Local time: 18:00 1st Nov 2007
Location: Monjo
Altitude: 2820
Temp: Day 20, Evening 10, Night 4
Weather: Beautiful sunny day with a late afternoon cloud cover.

Hiya everyone, Paul B with today's update. Having a great time so far. Kathmandu is certainly a crazy place. It’s a been great to catch up with Dave and Darren, the banter started well before we arrived and has escalated to the usual banter and bad tricks at every opportunity. Its also been great to meet Paul A and Cas, both are already fitting in with the theme of the trip, breaking into my room on the first night and removing all my gear. Having Nepalese mountain experience has already and will continue to prove invaluable for the success of our trek.

Today's events.
Kathmandu to Lukla
Early rise today to leave Kathmandu at 6. We were expecting a chaotic airport for the flight to Lukla but strangely all was calm. We then hopped on our twin otter for the scenic flight into the mountains and our first siting of Everest. What a sight!

I thought skimming over the mountain tops was exhilarating, but once over the last mountain top we then dropped into a steep dive to make the short Lukla runway, cut into the side of the mountain. I'm so glad the runway is a steep uphill job as the rock wall at the end didn't look to inviting. But we made it....

Heading into the Mountains
Following a short relaxing cup of tea we headed off from Lukla to start our 60 odd km walk into the mountains.

A nice easy walk to start, dodging the many people coming down from the mountains, but not many going up. Hmm...is that because we are going up later than most would? Is winter too close. I'm assured all is OK... I think I just worry too much.

Anyway, we walked through some beautiful country following the Dudh Kosi river into the mountains. Seeing how the Nepalese live and talking with our great local guides is really interesting.

After a few hours and just over 7km we arrived at Pakhding at 2410m for lunch and some more local hospitality.

The afternoon walk was even more scenic as we were starting to get into steeper country as the mountains closed in on the river. Crossing the river many times on massive cable suspension bridges was also a fabulous experience.

We arrived into Monjo around 4 to find our accommodation better than we were expecting. The rooms have lights and flushing loos, luxury for the mountains I'm told. Just sitting down to dinner now, so time to eat.

Heading to Namche Bazaar tomorrow. So we are in for some steep climbing. Early bed tonight.

We haven't seen any of your messages yet as we will get them as we upload this, so I am writing a little blind. So, Hi to everyone back in both London and Australia and thanks so much for your interest, support and messages of encouragement

Until my next update...
Cheers for now
Paul B
and
The rest of the boys.