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This morning was supposed to be a trek up to a monastery and to see the house of Apa Sherpa the Sherpa that has climbed Everest more times than anyone else - 20 times! Our Sherpa told us he is at base camp now preparing for his 21st. Unfortunately I was still feeling unwell today with altitude sickness so I decided to stay back at our lodge. Luckily for me the plan in the itinerary was to do the day trek then come back down to Namche Bazaar. Climbing high, then sleeping low they say is the best way to combat altitude sickness.
Anyways, Owen and our Sherpa set off on the day trek and I decided to rest for a few hours then do a 'local' two hour trek with our porter. This did me a lot of good as I got out trekking and got a chance to test my body on a short run.
Generally my body feels strong and healthy but the main problem is my lungs. I can't take full breaths and can only take short intakes. This combined with the lack of oxygen in the air means I end up breathing two or three times faster than normal. So when going up a steep ascent it's pretty much hell. And because I am breathing at hyper-speed it makes my heart beat race like a machine gun.
I was considering not going further with the trek and turning back but tomorrow we are going to our next destination which is only about 50m higher in altitude. So it will give my body another day to acclimatise.
I've been taking pictures but they really won't do it justice. It will be difficult to get a sense in photos the height we are at and that we are literally on the side of these massive mountains. Namche Bazaar and all of the villages we have seen so far are build on the side of the mountains so this means steps up and down everywhere you go. There is no flat. When you look down the mountain it's beyond imagination how high up here we are and when I look across at Kongde the huge mountain beside us I'm in disbelief how huge it really is. I stood there today for probably 20 minutes just staring at this beast trying to imagine some crazy nutter actually climbing the thing. Then I think how much higher Everest must be...
Oh and on a funny note I was talking to a Sherpa at dinner tonight and I asked him where he lived, in this village or another? He answered "another village about 7 days walk from here". Haha I love it. I thought only Crocodile Dundee spoke like that!
This is supposed to be the last internet point on the trek so it may be the last post until my descent. Wish me luck!
- comments
bhavni Ii wish you lots of luck and hope the AMS eases off... love bxxx
Ibi Hang in there buddy, keep strong! Gutted I can't be there to carry you up ;-)
Mom and Dad Hi Michael: We are enjoying your blog, can't wait to see the photos. We wish you luck on getting acclimatised. Thinking of you, enjoy your trek, good luck.
Trish Hey Mike Well done with all the progress you have made so far! Very impressed with you and Owen! Keep strong and enjoy the rest of the trek! See you guys soon x x
Neil Simmons Good luck Mike. Dom just told me that you were blogging about your trip. It sounds like a combination of massive fun, fear and hard work. Heidi's aunt went on a similar excursion to Everest Base Camp and she had similar problems to you but she said it passed after a day or too. She came back with some great pictures but had a tough job figuring out what mountain was what at the end so make sure you keep good notes.
Rupal and Niraj Hey mike, sounds like you are having an awesome experience. Take it easy and hope the altitude sickness eases off. Can't wait to see your snaps.
Mom and Dad Michael we are speaking with Bhavni every day. Glad you enjoyed your 4 hour trek to Tashinga Village. Hope you have a good rest tonight. Wishing you lots of luck on tomorrows 7 hour trek. April 20 2011
Mom and Dad Pleased to hear you had a great day trekking to Pangboche. Bet you are experiencing the time of you life - soak it all in!! Good luck and, stay safe. Hello to Owen from us. April 22nd 2011
Dale Nice work brother. I hope you're not climbing in east london style tight jeans and converse. All the best man!
Mom & Dad Hi Michael, We are at Kelly and David's house right now. Everyone fine here.( Bhavni was right... David is much better looking than you). I hope you are getting acclimatised and are feeling stronger as each day goes by and we are very excited for you! Until later bye, we love you but love David more so we are going to chat with him longer than you!. Love Mom and Dad, Ps. typed by your big brother Dave. be well!
Mom & Dad Congratulations Michael, we just heard from Bhavni you made it to Mt Everest Base Camp. Way to go!! We are looking forward to hearing about this trek of a life time. Stay safe, enjoy the trek "down". April 26 2011.
bhavni Congrats mike! completed the 10th day of your trek and reached base camp!! Brilliant achievement! Enjoy the descent nowxx