Day 2 - Monjo to Namche Bazar

Up at 6am this morning for a 8am departure from Monjo. Breakfast was at 7.15am, we all arrived in the tea room with various stories of how we had slept, what noises we had heard, and what smells we had smelt. I decide to wear the NYC t shirt the netball girls had given me together with my netball skirt. I knew I needed all the help and support to get me up the Namche Hill, a rise in altitude of 2,500ft. Mike recognises a few of the French Maids, Fou, Vic, and Rachel. Just after 8am we set off in a short while we are crossing into Sargarmatha National Park. We continue on and as we trek alongside the beautiful Dula Koshi River I admire the colours of this glacial river, aqua, slightly grey, slightly blue rushing over the stones. The river noise is pleasing to the ear and reminds you what volume of water is coming down from the huge mountains above.

We cross the first of 3 swing bridges. These bridges are at least 75meters long and the engineering alone is very impressive given the primitive nature of other infrastructure in the area. There are always prayer flags hanging off the edges blowing in the breeze. We continue along the rivers edge, rocky dusty under foot, but plenty of greenery up the mountains, mainly pine trees, flowering rhododendrons and some grasses. It is amazing to thing how different our 8hr working day is to the local people here. These porters are outstanding how their working day consists of carrying loads of up to 60kgs over these hills and valleys. The energy and mental determination of these men and women is truly humbling to watch. It is interesting and rather exciting to share the track with herds of approx 4 or 5 yaks as they make their way to their final destination. They are wearing cow bells and eyeball us, however under the careful guidance of the Sherpa they pass with no problem. We arrive at the final swing bridge before the Namche Hill. A photo session with Rico as we leave the river who has been a constant companion for the past 2 days. During the first 30 mins of the uphill I miss the noise of the river. We all seem to be doing well on this dusty rocky track, thanks to our assistant Sherpa guide Kusang. He has a lovely slow steady rhythm about his walk that we all appreciate. The track consists of boulders and is a long slow climb, there is a cool breeze blowing which is a nice relief as our bodies heat up with the energy of up hill walking. We stop at Larja Dobhan where we get the first chance to glimpse Mt Everest. Unfortunately she is covered in cloud today. We continue on up the hill until finally a little stall comes out of the blue selling chocolate chips and drink. Kusang advises us we are only 12 mins away from Namche, this brings great excitement from the team so we decide to push on.

Namche is built in the shape of a horse shoe with many tears, all the buildings are made of stone or brick with either blue or green roofs. We head up to the local museum, the weather clears so we get a glimpse of a snow capped mountain called Kongde Peak. We head further up the hill to the monastery where Lama Au Fu welcomed us into his ornate room where we soak up this spirituality of this culture. Back to Namaste Lodge for a delightful meal cooked by the owners, a few yarns, a game of cards and then a briefing from Mike about tomorrows events. Love to my family Paul Lucy and Millie and friends, keep reading the blog we would love to hear from you. Namaste

Bye Helen x x