Today we had a later start. Morning tea was at 7am, so we had a leisurely morning. After a usual breakfast for me, chapati with jam and a cheese omelette, we were back on the trail towards Lobuche. It is bright and sunny this morning! Unfortunately for some, the rescue helicopters have been pretty active already, bringing altitude sick people down the mountain. Fortunately, we are all fit and healthy thus far in this group. We had a great hike to Dugla for tea and lunch. After lunch, we stopped off at chorten hill, where there were multiple manis, chortens, and memorials of deceased Everest climbers, to include American Scott Fischer. There were several picture opportunities as the views were spectacular.

The hike before and after lunch was moderately strenuous for most, so we took our time at this elevation and reached Lobuche (16,200 ft.) at about 4pm. After a brief rest and some lemon tea (my new favorite altitude drink), we went on a short hike above Lobuche. There were great views of many peaks, to include Lobuche, Nuptse, Pumori, and the backside of Ama Dablam. After the hike, we had a great round table CME discussion about avalanches. Dinner for me was french fries with eggs. Wongchu says no meat the rest of the way up. His rule of thumb is “you looking at river, meat is ok, you looking at mountain, no meat!”

For those of you medical people, my Sp02 at this elevation is 92%. Many people are in the mid-80s. Wongchu’s was 83%, which proves that Sp02 at this elevation means very little, since he is kicking my butt up this mountain! Tomorrow we are off to Gorakshep and Kala Patthar!

Another Great day in the Khumbu!