So much for the views then! Today saw us again traversing one of the most famous stretches of trekking terrain in the world, and we could see diddley squat. Such is life, I know, and as I've seen it all before I just felt a bit sad for the other lads. We will, however, have more chances for views of Ama Dablam tomorrow and the next day, from closer up actually, but bigger isn’t always better....thankfully.
Despite this, we’ve had a great day, all feeling in better shape than yesterday, which is always encouraging evidence of acclimatisation taking place...one never takes it for granted. So we covered the ground quicker, and after the climb out of Namche in cloud, we charged along to the same bakery as yesterday, where we had a quick drink and donned waterproofs as it started to snow...wet stuff. We then steadily descended some 400m to the valley floor, ready to make the traditionally gruelling ascent of around 600m to the mini-Shangri-La that is Tengboche. The views from there can be magnificent, and the monastery was visited on the 1953 expedition, and the blessing sought by the head Lhama. I think it's burned down at least once since then due to the "progress" that is electricity! We ourselves are seeking out the blessing of Lhama Geshi in upper Pangboche, probably tomorrow. I did that last time, and was profoundly affected by both his clear reverence, yet fantastic sense of humour. He has many photos of past summiteers on the walls of his dining room, presumably who have felt grateful for his blessing and their safe passage. I hope to add mine perhaps...I'd like that very much.

As I write this in our small lodge in Deboche 150m below Tengboche, it's still snowing a bit, and despite the wood-burning stove in here I'm still wearing my down jacket. We are, after all, at the height of a decent alpine summit.

Those lads are AWESOME

I refer to Greg, Ray and Andre, not the porters on this occasion! When I set off up the wooded hillside on the lower part of the Tengboche hill, I quickly lost the lads, but as there were numerous paths up through the woods, I didn’t really dwell on it, all roads leading to the top etc. After a while of steady progress I still couldn't catch sight of them, and began to think that somehow I had got ahead of them.  Basking in this unusual feeling, I kept on going slowly, quite pleased with my breathing and general state, only to find when I reached the top in a very decent 90 minutes that all three of them were sat at the little "bakery", and had been for half an hour! I think an hour up that hill, in what had become sunny, hot conditions, was amazing going...and maybe a sign of things to come from these fit friends of mine. I feel pretty good in my own way, but I'm in a different league to them when it comes to fitness, which I always knew. We would love to summit at similar time eventually, but it’s awfully hard to see that happening!
We remain well, just typical minor intestinal upsets which are common at this stage and provide more amusement so far than anything else!