Local time: 02 April 23:O0
Location: Kathmandu, Nepal
Altitude: 1315m
Weather: Sunny and 29C
Hi Everyone, it’s Dame here.
Today was a busy day. We met Paul’s Sherpa, Lakpa Nuru, at the entrance to Bouddhanath Temple. We then joined Lakpa, his wife and baby daughter to receive a blessing from the Lama. It was special for us to share this experience with Lakpa and his family. The Lama is a very important person and it was clear to us how respected he is. Yet he interacted with us in a very warm and friendly manner and gave Paul and Lakpa good wishes for the climb. Afterwards we visited the temple which is the biggest stupa in Nepal. It is a massive white dome with prayer flags hung from the high center point to the ground. While admiring this World Heritage listed site we all regretted not bringing our sunglasses as the glare from the white dome was significant.
Oxygen
Paul was very excited to receive the extra oxygen bottles he purchased. The bottles were brand new and Paul was pleased to find after weighing each bottle they indeed were filled to capacity. He will have 4 oxygen bottles in addition to the 5 Asian Trekking provide.
Ministry Of Tourism
After finalising our logistical arrangements with Asian Trekking we accompanied Asian Trekking to the Ministry Of Tourism where the climbing permits where obtained. We felt privilegded to sit around a boardroom table being served tea and talking with the Under Secretary for The Minister of Tourism. The Under Secretary officially welcomed us to Nepal and signed the climbing permit before wishing Paul and Meagan (a Canadian member of the team) good luck for the climb.
Dinner Out
Following some last minute gear shopping we headed off to dinner with Barga, a person Tim met in the US. The restaurant, which is owned by Barga, serves traditional Nepalese food and at various times throughout the night customers are treated to singing and dancing performances. This was a great opportunity for us to sample many different dishes in one sitting and see some traditional entertainment.
The Trek Begins
Tomorrow we have an early start (5am) to get out to the airport where we will fly to Lukla and begin our trek. As we write this Paul is still organising and conducting last minute checks on the mountains of gear he needs to bring.
Talk to you tomorrow,
Dame.
Hi Paul, Tim and Dame
Glad Paul received the extra oxygen bottles he ordered and that they were new and weighed in correctly. Love the photo of Paul receiving his climbing permit. Paul, I think you have one of the best smiles!!! Enjoy the beginning of your trek, gentlemen!
MC
Hi there…. I’m paula stout, a friend of Lhapa Nuru’s from 2005 Everest Expedition. Just wanted to add my blessings to the ones you received from the lama. All the climbing community in California Bay area will be following your trip closely. Best of luck to you. p.
Great to hear from you guys! Good luck tomorrow!
Your post from the roof of the hotel in Kathmandu came through with no problems.
Love,
Inna.
That Paul has received a blessing from Lama, the arrival of the requested O2, and the Climbing Permit.
A Most Happy Landing in Lukla.
wp
Greetings from wine country!
Everyone here and at your work send excited best wishes.
And remember…..don’t slip, ’tis a long way down !!
…they stay what its like for a pilot landing a twin otter at Lukla.
I hope the flight to Lukla was good. Its definitely a spectacular landing, that’s for sure.
Paul, glad to hear you had correct weight on the additional oxygen – that must be a relief, and the permit process sounded like a breeze.
I’m not sure if you boys are up with the news at home but the mighty Blues downed the Tiges on Sunday night. That’s a good omen in anyones books.
Enjoy the trek up to Namche.
Cam
SSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSWWWWWWWWWWWWEEEEEEEEEEEEEETTTTTTTTTTTTT
Well Boys, so the adventure has really started !
What a fabulous experience for the three of you to share, a memory that will no doubt stay forever.
Do be carefull, but even as important … enjoy yourselves.
We had a birthday dinner here tonight for ‘Meales’. Great night, fabulous Bar.B.Q.
About 15 people, so with you lot away the numbers were down a bit!
Thinking of you, love Dad.
Hi Paul and Family!
I also have two brothers and the thought of hanging out in such a cool place together is so neat! To share this trip with so many people trekking and supporting each other is very special. Have fun!
Ann (and Graham too)
Sending the three of you greetings from SW gulf coast of Florida. Paul, I followed your journey with Fiona last year every step of the way. This time I will be cheering on you and your brothers. So glad to read that your gear and yourselves all made it on and off the airplane to Lukla. I think I tore a ligament slamming on the breaks for you at the end of the runway!
I love seeing all the great photos and reading everything. Paul, I will be looking for you to wave at us from your perfect view when you get to the top of the world. Tim, I am Andy H (Boston)’s mom. Since Andy left you at the alter for his new job (ha ha) I am glad that you have your brother Damien with you. Otherwise he would be there too hiking in with you. It is terrific that the three of you go together. Have a wonderful journey and safe steps all the way.
Anne P.
Florida