Everest Trek Day 2

Its 20 past two in the arvo and I'm showered and sitting in my room in Namche Bazar. We have climbed to height of 3440 metres. I guess that's the highest I've ever been before.

My guide forgot my sleeping bag and thought I didn't want walking poles. Well blankets will suffice and he found a walking stick for me and I am quite appreciative of it.

Breakfast was rather meagre this morning. We headed out about 7:30 and continued along the Dudh Koshi River crossing it a number of times on suspension bridges. The sides of the valley are very steep and well forested with pines and some rhododendrons. All along the way are porters carrying huge loads. Where ever I go now I am becoming more and more aware that everything built here was carried in. Sheets of glass, timber, iron roofing, pool tables. Watching these porters I am impressed with what they carry and how they do it. They have basket on their back with a rope over their forehead. The basket can be loaded to 70+ kgs!

During today's steep climb I overtook a number of these porters, I did not feel special about it I any way whatsoever.
The other cool thing is the jopki. These are a cross between a yak and a cow and are herded in groups up to about 7 up and down the mountain carrying g heavy loads. They are slow but you have to be careful overtaking them. They have deadly horns. They wear bells around their necks so you can hear when a group is approaching.

Today we entered the Sagarmatha National Park. We took an early lunch which was enough and the taste was quite improved with tomato sauce.
Later we came to the joining of the Dudh Koshi and Bhote Koshi Rivers. Here we crossed a very high suspension bridge and commenced our steep climb to Namche Bazar. A climb of 610 metres has given us an amazing view. Every time I turned and looked back at the fork in the river I was greeted with the most amazing of views. Tomorrow I hope to see Everest for the first time. It is dependant upon cloud cover.

As I walk I am disappointed with the amount of rubbish/litter laying around. I certainly hope no Kiwis are to blame. They are building more and more rubbish recepticles along the way and putting up signs, but what happened to the motto of carry it in, carry it out.

Tourism here is very big however. Thousands come every year. With the number on the rise. Tomorrow is a lazy day mainly around here and hoping for an Everest sighting (like its a rare and wild animal).

Coffee is atrocious here, I am going to go in search of one soon. I might get lucky. I might even find internet. I have to pay for showers, to charge batteries etc. Little bit miffed its not part of the expensive tour I paid for.

I would love to bring Dad here. I know he could make it as far as I have come no probs. Maybe next father and son trip. Sons if others wanna join. I'm glad for a guide but would easily go without one next time.