Location: Dingboche
Altitude: 4300m
Local Time: 4:50pm, 29 March, 05
Weather: Sunny, 10C
Hi its Paul here, coming to you from sunny Dingboche.
Today we got up at 6am had breakfast of french toast, eggs and porridge (we are doing it tough!) and by 7:30 we were on our way to Dingboche.
The walk to Dingboche
It was pretty cold last night; I had to pull my sleeping bag tight around my head to keep warm. Its still a light bag, and we have warmer ones for base camp. In the morning there was ice in our water bottles and our toothpaste was firm, but still usable.
The trail was icy so we had to be very careful with our footing. It’s a wide well made path to Dingboche, although there were a lot of yaks along the way, which can make life interesting. Yaks walk a bit slower than we do, so we are often passing them. With their loads strapped to each side and trains of up to 10 yaks in a row, it’s a bit like trying to pass several semi trailers in a car!
After an hour we took off our polar fleeces, and hiked in travel pants and t-shirts. Yes, it does get warm here during the day.
Passing through Pangboche
Along the way we passed through the town of Pangboche, which seemed to be quite a large town, with many fields, all with 1m high stone walls around them. After Pangboche we ascended through the tree line, so the landscape is much more sparse. Lunch was had in a small village called Orsho about an hour after Pangboche. Afterwards we dropped down to a small river and crossed it on a very rickety bridge. Chris wanted to get a photo of Bridget on the bridge and he made her stand right in the middle for the photo! She wasn’t too happy about this. We then climbed a short distance uphill to Dingboche, arriving at about 1pm.
Dingboche
We are camped in the grounds of the house of our trek Sirdar, who is a Sherpa called Phu Tashi. He is a really friendly, helpful guy and no request seems too much for him.
Dingboche is a nice place, nestled between two ridges, so it seems to be somewhat sheltered. That said, the wind has been picking up, so I hope we are not in for a rough night.
The four of us are feeling fine at the new altitude, however Bridget has a sore stomach, but hopefully it’s nothing serious. I had a bit of a stomach upset the other day, but I took a couple of Ciprofloxacin tablets at night and I was feeling better in the morning. Ciprofloxacin is a new type of antibiotic and you don’t need to take a full course. I took one more in the morning for good measure and have been fine since.
Thanks again for your messages
Thanks RR for your message.
We received a great email from Joseph who has climbed with Dasona, one of our Sherpas. Joseph climbed with Dasona in 2004, and has developed a good friendship with him since. Joseph, it would be great if you could post your email onto the messages section of our site as I think everyone would like to read it.
Tomorrow is a rest day to get us acclimatised to this new altitude, and we might take the opportunity to walk to the nearby town of Pheriche and visit the high altitude medical clinic. Apparently they run talks at midday about high altitude medicine, which should be really interesting.
Bye for now,
Paul.
Hi Guys,
Love getting the updates…just like being along for the ride. Coupla questions, just for general interest:
1)Are “people” (fellow climbers, sherpas etc) talking much yet about this seasons climbing potential? weather wise, snow wise etc…or is it too early? From the photos it looks like beautiful weather.
2)On a totally different topic…Ant K. wanted to know how you charge your sat phone?
Cheers Marc
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We are a lot of Genton around the world, captived, facinated. All our heart with you.
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At Paul’s request (in his most recent update), I am posting the email I sent this past weekend.
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Hi Paul & Fiona-
I found your site via my friend Alan Arnette’s site. I am a fellow climber and just summitted Ama Dablam this past November (2005). I have many friends in the Khumbu – in fact you are going to be climbing with one dear friend; Dasona Sherpa from Pangboche.
I climbed with Dasona in 2004 and have maintained a strong friendship with his entire family ever since. My wife Linda and I sponsor his children’s education in Kathmandu. You are in very good hands.
Dasona is a very strong climber and a wonderful person. We are helping him obtain a visa so he can visit us here – hopefully after a successful summit with you both. I believe this will be Dasona’s 5th summit.
If you are able perhaps you could have Dasona show you around his village (Pangboche) a bit. I suggest you visit Lama Geshe – many climbers seek his blessings on the way up – have Dasona point out my summit photo on Lama Geshe’s wall if you do. Perhaps he can also introduce you to some of my other friends there; Ang Phurba (who’s husband Nima Tashi is coming to visit us on April 5). Also maybe Ang Temba & Yangzing at Highland Sherpa Resort.
Anyhow, I will be following your climb closely. If you can mention how Dasona is doing from time to time in your updates it would be greatly appreciated. Please send him and Furadikee (his wife) my very best. Thank you!
Enjoy Namche! I guess its Saturday market as I write this. Enjoy as much of the bakery, pizza, etc. as you can. Climb safely and enjoy every moment.
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If you’d like to see a photo of Dasona (Paul’s climbing Sherpa) check out http://amadablam2005.josephacero.com/
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Paul & Fiona:
Thank you for your insights and updates. You allow us to be a part of this spectacular adventure! A member of your IMG team, Dennis Kellner, is my “new groom” (!), please extend my love and encouragement to him.
I will continue to look forward to your daily postings….You are all in my thoughts. Trek safely.
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Hello again! I’m sure you’ve been well-informed, but, studying pharmacokinetics, I just want to remind you to use those antibiotics carefully! Make sure you’re hydrated, and avoid antacids or calcium within a few hours of taking Cipro, as they’ll act to decrease its effectiveness.
Keep the updates coming!
Good luck, and God bless!
-Kevin
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Paul, Fiona, Chris and Bridget
As usual, it seems that you are right on track with this expedition. I am glad that you all seem to be feeling good, overall. I hope Bridget’s stomach issue is just temporary.
Thank you, Paul, for recommending that Joseph post his e-mail on this site. (It truly is a small world!) I loved seeing the picture of your sherpa, Dasona.
Quote
We may be done for this day but be ready to adapt, improvise and execute; for tomorrow is on its way. MC
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Food sounds great, views look great, you make it sound like a holiday!!
Your diary is sooooo interesting- I love reading it each day.
Dad and Mare
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Guys,
Really enjoying the daily updates.
Any chance of getting a run down of the gadgets you are using, in particular communications?
Steve
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Hi Paul & Fiona,
I have a question which I think has already been asked but I don’t think you actually answered it. Why are Chris & Bridget “doing it in style” (well sort of!) while you guys are “roughing it” and camping? Just insterested to know why this is.
Still loving the updates and all your interesting adventures! As Mum said it sounds almost like a holiday! Hope everyone is feeling well today.
Love Lou
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We’re following you all the way from Paynesville, on the Gippsland Lakes, lazing on the yacht. Sorry we missed your farewell but we’re with you all the way. Love the landscape descriptions and pics. What does it smell like (apart from trailing behind yaks) and what kind of vegetation?
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Hi Fi and Paul,
Sounds like a trip of a lifetime – enjoy! Rachel told me about your diary & I love it.
Sue
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