Day #9:

Location: Pangboche
Altitude: 3930m/12,969ft.
Time: 8:00pm / April 5
Weather: Foggy & cool

Today was a push as we descended about 500 ft. and then climbed a total of about 1500 ft. to Pangboche (our last village with electricity). The majority of the climb from late morning onward was in fog. One thing that I have learned about the mountains is that they have their own weather systems, and predictions of weather are just that ... predictions! I actually like hiking in the fog as it cools me down as so much energy is generated when hiking straight up.
Unfortunately we missed fantastic views (so we were told) but did have the opportunity to visit a temple. There are many religions in Nepal , and most obvious of places of worship are the temples. These buildings vary in size and degree of ornateness and have many rituals associated with entry and worship. Temples are seen along the trail (around each bend) and in every town/city. We visited one today and were astounded by the lavish wood carvings, the metal/jewelled ornaments, the tapestries, and rainbow of colors that adorn the many gods. Tomorrow we will be visiting another temple for a private "puja" which is a sacred blessing by a holyman. This is very ritualistic and, in our case, associated with a safe journey to the top of Mt. Everest. More on that tomorrow.
Additionally prayer wheels are located along the trail and around temples. It is customary to spin these wheels with the right hand and prayers are sent to a higher being. Prayer wheels are even located in streams with the current of water continually sending prayers aloft. Prayer flags are also located everywhere and adorn bridges, monasteries, and hillsides. These brightly colored flags have prayers written on them and when the wind blows ... the prayers are sent! The picture that I sent yesterday was on a bridge that contained thousands of prayer flags.
For supper tonight I had a momo ... which is deep fried yak meat wrapped in dough. With a little mustard it was finger licking good!
*For my Almonte friends ...yesterday I
met Megan McGrath who is from Ottawa and a member of the Canadian Armed Forces. She hopes to be the first CAF member to summit Mt. Everest.

Your Messages:

Danny:
Hey Danny ... thanks for adding the time to my account! It was frustrating being in the middle of the mountains and not able to do anything. If you could monitor my account and don't let it drop below 10 that would be great! I got the pictures issue worked out and will post more on the site soon!

Julia:
Hey Julia, great to hear from you! I am glad that you have been able to follow my travels, and don't worry, I will still be on the mountain when you get back. Enjoy your trip to France and Spain and practice your French whenever you get a chance.

Judy Cumby:
Hey Judy, great to hear from you. I have not reconfigured the pda as so far all has worked well. I will see Paul soon and check in wwith him regarding this process.

John, Jane & Family:
Hey Jane ... thanks for keeping Mom up to date on my trip! Remind her about those candles at the church.

Gene at USC:
Hey Gene ... yes, I am very lucky to have Carol with me all the way, but the physical distance still is a great challenge.

Bill & Michelle;
Hey Michelle ... glad you found the site. Paul may actually have an interactive process where you can follow him as he climbs the mountain. Check his site for updates and send him a message about his site ... he would like that. He has been a tremeendous help to me!

Tammy at PHR:
Hey Tammy ... didn't know that you were a mountain woman! Hope your Dad enjoys the blog. Share my news with the OR staff ... get Tim on the blog, and remind Alice!

WP:
Hey WP ... we don't treat our water (as of yet) as we are able to buy litre bottles all along the trail and pour them into our Nalgenes. We plan to arrive in basecamp on April 12 so should be able to keep hydrated enroute through these purchases.

Tony/Jake?
Hey guys ... great to hear from one of you as both were on that plane ... and I believe I took a picture of the ground kissing! That was a fun flight ... let's do it again!

Helen:
Hey Helen ... glad that you are following along. Jane and John have been keeping Mom informed by playing my audioblogs for her, and I believe that Johnny has printed the messages.

Sue:
Hey Cousins ... great to hear from you. Look forward to visiting with y'all on my return as it has been way too long since we have seen each other!

Ann & Graham:
Hey Ann ... it's my pleasure to share the experience and am hopeful that it will intrigue others to travel and experience the world.

Susan:
Hey Susan ... great to hear from you. All of us have "Mt. Everest's" in our lives and yours will be Mt.Kiliminjaro, which is a formidable challenge. Look forward to visiting with you on my return.

Mira:
Hey Mirra ... I believe that I met Attila yesterday in Namche Bazaar at our hotel as Paul was there too! Thanks for your kind words and I wish Attila well in his pursuit of Mt. Everest.

MC:
Hey MC ... great to hear from you. Thanks for sharing your love of nature. I am hopeful that all will seek out sunsets and rainbows.

Sandra:
Hey Sandra ... the villages are all quaint, people friendly, and quite the variety of delicacies. We had a big jump in altitude today, and will take it easy tomorrow.

Judy:
Hey Judy ... glad to hear that Matt has an interest in travel. I can fill his head with all kinds of places to go, and things to see and do. Look forward to showing photos on my return.

Tricia:
Hey Tricia ... great to hear from you. I hope that the tv/news stories will draw attention to the scholarship.

Rose:
Hey Rose ... thanks for the shout-out! Keep those people informed on my progress, and keep your tribe in order!

Emily:
Hey Emily ... as I write this you are hours away from my first exam. Hope that all goes well. Thanks for the encouraging words and study, study, study!

Allison:
Hey Allison ... I will be sure to report sunsets an sunrises on Mt. Everest ... should be spectacular.

Alan:
Hey Alan ... thanks so much for the quote ... very applicable. I'm in another village now and as the fog lifts the view of the mountains is fantastic. I hope these people realize the paradise in which they live!