Resting in Namche Bazaar

We are in the town of Namche Bazar at 11,200 feet. To get here, we had to hike up a 2500 ft climb of switch backs. Needless to say, that was a tough climb, but we all made it and our training has paid off.

We are staying here for a day to acclimate, then we will push on to EBC. Here is a view of the town http://www.travel-images.com/photo-nepal12.html

Today was an exciting day, we caught our first glimpse of Mt. Everest today! We were fortunate to have the clouds lift and there it was. We were all so excited and of course snapped a few pictures.

Its been so amazing being here, there are people from all over the world and all ages on similar treks. As this is the high season, the trail is busy but everyone is in the same spirit. It only adds to the excitement of the trek.

Some highlights:
Flying into the town of Lukla from Kathmandu - it has a short runway into the mountain with a 12 degree pitch which helps slow down as well as take off.
The views are breathtaking - one of the best was crossing one of the many suspension bridges with a glacial blue river below, water fall on the mountain in front of us, dense pine, and blooming red rhododendron (different from our purple, white and pink varitites)
Staying at a tea house, they are really charming and cozy with our big group.
Everyone is acclimating well.

Some lesser lights:
Potatoes potatoes potatoes. They're everywhere. We eat them at almost every meal. At lunch yesterday, we hit the carbo trifecta of potatoes, noodles, and rice.
No major mishaps except for 2 bags which are still on their way - the chaos of delayed flights due to weather has two folks really testing their limit of light trekking.
So far, only one person is being bit by the stomach bug. If you think of it, out of 25 people, that's not too bad.

Tomorrow, we will stay at a very old Buddhist monastery which looks right at Mt. Everest. We don't know when we'll have another opportunity to sign on, but for now, we are all looking forward to hiking in spectacular landscapes, surrounded by fellow trekkers and porters while listening to the gentle ring of the bells worn by the yak.
-Charles