Location: Lobuche
Altitude: 4900 metres
Weather: Cloudy most of the day with a dusting of snow overnight
Hi Everyone, we’re coming to you from Lobuche, on our rest day….inching ever closer to Basecamp.
We’re pleased to report that Marg, Fiona & Denise are all feeling a lot stronger and the whole team is ready for tomorrow’s hike to Gorak Shep – where we hope to meet up with Paul if he is feeling strong enough.
Today we thought we would make our report a little different. Instead of details of today’s activities (which were next to nothing!) we thought we would share some of our disparate thoughts on the trip so far. So here we go…
Best Quote
We have many quotable quotes, but one of our favourites was from Pemba when Cas asked ‘Are you sure about carrying this extra bag?’, Pemba replied ‘10% sure’ with a big smile on his face.
Favourite piece of technology
A UV water steriliser being used by an American trekker: 90 seconds to sterilise 1 litre of water and it comes with a solar panel that attaches to his pack and charges the device as he walks along.
Thoughts on tourism here
I think we all have mixed feelings about the impact we, as visitors, have on a very fragile environment. The areas we have walked through are beautiful and it is no wonder that so many people want to visit. Even at these high altitudes, local people have been utilising resources. In summer they have moved their yaks to the high country to make the most of grazing, and to cut grass to feed their animals during the winter. Today, one of our porters (being a rest day….) went back to Pheriche to bring up cartons of bottled water. With so much snow and also running water, our reliance on bottled and boiled water there seems to be an opening to provide low technology facilities to treat water on site. The lodge we are staying in has solar power for lighting but still relies heavily on kerosene for cooking although since the proclamation of Sagamartha National Park, tree-felling has virtually stopped and regeneration is occurring albeit slowly at such high altitudes. This World Heritage Area is struggling to provide ongoing employment for the Nepalese people while coping with the expectations of increasing numbers of trekkers and climbers experiencing this remarkable country. (Liz)
Missed Mod-Cons
Hi, it’s Marg here now
As you have seen from a photo of me I have noticed the difference in washing techniques. Although I have learnt to pummel my clothes against the rocks, hope that they are clean and then spread them out on the rocks to dry, I am looking forward to more modern technology on my return home.
Marvellous Porters
On a different note, I am in awe of the porters. They have to carry everything up the mountains in order to sustain human life – and to keep us comfortable. They are small in build but have such strength and fortitude – never seem to complain at all and are always willing to ‘go the extra mile’.
Things We’re Missing from Home (besides family and friends!)
Fresh fruit and vegetables (especially salads), our comfortable beds, vegemite (all the Aussies), real coffee, footy (for some), not having to get up in the night to go to the toilet, western toilets, hair straightener (Julia), yoghurt, newspapers, wine, dogs (Fiona), music – actually not that much considering!
Things We’re Overdosing On
Tea, tea, and more tea.
Rice, potatoes, lentils, white bread and eggs.
Carrying toilet paper and head torches around in our pockets.
We’ll be taking a break from these when we get back!
Your Messages
Hey Gav,
Will the tax office be waiting at the airport for me with handcuffs and have you sorted out those warm dates in July? Hi Davis and Arlie,
Love, Liz.
Love your message Sandy, I will soldier on – especially now I’m getting closer. Enjoy being a Noni Jan. Thanks for the message Glenda, it was great to hear from you. Hi to everyone else, love Marg
Hi Maureen & Karen M,
Thanks for the footy update and great to hear the Hawks have had another win! Marg spoke to Leah so I got the exact score, nothing better than beating the bombers!!! Having a great time & can’t wait to get to Basecamp. Love Denise.
What a wonderful flowering plant! Well, we need an expert here, to find out what kind of plant we are seeing on Liz’s pic..Thanks Liz for some taste of the plant life of Everest! Beautiful! Mira
Hi again,
Mum has had technical issues (big surprise) and has not been able to send you a message yet. However she has been getting updates from the family and Anne has now taught her how to log on, etc, so you should hear from her soon.
In the meantime her and dad want you to know they are thinking of you lots and can’t wait for your return. Keep safe and happy and I’ll annoy you more tomorrow xoxo Carly
Hi daddy, hope you are well? Haven’t heard back from you lately! We’re missing you lots althought there are still two more weeks without you. we are missing you alot. please please PLEASE reply soon.
Hi daddy how are you.We are missing you lots pleas reply because you have not replied lately.
from all your family
Dear Liz, Great photo of the plant I will go through the floras tonight to see if I can come up with a name (unlikely – but I will give it a go). I have a form awaiting signature but no handcuffs in sight and the flights north have been booked – thanks for the reminder. As you are not mentioned as one of the ‘not so well’ in the dispatches we are assuming that you are healthy – we would be surprised if it was otherwise. Well my breakfast awaits and then Arlie and I head off to work. Lots of Love …. Gavan
Its great that you’re all feeling better again, ready for the final push. All’s well here – Leah’s sorted out lighting, carpets and paint for the flat, and Mark has started the work down at BG. We’ll be waiting eagerly for the next updates. Hope the weather stays kind.
Lots of love
Neil
Hi Denise,
Thought you would never hear from me huh…….. Just a quick note to say hi and hope that all is going well. Don’t know how much of this email will be posted on the site so I better not write anything to offensive. Good news about Hawthorn winning another game – are you dreaming of the finals yet, are you teaching the Tibetian’s the Hawthorn team song, or are you skipping on the mountain like The Sound of Music ????? Just to keep you up to date with the events that have been happening over here in Vic – had a car accident on Saturday – Taxi decided to continue to travel forward when I was stationary – I didn’t swear (that would be a first!!) at him, but did inform the driver that I was definitely HIS fault. My car will be going to the doctors next week, so Tai has been driving me around and I’m sure that I’m driving him crazy.
I saw the photo that you took of the helicopter, are you posting anymore on the website? There have been some lovely photo’s- especially the one showing the cermonial flags, and people.
Must sign off now – have to earn a bob – take care and will write another email soon – might have some juicy goss next week – who knows – might have won a million – yeah right!!!!!!!!!!!
Suefish
Dear Marg.
Great to read your progress. Neil has already thrown out the washing machine and replaced it with a romantic little stream going through the garden!
Love reading your updates and wish you well on the final leg up.
Jenni M
Hi Cassra
Its lovely to read about the trip and we’re pleased you’re having a great time. We all miss you and cant wait for you to get back so that we can open the champagne!!! keep safe love Val, Isa Franci + the gang!
Hi Marg, Fiona and others,
Each day as I sit relaxing in my warm house, after having risen from my soft comfortable bed, and eating fresh fruit for breakfast, I so look forward to a further update from you girls +1, trudging halfway up the highest mountain in the world! I’m just jealous really.
Glad to hear that you and Denise are feeling better Marg. and are now ready for the final assault on Everest.
I believe Neil bought the new tele with the proceeds from the sale of your washing machine, dryer and car marg, as he felt you would no longer have need of these luxuries. He’s brought in some rocks for you tho’.
We would be happy to lend you our kerosene heater from Venus Bay too – just to keep the memories alive when you return. Have you had withdrawal symptoms or are the floors of those Everest huts gleaming as never before??
Seriously tho’, all the best for the final leg to base camp. I know you will make it – I think we’ve had more faith in you than you have. Go for it girl.
lots of love jan laing
Hi Denise, Marg, Fiona & gang
How can I top that email from Jan, Marg. What a classic!!! Thanks for the call from Leah, glad to hear you are all feeling better. You have all done so well, not too… far to go, probably only a couple more HILLS. Hope you haven’t got too rusty on your mini golf Denise and Marg, remember there is a big 60th tournament awaiting you in a few weeks time – I don’t think your fitness or your achievements on this climb are going to give you an edge, but you never know !!!!!!
Good luck on the next leg to Gorak Shep
Love Maureen
Woz Up Dude…
Following your progress. Saw the wife at the weekend mentioned something about the Milkman being off limits but the new Boss seems to impressing.. !!Any way just checked Google Earth.. Looks cold.. SYHC.. Marc
Hi daddy, going back to school today was bad!!!!!!!!! at break-time i got my fingers stuck in a door. The cuts are very deep. So now I can’t write and hold anything in my right hand. It really hurts . I had blood all over my hands. Luckily Faris helped me wash the blood off and then i went to the nurse. She put plasters on 3 different fingers. But I think I’ll survive.
How are you?
from luca(with only 2 movable fingers on my right hand)
I don’t know if the news has filtered through to the north face of Lhotse but the crown wen to Mn U last weekend as Chels drew with Arsenal.No doubt you are well and enjoying the journey….. I foresee a big ‘slide night’ at yours on your return.
stay safe your pal Lazza
Hi daddy, how are you doing? Were are you now? When will you be on the computer I realy want to see you? We went back to school today. First w had our school photograph tacken, and Gainluca was scared, because he is scared, of hieghts. At the games lesson I scored a wopping five runs and won the mini
game. I went to Stamford Brige Uncle Maro was naging at me to write.
Hope you are well.
love from Stef.