Hi, Marg here. We are sitting in a lodge in Dingboche which is 4262 metres. At present the weather is cold and overcast. Usually the mornings are beautiful with clear blue skies. This means that it can be very warm as we trek to our next destination, although there has usually been a breeze which keeps us feeling comfortable as we walk along. About 3 pm the clouds appear and it becomes quite cold so we need to start rugging up for the night. It has rained twice but only after we are safely at our destination.
A Typical Day
We rise about 6.30 with the sun streaming through our windows, struggling out of our warm sleeping bags to get dressed. Our clothing for the day is near at hand so that we don’t have stand in the cold for long. Then we need to pack our bags ready for the porters. I have not yet mastered the skill of packing properly even now – my bag still has problems being done up!! Then it’s off to breakfast. This consists of muesli and hot milk, porridge or eggs, followed by toast and tea or coffee. There are various types of tea available – mint, lemon, black, jasmine and ginger. I think we’ve tried the lot.
After breakfast it’s on with our backpacks, put on our masks, pick up our sticks and start on the morning trek. The masks are very important as they stop us from breathing in the cold, dusty air and help to protect us from respiratory infections and dehydration.
We have numerous drink stops while walking – these give us the opportunity to consume some of the 3 litres we need to drink each day as well as having a rest (particularly on the uphill stretches). We also have the ‘odd’ photo shot.
On arrival at our lodge about 11.30-12.00 we are given tea and the menu so that we can order our lunch.
Nearly all the menus are the same no matter which lodge we are staying in – I think between us we have tasted all that is available. Afterwards we head of to our rooms to unpack, rest and maybe read for a while. Then off for a wander around the village and ordering our evening meal.
Within each lodge there is a dining room with bench seats around the perimeter and tables in front of them for us to eat of. The bench seats are also used as beds for the guides and the owners of the lodges. In the middle of the room is a potbelly heater which is fuelled with a few pieces of wood, kerosene and then when it is going well, dried yak dung. It is certainly an effective heater.
We eat about 7pm using the same menu as for lunch after which we chat, download this meassage and play cards. Bedtime is around 9pm – not a late night at all!!
Highlights include –
-The magnificent snow capped peaks rising up high all around us against the brilliant blue sky.
– The change in vegetation from the forests to the stark, dry subalphine vegetation.
– The stone houses surrounded by countless stone walls
-The people – the kindness, generosity and patience of our guides, Ang Nima and Pember, in particular as well as other Sherpas we have met.
-The strength and agility and positive attitiude of the porters in these mountains.
Our group
At the moment Denise and Fiona aren’t too well – although Denise seems to have picked up after an afternoon nap. Fiona is not too good but as we are staying here for two nights we are hoping for a big improvement in the two of them before we head of to Lobuche.
On a personal note I am really hoping that I can make it to Base Camp so that I can see Paul but regardless the journey has been incredible and I’m really pleased that I am here.
Cheers and love to everyone
Marg
Messages
Thanks for your messages, we really do appreciate them. We aren’t able to receive any text messages as mobiles don’t work over here and there are no internet connections either so this site is our only communication channel.
Neil I am really pleased that you have got the TV and I hope it is living up to your expectations. Did you get Fiona’s message? It was great to hear from you Kay and Sach. Leah how are the plans for the move? The goorillagram must have been great fun. How was the wedding Jacqui? Hope it went well – have things slowed down yet? Tell Mum that I’m fine and having a great time. Marg
Hi Anne J,
Thanks for your messages and yes you can borrow the car! Say hi to Mum and Dad for me and enjoy your time in Melbourne. Denise.
Hi Marc
Thanks for your messages. We will get to basecamp on the 9th or 10th of May. Weather has been unusually cloudy in the afternoon for this time of the year.As far as going all the way…we get constant updates from Paul Adler who is at camp 2 now and to be honest with you I would love to be there with him. Apart from that I really don’t know mate…as there are so many factors to consider before undertaking such an expedition.
Keep the messages coming
Cheers Cas
Hi Lou, yes that sounds more like my credit card no. Thanks for putting in money for me. How is work going ? x beck
Hi Andy, Lovely to hear from you. I have been having a few Nanna naps, but am trying to not to as we spend atleast 10 hours in bed each night anyway! x beck
Hi Dad and Mary, I am looking forward to seeing the apartment looking swish when I get back. We have just finished the first tin of lollies Mary, and the Sherpas, porters, trekkers and local kids thank you for them!
Love Beck
Hi Davis, Gav & Barls, Rozzie & David,
We have two nights at this lodge so tomorrow we will rest and do what ever we feel like. I’ve worked out how to take macros which is good because the plants are getting mighty small now! The temperature is more like Tassie now and we have to rug up in the mornings. Beautiful clouds each day. Had a very satisfying shower & hair wash (Frank take note….) and lookiing forward to rice pudding amongst other things for tea tonight. Please send Mum & Dad a special hello and that I am thinking of them. love, Liz’
Inna- Hello sister. In response to your text, I actually brought my Australia straightner and it worked fine but I left it at the Kathmandu hotel. With the lodges not really having outlets even to charge my camera, and not having taking a shower the past three days… lack of straight hair has not been a big problem. Thanks for the concerns though. How is everything at 25 Boyton St? I am looking forward to spending Thanksgiving with you and Tim. Give Sveta and Alona a hello from me . Paka. -Marfusa
Vova- Mama told me that you’re keeping up with the updates. There is so many Russian people here and a lot of them remind me of you. Once they hear my Russian, they offer me Vodka. Hope to see you soon boyfriend. -Julia
Hi everyone! Reading your daily post is like reading the Bible. Every day there’s a new author giving a different perspective of what your journey unfolds. I especially like the comments on the surroundings. It gives me a feeling that you don’t get with the summit climbers who are focused on the climb.
Sorry to read that some of you are not feeling well. I’m wondering if it’s because you are taking your time getting to Base Camp. That would be ironic, wouldn’t it?
I’m also reading Pat’s site. He’s a bit ahead of Paul in preps, so Paul will have the advantage of Pat’s assault first. I’m positive that all will make it, make it back safe & have new stories to tell once they get back.
Steve Dansker
Its been great to hear you’re all doing so well as well as hearing about Paul. Sounds like the altitude is starting to effect a few of you – I can remember that I was the same after Pangboche. Don’t be disheartended and keep going – the views and the trek get better from here on in all be it a lot harder. I can remember looking at the views from Kalla Pattar and thinking what an awesome place it was. The place inspired me to believe in God after 36 years of atheism. I’ve never looked back.
I am once again truly inspired by all your efforts- I wonder if I should try to return in a couple of years time?
Keep being positive and love every second of it – all the best,
Gary
of the daily schedule of your trekking adventure. Sounds as though you all doing well but hope that Denise and Fiona are feeling better soon. Are there many other trekkers whom you encounter along the trail, besides the Russians? Have you heard any music/musical instruments played by the residents of the villages through which you pass?
Take Care All….
wp
I hope you will be feeling better soon, Denise and Fiona. Rest well. I also hope you will get to BC, Marg. Sending you all positive thoughts.
Cheers,
MC
This is Felice and Pheobe having a sleepover at Stefano’s house. We’ve been to see Spiderman 3 at the cinema with Stefano, but we didn’t like it too much. We’re looking forward to helping Stefano open all his presents tomorrow morning. How are you? Is th mountain very big? Bye from us.
Hello Daddy
It’s me Stefano, I’m getting ready for my birthday tomorrow. I’m sad you won’t be here for my birthday as they’ll be an empty seat at the table. I’ve had loads of cards from everyone and mummy says there’s a special present from you.
I hope you are well and enjoying yourself. We miss you lots. Hurry back soon.
Hi Marg and trekkers,
I have a question about all the liquids you have to consume along the way, I have the smallest bladder on earth and wonder if I would have a problem with stopping constantly along the way to urinate,(wherever I can find a spot!)! I wonder if all the work of walking and just the dryness there would make that less of a problem?
Thanks for the great posts!
Ann( and Graham too)
Hi Marg, Fiona, girls and Cas,
The trip is sounding awesome so far. You all deserve a big pat on the back for what you’ve done. We hope that Fiona and Denise are feeling better soon. Of course Fiona has a strong reason to get to base camp and trekking up there will not be much fun if she’s not feeling too well. Congrats Marg on going so well. You haven’t exactly said how you’re feeling but everybody is behind your efforts to make it to base camp.
All is fine here. By the way, Mark thinks he will start the stonework at BG this week.
Lots of love, Neil
Hi – I have been following your posts since the beginning and really enjoy having different members write their observations. I’m sorry to hear that Denise and Fiona aren’t feeling well and hope it soon passes. I’m also following Pat, Paul and TA and it’s interesting to see where each person is with preparation. Jean
Dear Liz and the trekkers,
First off, I hope those that were not feeling so well are now better. We are still getting little bits of rain here in Hawthorn which helps the garden – which is where I am spending time today. Last night (Friday), we saw Chick Corea and Gary Burton at the Concert Hall – fabulous techniques but more importantly challenging and beautiful music. Arlie is off to a Vibes masterclass with Gary Burton this afternoon – she is a very luck chimplin. I have another set of printouts for Horace and Audrey – we are going there for dinner tonight and will help them move furniture for the painter. I had an interesting meeting yesterday with a US IT company that will turnover US$9 billion this financial year – I am still trying to get my head around that amount of money and what it means in terms of work! Looking forward to more photographs and more postings … lots of love …. Gavan
Hi Denise, Marg, Fiona and team.
Just back from Tasmania. Thoroughly enjoyed catching up with your emails. It is great reading about your trek. I hope you are feeling better soon Denise and Fiona.
Is the altitude affecting you?
Continued good luck to Paul and his ascent.
Love Maureen
Hello again. Good to hear from you. One of uou said that you don’t have internet – so how do you read our messages??? It seems surreal that you are where you are and still are able to keep in touch!! Bruce and I have been shopping today and have ordered a wall unit for the family room. I do love spending $$$ !!! Hope Fiona and Denis are feeling a bit better by now and that you are keeping well. Bye. Maree
Hi Marg and Fiona
So glad to hear that you are having such a wonderful time. John’s just returned from his 5 day stint sailing the lakes with 7 mates. They really enjoyed themselves but I think there may have been too much eating and drinking! I’ve been very busy being a ‘nonni’. Rachel and Lachie are doing very well – he’s a really good baby. I can’t get enough of him of course and hover over the cot waiting for him to stir so that I can have a cuddle. Stephen goes back to work this week so heavens, I’ll probably just HAVE to go and help Rach each day. What a burden that will be!! Next Thursday we’re going to Merimbula with Sandy and John which should be fun.
Hope you recover quickly Fiona and Marg, I have no doubt at all that you’ll reach base camp.
Love to you both (and Paul) Jan Laing xxxx
Marg
” Onward Christian Soldiers ..marching to base camp “-remember those Charles and John Wesley sentiments -minus the “no drinking ” rules and you’ll be fine. We are following your progress with avid interest.
You sound as if you are soaking up all the amazing sights and sounds of a unique place and people.
You will get to base camp and achieve your objective of cheering Paul on -after all, a good dose of “Mother in Law” will be enough to get him bounding up Everest!!
Are you affected by the altitude in any way ? Strange urges to wash your feet in a bucket or mop over the lodge floors ? Seriously. I hope that Fiona and Denise are feeling better with rest. Tell Denise that the Hawks beat Essendon today -and that will revive her.
Neil and Barb (with Bruce , suprisingly) are coming to see John ia a preview concert tomorrow(Sunday ) and then back to us for a candlelight supper (a la Mrs Bucket )
We think about you constantly and never miss checking updates . Our positive thoughts and love are with you all for this memorable adventure and for Paul in his quest.
Take care and know that we are with you all,
Love Sandy and John
I do hope this message gets to you. The photos look great and you look very well. I hope you are taking photos or having others take plenty. Mum is coming with Leah this Friday which will be lovely. Am looking forward to it. She tells me where you are up to even though I’ve told her I have a computer. Oh well. Keep taking care. I am sure Fiona is looking after you. Love from Jill Jan Robyn Pater Michael and Ruth
If my message didn’t go I am ringing Neil