Day 3 & 4 - Hike to Namche

I was afraid, initially that either 1) I wouldn't make it to Namche Bazaar at all, or 2) I would take 6 hours to get there because of my sickness the night before.
The morning of departure from Jorsale, however, I was feeling surprisingly good. Upset stomach for sure, but other than that I felt pretty strong. I figured I'd take it slow anyway, not wanting the rapid change in altitude to knock me out of the trek once I got to Namche. I also lightened my load a bit, giving a higher percentage of the weight to our porter (who didn't even seem to notice).

Today looked to be the most grueling as far as hiking goes. We ascended 2,000 feet in less than 2 kilometers (1.2 miles). Pretty much straight up.

We crossed another long burley cable bridge over the gorgeous wide, fast flowing Bhoti Khosi river, then up, up we went. We kept leap frogging a group of three porters who were carrying what must have been 150 lbs each of Fanta, Sprite, rice, and a truck load of other things towering over their heads. They would stop every 100 meters or so, place their T-Shaped stick under their baskets, rest their loads and take a few deep breaths as we slowly passed them. Then, while we rested and sipped our Nalgene bottles, they would pass us. This seemed to go on for hours.

Feeling better by the hour, I headed on up ahead of our crew for most of the day. Brian hung back with Christina and her illing knees.

We passed the first possible view of Everest but it was too hazy. The daily pattern seemed to be that it was clear in the morning, and then the fog rolled in around 11pm. This made the morning the best time for photographs.

Four and a half hours after leaving Jorsale, we rounded a corner and could finally spot Namche Bazaar. A great relief. We took off our packs and rested. Karma bought some little Debbie snacks from a stand, and I bought some ranch flavored Pringles and passed them out. They tasted awesome. I noticed that when I offered a handful to a porter, he was careful to divide them up with his friends equally, event though that meant that they each only got 1 or two chips.

Loyd said "looks like were all going to make it (to Namche)." The view of Namche was fantastic as we approached. Blue roofed, stone walled shops dug into the side of the mountain in a big horse shoe shaped cirque.

Treated ourselves to Pizza and soda at the Everest Bakery in town. It was marvelous.