Location: Chukung

Altitude: 4743m

Hi everyone, it's Airin Christa here, reporting on our trekking progress. Our trekking accomodation last night was what we can call excellent. The hot shower was invigorating. And only after we thought the sit down toilet makes this lodge perfect, candles were set on our table for a 'candle-lit dinner' and hot towels were handed to us. The thicker air gave everyone a good night sleep, apart from the repeated trips to the toilet, of course.

The late start was a blessing. We woke up at 8 and had our breakfast at 9, which consisted of surprise, surprise.. toast, porridge and eggs. After breakfast we were ready for our trek uphill from now on to Island Peak.

The day started a bit chilly, but we were heated up quickly by climbing up the first hill. We were then, however, rewarded by the magnificent view of the valley over the ridge and Island Peak at its head.

Today we walked pass Dingboche again on our way to Chukung. When we were not busy concentrating on our steps over the rocks and river streams, we stopped, looked up and saw grand mountains, valleys full of colourful shrubbery and gigantic boulders, and clouds rolling over the valley. It's nice just taking time to look around us and taking in the magic of the nature. We walked approximately 5 km in 3.5 hours today, gaining 500 m of altitude - from Periche at 4280 m to Chukung at 4743 m.

Once arrived at Chukung, we had lunch and Dave Armstrong talked us through the 'Summit Procedure'. This involved a list of what we need to do in the time counting down to our summit in 3 days time.

Following our lunch and settling down in our rooms in the lodge, some of us road-tested our big puffy orange down jacket by having a short wander outside. Our appearances in this big bright jacket caught the attention of two Nepalese kids,who were eyeing us from behind the lodge's stone wall. Rich and Dave Duncan made yeti-like gestures and noises, which were greeted with the look of bewilderment on their faces.

We spent the rest of the afternoon reading, playing cards, calling home through sat phone or just hanging around in the dining/sunroom. The afternoon was ended with a magnificent, picture-perfect sunset on Lhotse.