3445m

It's the second day of trekking and we hit the road early at about 8am. I was told that today's trek to Namche Bazaar was a tough one (not exactly what I wanted to hear after yesterday!). There was a 2 hour section that was pretty much straight up - oh joy!

The scenery started to get really beautiful with some impressive peaks. The Himalayas are a bloody big range of mountains totally picturesque with sharp jagged peaks punching into the clouds.

My Sherpa guide Lakpa kept telling me 'bistari', 'bistari', which means slowly, slowly. He keeps reminding us that it's not a race and just making it should be our goal.

The Sherpa people are the most amazing race of people I've ever encountered. Firstly they are a very mild mannered people who seem prepared to do anything for their guests. But what impresses me most is their absolutely insane strength and stamina. You won't believe it but us foreigners can barely make it up some of these sections, we struggle to breathe the air and to make it up the steep inclines. Then you see a porter Sherpa with 30kg strapped to his head in flip flop sandals running past. It is something unbelievable.

On a personal front I started to get a headache yesterday and it lasted all through today. It appears I have AMS or Acute Mountain Sickness or in short altitude sickness. I am having trouble breathing and doing basic things. It's not the end of the world but I have just taken some Diamox which is supposed to combat this. I hope it works as it can kill you so I'm not going to push it. If I feel well I will continue but if not I will hang back and acclimatise properly. Luckily for me the itinerary had us staying here in Namche Bazaar for two days. This should help.