Namche Bazaar

< Newer | Older > Tue, 04/03/2007 - 15:37 — Patrick

Day #7

Location: Namche Bazarr
Altitude: 3440m
Local Time: 7:30pm
Weather: Warm day/cool eve

Last night was the most peaceful yet as it was so quiet. The small creek outside lulled me to sleep and no doubt the fresh mountain air was also a contributing factor. I had problems posting last night, so will attempt to post both tonight.
Today was a climb from 2630m to 3440m. The most exciting part of the trek today was my first and second views of Mt. Everest ... 25 miles away! Even at this distance we could see that the winds were pretty excessive on the summit as a plume of snow/clouds could be seen blowing off the top. I took lots of pictures as it was my first view, and very memorable. I believe that Carol and I might have seen Mt. Everest in the distance during our flight from Kathmandu to Bangkok, Thailand in 1988, but could not say for sure as it was so far away! No doubt there will be much better pictures that I will take of Mt. Everest in the next 6-8 weeks, but the first will always have a lasting impression on me.
Our climb today ended in Namche Bazaar and is a small town in the mountains with stone houses that are trimmed in blue or green. Tourism is their livelihood, however the tourist season is very short (March-June) so prices are a little higher to account for this situation. Nonetheless I still treated myself to apple pie and coffee in the late afternoon, and then spent way too much money (compared to (Kathmandu) as I responded to blog postings. I am hopeful that this post will get through as it is most economical. This tiny town has lots of tourists and caters to their whims with arts and crafts, all types of foods, and internet/phone service. We are spoiled aren't we when we can't go on vacation without checking email ... self included!
We will spend a rest day here tomorrow and do some light hiking. Slow and easy is our mantra!

That's all for now. Thanks again for your responses to my description of the moon last night ... they really made me feel connected to all of you! In fact, I challenge all of you to circle the dates on your calendars when full moons will be overhead, and get in the habit of enjoying this splendid spectacle. There is so much beauty in nature ... if only we could slow down enough to enjoy them as we should.

Take care,

Pat :>)

Messages

neighbour

Visitor — Tue, 04/03/2007 - 18:24

Hi Pat Iam following daily your climb.Your mom and dad are quite excited.Be careful and enjoy the moment. It is nice to know people in high places eh!! Helen

Greetings

Visitor — Tue, 04/03/2007 - 20:02

Hi Pat,

I guess you have to climb a mountain to hear from your "girly" cousins - Sue, Donna and Maureen all sending you their "good luck" wish - we figure you can do the dangerous living for us - we'll watch from here!

mountain air

Ann — Tue, 04/03/2007 - 20:37

Hi pat,
Your descriptions of what you are encountering are great and we can really get a feel for what it is actually like being there. I hope that one day I can be in the same spot to post a description to my readers that inspires them the same way.
Thanks!
Ann (and Graham too)

Greetings From a South Carolina Nurse

sed52 — Tue, 04/03/2007 - 21:16

Hi Pat
I am having a computer glitch and haven't been able to hear the audio blogs but have enjoy reading your message. I hope everything keeps going smoothly for you and look forward to getting to meet with you when you are back in South Carolina. I like the title of this website My Everest as I plan to climb Mt. Kilimanjaro that will be "My Everest" In my wildest dreams I could not even contemplate climbing Mt Everest.

Take care and I will be following your journey
Susan Danieley

E-mail downloaded

Danno — Tue, 04/03/2007 - 21:30

Hey Pat, sounds like you are getting some nice pictures. If you want, try sending the pictures to me with a caption and I will try loading them for you. Keep on treking.

Dan

The beauty of nature

Mary Clare Reinhardt — Tue, 04/03/2007 - 22:29

Great update, Pat. I can only imagine the first sighting of Mt. Everest. Such magnificense to behold! I too, always take the time to see the full moon or look to see a rainbow when it is raining and the sun comes out. You are right, there is so much beauty in nature.

"Nature abounds in riches and beauty. What have you discovered today?" mc

"As the birds sing, so does my heart, every time I journey to the mountains." mc

Peaceful night

Sandra D — Tue, 04/03/2007 - 23:40

Pat, I'm glad you are enjoying the villages. It sounds idyllic with the creek, the mountain air, and the views. Ahhhh pastry sounds wonderful in any country! You jumped quite a bit in altitude. Interesting information re the use of Diamox for altitude. I read about it in the book and didn't quite make the connection until I looked up the action. Pretty neat.
Enjoy yourself!
Sandra

Thanks for the information

matts1mom — Wed, 04/04/2007 - 00:27

Hi Pat,
Your description sounds absolutely amazing. When I read about the full moon I had to stop and think where we are in our cycle. Isn't that pathetic?! Jim is checking right now to see. Do we have the same cycles? You are right, we need to stop and appreciate nature. I cannot wait to see all of the pictures and footage of your trip. Stay safe and thanks for the updates! Matt (6 years) is appreciating your journey as he learns about the world. Thanks for making us a part of it!!
Judy

Hey Pat

Visitor — Wed, 04/04/2007 - 00:32

This is Tricia Evans. I am now going to follow your climb and wanted to say that I applaud you on what you are doing. WIS-TV news cast on this was great. Stay healthy and reach for the goal!!!!!!

High Boss

Rporter — Wed, 04/04/2007 - 02:19

hi Pat! since I made the 'cheerleading' squad, i feel it's my duty to send a 'Shout Out'! We circled the wagons at AORN headquarters for u today. Everyone sends luv 2 U & will be in touch. Go Pat, go Pat, gggoooo paattt [& pokey!]
ps, my lil tribe of 5 (kids) are cheering u on 2! luv, rose :)

Hello from the Gamecocks!

ehardcastle — Wed, 04/04/2007 - 02:22

Hey Dr. Hickey!
I Just wanted to let you know that all your students are back in the states thinking about you and wishing you the best of luck! We are all of course getting ready for our test Thursday, but that should be the least of your worries!
I just thought I'd let you know that we're all rooting for you and we love hearing all the updates! Can't wait to hear more!

-Emily Hardcastle

Greetings from SC!

Allison — Wed, 04/04/2007 - 04:21

Hi Pat!
Sounds like you're starting to make some progress now...getting further from sea level! The village you're in sounds really neat - I'm glad to hear you were able to enjoy a little taste of America with the apple pie. I, too, notice the moon in its phases, along with sunrises and sunsets. Let me know how those are when you're nearing the top of the world. I'm sure it'll be like no other. I'm looking forward to keeping up with you on the journey!

Allison Turnley
Palmetto Health Richland

Nice...

USCh2oSkier — Wed, 04/04/2007 - 04:26

The village you are in sounds like something straight from a movie. It is good to know you are relaxed. I hope all continues to go well and that ya'll have no problems as you continue forward! Here is a qoute I foud that i thought you might enjoy and it kinda describes your situation.

Upon the tops of mountains, the air being subtle and pure, we respire with greater freedom, our bodies are more active, our minds more serene, our pleasures much more moderate. Our meditations acquire a degree of sublimity from the grandeur of the objects around us.
-J.J. Rousseau - "La Nouvelle Heloise" 1760

Keep pressing on.
-Alan Baker

Proud of You

LindaM — Wed, 04/04/2007 - 12:14

Hi Pat!
You are doing great!
We are with you "in spirit" and are all cheering for you.
Linda M

Hello Pat!

gregd — Wed, 04/04/2007 - 13:36

This is your neighbor from down below! Great to read about your journey so far. Very proud of you! Sounds like it is magnificient. I remember seeing Mt. Mckinley for the first time off in the distance, so i can only imagine what it meant for you to see Mt. Everest and know you are about to complete your trek. Be safe and enjoy it all! See you when you get home!
Greg D.

I am amazed!

dwoda — Wed, 04/04/2007 - 14:41

Hi Pat, I just have to say how proud and envious I am of your journey. I hadn't been able to catch up with the blog until today and I just listened to your audio. It is so wonderful it is to hear the awe in your voice as you describe what you are seeing and experiencing. Be safe and climb far, we are rooting for you.
Debby Woda :)

other thoughts of the moon

debra keyes — Wed, 04/04/2007 - 14:52

Hi Pat,
missed your description of the moon but here as nurses all we can think of is how life changes at the hospital with a full moon. We need to change our thoughts on those nights. All of HHA is following you, especially fellow CAN. RN's, my family and Austin friends are avidly following you too. Rest up, enjoy the views.
Debi K.