Location: Debuche
Altitude: 3700m
Local Time: 5:30pm
Weather: 20C – Nearly warm enough for shorts!
Hi, its Chris here.
Today we walked from Namche to Debuche. The hardest part was a 600m climb through rhododendron forest from the river up to Tengboche, which is a small town famous for its monastery and fantastic 360 degree views of the increasingly amazing mountains.
Tengboche
We had also heard that the world’s highest bakery was at Tengboche so we were pretty keen to get to the top. We ended up agreeing that the bakery scored 2 out of 10 for its donuts, -2 out of 10 for its fruit cake, and the cinnamon scrolls were not rateable because we didn’t have a hammer to break them into bite size portions! Fiona drew the short straw and went in to return the cinnamon scroll, which was swapped for a donut no problems, but the rock hard scroll was put straight back on the shelf for the next person.
Debouche
Its Bridget here – we’re now settled at our lodge drinking hot lemon tea. Debouche is only 20 minutes down the hill from Tengboche, but for the first time we’ve had to walk through mud left by melting snow. There’s likely to be lots of mud from now on. It was pretty slippery, but no casualties amongst us 4 so far. Tomorrow is another acclimatisation day, and we will be back up at Tengboche at 8am to see its main attraction (monks service at the monastery that is, not the bakery!). We also have to finish a game of 500 we started in Namche, Chris and I are about to complete a stunning comeback to beat Paul and Fiona!
And so another enjoyable days walk is behind us. It was pretty dusty at times, especially when the yak trains pass, but we have bandannas over our faces a lot of the time which cuts the dust and warms the air. Yet another piece of trekking fashion!!
Our porter Passang
We are enjoying our porter, Passang’s company. It has been strange for us to get used to someone carrying our bag. From these 3 weeks he will earn about half of the average Nepali annual salary, and is using it to go to English school in Kathmandu. Passang means Friday – most Nepalese are named after the day of the week on which they were born. He is teaching us some Nepali (at which we are appallingly bad) and card games. If we look concerned about crossing a dodgy suspension bridge, he tells us “Don’t worry chicken curry”!!!
All feeling fine
It’s Chris here again. We are all still feeling fine and really enjoying getting your messages. Don’t worry mum, we put sunscreen on 3 times today!!
Brad and Tracy, we have all agreed that your new baby should be named Nepali style, so if she comes tomorrow she should be named Tuesday!
Hope all is well with everyone at home,
Chris and Bridget
PS. Hi Carrissa, We showed your message to Jim and Michelle and they loved hearing from you. They are both well and are enjoying the trek in. Paul & Fiona.
I live in New Jersey, in the United States. I am not a climber, but have become obsessed with Mt Everest and it’s climbers. I have fallen in love with your story. Every morning I check to see how far you’ve gotten. My prayers and thoughts are with you. I can’t wait to hear that you’ve made the summit. Stay safe!
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Well, I guess high altitude doesn’t necessarily mean good donuts and pastries! But seriously, you could have used your ice axe to break up the cinnamon scrolls!
I love all the pix you are posting. The yaks’ crossing the bridge is fantastic.
Good luck on the upcoming “muddy” trekking. Keep enjoying the views.
MC
Quote for the day: Success may be reaching the top of the mountain but lucky is the one who finds adventure along the way.
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Hi Paul and Fi
Jacci has signed me up and now I am back at work can catch up with your adventures every morning. It is making it worth getting in here early! You are certainly enjoying your adventure and am thinking of you constantly. Can’t wait to see the summit photos. Keep well and safe – remember we have a biggie planned for 30 June when you both are playing key roles! Love to you both, Barb Johnston
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Just returned from more blissful days of yachting, had a huge laugh over the bakery anecdote: all that anticipation and then the taste let-down will remain memorable for forever I suspect (as will so much else!). Thanks for the reply to my gear question, Paul. It is amazing to have the interaction as well as your wonderfully evocative reports. Big cheerio from Ronnie and me.
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This is the most wonderful way of keeping track of your walk. It nearly inspires me but I think too high. all those dreams of the bakery to keep you going while climbing then the reality hits hope the scenary makes up for it Mum
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Hi Fiona & Paul, Bridget & Chris,
You certainly have to be prepared for all conditions on a trip like yours! SBS News last night said that weather in the Himalayas was expected to be warm, so they got that right. Fiona, just as well you had the dental work done before leaving – you could at least give the bakery wares a good try!
Love, Dad
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Hi Fiona and Paul;
Keep on living the dream. The top of the world an amazing goal. we are so – so proud of you both. keep healthy and warm.
Carpe Diem (Seize the Day)
Love max and Judy
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Dental work and climbing Everest in the same year! phfeww! One gutsy lady – good on ya.
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Hi guys, Tracy went into labor at 12:30 am this morning and by 4:17 am we had another beautiful baby girl! She was a little lighter than Madi at only 2.61 kg but very healthy with all the important bits in the right places. Funnily enough her name is still open to debate and so I will throw ‘Tuesday’ into the mix but I’m not sure what Tracy will think about that one! Trace is doing well, and now that we’ve both been able to grab an hour of sleep we have to get ready for the tidal wave of visitors.
Brad, Tracy, Madi & Tuesday, oops I mean Baby-X.
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sounds like cinnamon scroll eating is a bit of a community effort – the last one to get their teeth through gets to keep, eat and enjoy!
loving the commentary.
Lots a luv, jan
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Hi chris and bridget, thanks for the update on the food – I was starting to wonder. Am in melb at the moment, family stuff, and miss you guys being here.
susie
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Hi Paul and Fiona,
Dan Szczesny here, I’m a friend of Jim and Michelle. Just thought you could pass a message on to Jim that part one of his two-part interview will appear in the paper this Thursday, May 4. Also, he’ll be happy to know that Meena and I summited Mt. Passaconaway in the White Mountains this weekend in his honor. Pass along our thoughts and well wishes. Thanks!
Dan
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