonight, changed money and drank our last beer for 12 days. No drinking for us at that high altitude. The city is actually nicer at night. It is softened by the cloak of darkness.
Off to sleep and finish packing. Despite our many travels, this is a journey that exceeds any prior expectations.
I have pictures. I will post when I am able. Who knows when I will have internet again? So no post may be coming for a few days! Namaste!
Sunday, March 27, 2011
Kathmandu Day 2
Hurring in case the power goes out. They just turn it off and then there is 7 hours of black out. I am heading out to buy trekking poles. This is the only thing I really need still for the trek. It is cool today which is a relief since it was very hot yesterday. The heat, smog and traffic are not the most conducive to wanting to walk around. I am passing on a run. I think but may reconsider since I have a mission to "run the world".
I am anxious to browse the shops with their colorful and unusal merchndise. No mall stuff here.
Sylvie arrives at 3:30 and we go for our trek orientation.
Last night was so quiet. Not a sound after about ten. This morning at the cacophony began again. I know this is Hindu and Buddhist mostly but it sounded like chanting from a mosque. I will have to check it out.
TTFN!
I am anxious to browse the shops with their colorful and unusal merchndise. No mall stuff here.
Sylvie arrives at 3:30 and we go for our trek orientation.
Last night was so quiet. Not a sound after about ten. This morning at the cacophony began again. I know this is Hindu and Buddhist mostly but it sounded like chanting from a mosque. I will have to check it out.
TTFN!
Arrived In Kathmandu
Arrived around 1 pm.The time here is weird. It is 45 minutes different than the normal time zones! Who knew? Not me. I wanted to write but there is a 14 hour per day shut down of electricity. 7 hours during the day and 7 hours in the middle of the night. I have my flashlight ready.
Flying in was interesting. We went from plains to rolling terraced hills. Kathmandu is very hilly. But like Denver, it is not in theMountains. The city is very hectic and congested. People drive willy nilly and it is hard to define the actual course of the drivers. I am very glad that I road in a cab.
People are so helpful and friendly. I have hung around my hotel today. It is simple and charming. I had my doubts as we wove down congested alleyways to get here but it had a garden setting. It is hot with no air conditioning so the windows were open. The air is so polluted that I think I will sleep with my carbon filter mask. Once we trek we will be in fresh air.
The adventure begins. Tomorrow I will browse the many shops in the neighborhood. There are textiles, masks, crafts, nepali clothing, etc. Signing of f ...Namaste!
Flying in was interesting. We went from plains to rolling terraced hills. Kathmandu is very hilly. But like Denver, it is not in theMountains. The city is very hectic and congested. People drive willy nilly and it is hard to define the actual course of the drivers. I am very glad that I road in a cab.
People are so helpful and friendly. I have hung around my hotel today. It is simple and charming. I had my doubts as we wove down congested alleyways to get here but it had a garden setting. It is hot with no air conditioning so the windows were open. The air is so polluted that I think I will sleep with my carbon filter mask. Once we trek we will be in fresh air.
The adventure begins. Tomorrow I will browse the many shops in the neighborhood. There are textiles, masks, crafts, nepali clothing, etc. Signing of f ...Namaste!
Saturday, March 26, 2011
Good Morning Bangkok - Sunday March 27
Bangkok International Suvarnabhumi Airport (Has the tent roof like Denver)
Arrived in Bangkok around midnight and went to my guest house. It was advertised as a three star but that is debatable. But for $25 per night who am I to complain. I had slept the whole way from take off to about an hour before landing, I didn't need too much sleep. That was good because when I wasn't listeing to barking dogs and squealing pigs making noise outside in the area around the hotel, I was dreaming about energy audits, spreadsheets and park programs :(. From my past experiences in Bangkok, it isn't unusual to have a luxury hotel with hovels just a street away. But that is not a criticism for I think bangkok is one of the most vibrant cities in the world. The airport alone has shopping like we rarely see unless it is Rodeo Drive, South Beach or 5th Avenue. Even though I am a REI and LL Bean shopper, I can't help to marvel at the sumptuous display of goods. I may even do some shopping on my way back during my next 12 hour lay over. Will the cheap in my take over? Probably!
Less than two hours till I depart for Katmandu. I have been syudying all about the city. It has the good and the bad. I plan on spending the day in Kathmandu relaxing. Reading novels, practicing my nepali and drinking chai ( and beer). I need to get work out of my brain and relax. Relaxing and spending money are not things I am good at but I will try. My friend Sylvie arrives on Monday and I figure the two of us can explore the city together. So today is in low key.
Greetings from Japan
Arrived at Narita Airport 10 hours after I left Seattle at 2 pm on Friday but because of the International Date Line, it is 4 in the afternoon on Saturday. It was cloudy flying in so Icouldn't see much. Everything around the airport looks pretty normal. It is hard to believe that only 150 miles away there is so much devastation. I started my flight irritated at United ( so much and so often, I don't even want to begin :)) but focused on my pettiness considering my destination. Very few people on the flight. It is odd to see such an empty plane.
The International Premier Lounge has been repaiered and reopened and thus I have computer access. I slept a bit on the plane but since it was really only evening, I had a hard time dozing. I watched Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows two times and read a bit. I am getting tired and still have a 7 hour flight to Bangkok. I have a hotel booked so I need to monitor my sleep so I can fully rest when I get to a bed.
I am having a hard time typing on this key board because I hit some key and it makes Japanese characters. So hello from Japan あ呉 whatever that means!
Have to head to my gate to catch my flight to Bangkok. One leg done and two to go.
The International Premier Lounge has been repaiered and reopened and thus I have computer access. I slept a bit on the plane but since it was really only evening, I had a hard time dozing. I watched Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows two times and read a bit. I am getting tired and still have a 7 hour flight to Bangkok. I have a hotel booked so I need to monitor my sleep so I can fully rest when I get to a bed.
I am having a hard time typing on this key board because I hit some key and it makes Japanese characters. So hello from Japan あ呉 whatever that means!
Have to head to my gate to catch my flight to Bangkok. One leg done and two to go.
Friday, March 25, 2011
On my way
I am sitting in th te Seattle airport with flat Stanley. Plane to Narita leaves in an hour. this should be interesting. Away I go. I have both my Suncadia backpack and water bottle so I am advertising where ever I go. Does that mean I have to behave???
Thursday, March 24, 2011
1 Day and Counting
I leave tomorrow. I am all checked in for my flight, bags packed. My trip email when I can get email will be simpsopk@gmail.com.
Just booked my hotel in Bangkok - Plai Garden Guesthouse. A night of sleep before I arrive in Kathmandu. I am getting spoiled. In times past I would have slept on the floor of the airport.
Just booked my hotel in Bangkok - Plai Garden Guesthouse. A night of sleep before I arrive in Kathmandu. I am getting spoiled. In times past I would have slept on the floor of the airport.
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
2 Days and Counting
2 Days and Counting
I thought I had packed for the last time. I had decided to not take fleece pants and then I looked at the weather and saw it is predicted to be 20 below at Base Camp and I decided I needed another layer. Brrr… Even Lukla has snow predicted on the day we are there and it is only 9300 ft. That is Colorado high country altitude. Base camp is 18,000 ft. I have never been above 14,500ft.
As much as I love my work, I am having ADD these last few days. I am making lists just to focus.
3 Days and Counting
I have been listening to “Little Princes”, a book about the Nepal civil war from 1996 to 2006 while I walk or run. This book is about an American man working in an orphanage in Katmandu. These children were taken from their parents under the guise that they were going to be protected from the war. These people took the children and then abandoned them in Katmandu. I am only in the first few chapters so I am interested in learning more about that period which is fortunately past. Hopefully, this book will give me insights.
I am also trying to learn a few words of Nepali. My friend Sylvie gave me the responsibility of “being in charge of the language” in Nepal. It is my turn since she usually takes care of the language. Actually, it was only in Italy that I really ever had a better command of the language. Sylvie will fly from her home in Paris and meet me in Katmandu. Being native French, she knows many languages. So, I have 5 days before arriving in Katmandu to learn something. Namaste (I salute the god within you) was all I knew! I have been studying phrases. I am glad we have a guide who speaks English. Actually, I don’t know what I am worrying about. I will be too winded from lack of oxygen to talk.
I have spread out all my belongings again and repacked. Should I take the fleece pants? Will I be too warm, will I be too cold, decisions, decisions??? How shall I divide my stuff bags, should I write the names of everything inside on the outside of my stuff bags? Should I laminate my checklist? Should I download it to my Kobo? I am becoming a tech monster! Now I wish I had brought my tiny Net Book so I could write and store my journal electronically. But we will not always have access to electricity so; I guess I will have to write with pen and paper! The horror, the horror!
Tuesday, March 22, 2011
4 Days and Counting - Flat Stanley
“Flat Stanley” is a literacy program that schools do. www.FlatStanley.com The kids make paper a Flat Stanley and keep a journal for a few days, documenting the places he has been and activities in which he participates. Flat Stanley and the journal are mailed to other people who are asked to treat the figure as a visiting guest and add to his journal. this way the kids learn about different places all over the world through the travels of “Flat Stanley”. Owen, my grandson, says he is happy to have a traveling Baba (my grandma nickname). I will start my journey in Suncadia. FS will go to the all employee celebration this afternoon. Then he will join me in my office. What could be more exciting than to learn about common interest developments and condominiums? Readers, don’t be jealous, you too could shadow me. J
So Flat Stan… let our journey begin.
4 Days and Couting
I am at the “eleventh hour” and in my typical last minute style am just getting some things accomplished that I should have been doing earlier. I am doing more research on Nepal. I have the Lonely Planet Book and have been debating about taking the relatively heavy tome. I discovered, through Jamie, that I could download the chapters I needed into my Kobo reader. This was easy. This got me started. I downloaded my Outlook contacts to pdf and put on the reader. I have all the correspondence for the tour company, my medical and insurance info, snaps of ID and credit cards. Just in case, I created a folder called Nepal with all these downloads and put it on a thumb drive. All my info reduced to a few ounces. That matters when the porter will only carry 28 pounds and the rest is on my back.
I want very little on my back! I recall a recent hike/snowshoe up to Quandary Peak. Even though I only had spare layers, food and water, I felt like there were bricks in there. That was only at 14+K so when we are at 16K or 18K I need very little.
My trip has several purposes. First of course is fun and adventure, next is Flat Stanley who is my traveling partner and then it is my chocolate! As most of you know, Denver Love Chocolate is one of my sponsors of this trip and I am going to be eating Xocai chocolate to the top… or rather to the base J.
I will talk about Flat Stanley later.. I am in the Seattle airport just about to board a shuttle to Suncadia.
Monday, March 21, 2011
5 Days and Counting - Sunday
Trying to remain calm as I go over all my lists... I am like Santa. Making a list and checking it twice. Jamie, my son, and I went skiing Sunday. Not only do I love (really love) to ski but also I al trying to do all the preconditioning work that I can. Glorious Colorado sunshine day with pretty good snow. We plowed down the mountain with my son continuing to challenge me to black diamonds. He goaded me into one double black - "you haven't skied a double black all year!". Not true but I was game.
After about 4 hours of hard skiing I was a noodle. I had run 7 miles the day before with Denver Fit and my legs were getting tired. We are hiking 3-6 hours per day so I wanted to push myself. Feel good today, not even sore. I ate several servings of Xocia dark chocolate which has seemed to help banish my inflammation.
After about 4 hours of hard skiing I was a noodle. I had run 7 miles the day before with Denver Fit and my legs were getting tired. We are hiking 3-6 hours per day so I wanted to push myself. Feel good today, not even sore. I ate several servings of Xocia dark chocolate which has seemed to help banish my inflammation.
Saturday, March 19, 2011
My Itinerary
Everest Base Camp Kala pattar trekking itinerary:
28th March 2011 Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu (1334m), transfer Hotel, Everest base camp Kala pattar trekking briefing with officially arrangements. overnight at kathmandu.
29th March 2011 Day 02: After breakfast,Kathmandu by flight to Lukla , flight approximately 35 minutes. trek to Phakding (2830m). walk approximately 2-3 hours
30th March 2011 Day 03: Phakding trek to Namche Bazaar (3480m). walk approximately 4-5 hours
31st March 2011 Day 04: Namche Bazaar acclimatization day.( During the day , you can hike to Thame for beautiful Himalayan views, wild animals and Tibetan Monastery , Mt.Amadablam (6856m), Mt. Thamserku ( 6723m) , Mt. Kantega (6979m), Mt. Kusum Khangaru ( 6367m) , Mt.Kongde (6011m), Mt. Tawache peak ( 6367 m), Mt. Cholaste (6335m) ,island peak (6179m), Khumbila (God of Khumbu) 5761m etc , walk approximately 5-6 hours overnight at Namche Bazaar.
1st April 2011 Day 05: Namche Bazaar trek to Phortse village (3870m) walk approximately 5-6hours
2nd April 2011 Day 06: Phortse village trek to Pheriche (4250m) walk approximately 4-5 hours
3rd April 2011 Day 07: Pheriche trek to Lobuche (4910m) walk approximately 4-5 hours
4th April 2011 Day 08: Lobuche to Gorakshep (5180m) , walk approximately 2-3 hours overnight at Gorakshep.
28th March 2011 Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu (1334m), transfer Hotel, Everest base camp Kala pattar trekking briefing with officially arrangements. overnight at kathmandu.
29th March 2011 Day 02: After breakfast,Kathmandu by flight to Lukla , flight approximately 35 minutes. trek to Phakding (2830m). walk approximately 2-3 hours
30th March 2011 Day 03: Phakding trek to Namche Bazaar (3480m). walk approximately 4-5 hours
31st March 2011 Day 04: Namche Bazaar acclimatization day.( During the day , you can hike to Thame for beautiful Himalayan views, wild animals and Tibetan Monastery , Mt.Amadablam (6856m), Mt. Thamserku ( 6723m) , Mt. Kantega (6979m), Mt. Kusum Khangaru ( 6367m) , Mt.Kongde (6011m), Mt. Tawache peak ( 6367 m), Mt. Cholaste (6335m) ,island peak (6179m), Khumbila (God of Khumbu) 5761m etc , walk approximately 5-6 hours overnight at Namche Bazaar.
1st April 2011 Day 05: Namche Bazaar trek to Phortse village (3870m) walk approximately 5-6hours
2nd April 2011 Day 06: Phortse village trek to Pheriche (4250m) walk approximately 4-5 hours
3rd April 2011 Day 07: Pheriche trek to Lobuche (4910m) walk approximately 4-5 hours
4th April 2011 Day 08: Lobuche to Gorakshep (5180m) , walk approximately 2-3 hours overnight at Gorakshep.
5th April 2011 Day 09: As per your interest to extend the trekking , After breakfast, after breakfast our guide will take to you Everest base camp (5500m) and back to Gorakshep. Overngiht at Gorakshep. walk approximately 4-5 hours and overnight at Gorakshep.
6th April 2011 Day 10: Gorakshep early in the morning hike to kala pattar (5545m) for superb Himalayan views including the Mt. Everest 8848m, Mt Lhotse 8516m, Mt. Nuptse 7855m, Mt. Pumori 7161m, Mt. Changaste 7550m, Mt.Lingterin 6679m, Mt. Amadablam 6856m, Mt. Thamserku 6723m, Mt. Kantega 6685m, Mt..Kusum Khagaru 6367m,Mt.Kongde 6011m,Mt. Khumbila 5761m(God of the Khumbu),Mt.Twache peak 6367m, Mt. Cholaste 6335m ,Island peak 6179m, Lobuche peak 6145m,Pokalde peak 5806m, Honku south peak 6119m  walk approximately one hours and lunch at Lobuche and overnight at Dingboche (4345m) . walk approximately 5-6 hours
7th April 2011 Day 11: Dingboche trek to Tengboche (3890m) walk approximately 5-6 hours
8th April 2011 Day 12: Tyangboche trek to Namche Bazaar walk approximately 4-5 hours 6th April 2011 Day 10: Gorakshep early in the morning hike to kala pattar (5545m) for superb Himalayan views including the Mt. Everest 8848m, Mt Lhotse 8516m, Mt. Nuptse 7855m, Mt. Pumori 7161m, Mt. Changaste 7550m, Mt.Lingterin 6679m, Mt. Amadablam 6856m, Mt. Thamserku 6723m, Mt. Kantega 6685m, Mt..Kusum Khagaru 6367m,Mt.Kongde 6011m,Mt. Khumbila 5761m(God of the Khumbu),Mt.Twache peak 6367m, Mt. Cholaste 6335m ,Island peak 6179m, Lobuche peak 6145m,Pokalde peak 5806m, Honku south peak 6119m  walk approximately one hours and lunch at Lobuche and overnight at Dingboche (4345m) . walk approximately 5-6 hours
7th April 2011 Day 11: Dingboche trek to Tengboche (3890m) walk approximately 5-6 hours
9th April 2011 Day 13: Namche Bazaar trek to Benkar ( 2945m)walk approximately 4-5 hours
10th April 2011 Day 14: Benkar trek to Lukla ( 2830m). walk approximately 3-4 hours.
11th April 2011 Day 15: Lukla by flight back to Kathmandu. Flight approximately 35 minutes only
12th April 2011 Day 16: After breakfast, our tour guide will take to for historical monuments sightseeing in kathmandu valley such as Boudhhanath: visit Bodhnath Stupa, one of the biggest Buddhist shrines in the world, where we observe Buddhist monks in prayer in the monasteries surrounding the stupa than visit Pashupatinath: the most famous Hindu temple in the country, located on the banks of the holy Bagmati River. Here you see Hindu holy men (sadhus) meditating, pilgrims bathing and occasionally funeral pyres burning on the ghats. Bhaktapur: you will enjoy with different spectacular Himalayan scenery , old architecture, 55 windows, Pottry farm, king curd and old style primitive houses. etc and in the evening farewell dinner in Nepalese Restaurant, overnight at kathmandu in Hotel.
13th April 2011 Day 17: After breakfast, relaxing or shopping with own activities than Himalaya Journey Treks & expedition airport representative will drop to you Kathmandu international airport for onward destination
Getting Excited 6 Days and Counting
Only six day until I leave for my journey to Nepal. I am both excited and apprehensive. My first stop along the way is Tokyo. I can't begin to imagine this situation. I have booked a window seat and perhaps I will be brave enough to look out. Seeing things like this is always centering. It makes me reassess my pettiness.
I am all packed but I am sure I will unpack and repack several times before I leave. I have a list and it was vetted by the tour company but... I am limited to 28 pounds of gear so I don't have a lot of choices.
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