October 31, 2007 – Namche Bazaar and Dudh Kosi River, Acclimatization Days

It is a real pleasure to be calling you from Namche Bazaar here in Nepal. We have had a wonderful classic day of trekking. We woke up this morning to the soothing sounds of the Dudh Kosi River.

We had a wonderfully relaxed breakfast then headed out on the trail following along the river and eventually making our way to the Namche Hill. If there is any indication with how well Jack and Don did on that hill, we are definitely down for success on this trip.  It was actually my job to slow the pace down a little bit for those guys.

We had great weather and spectacular views. We were treated to great views most of the way along the trail today. Jack, Don and myself have all been to this part of the world before and it has been a real pleasure to see so many familiar sights and faces as we walked into the bustling centre of Namche today. Some things have changed and most of them good. Some new buildings that have been finished, and so many tourists coming back, lodge owners doing well.  People are happy and that is great to see.

We are back here at the Panorama Lodge. Sherpa Jonbu and Lhakpa Doma, owners and longtime friends of Berg Adventures, were gracious as always at welcoming us here to their lodge. Everyone’s bags in a room, nice warm showers which is great after a little bit of a dusty trail today.

Where I stand now I am treated to a wonderful view of Namche Bazaar. Our lodge is up on the hill; actually imagine this wonderful bowl that is almost an amphitheatre, where the village of Namche sits. The stars are out, there are some clouds and down below I can see the lights of the village. Dogs are barking (a traditional thing), many dogs are both pets and feral. I can hear some children playing and some tourists/trekkers are still doing a little bit of shopping, maybe sampling some baked goods from several of the local bakeries.

It’s a real pleasure to be here. We all have warm feelings, just enjoying it. Some of the other trekkers are here at Panorama Lodge. We are defiantly going to have a great sleep tonight, especially here in Namche for two nights.

Tomorrow is for enjoying and acclimatizing. Don, Jack and I are acclimatizing very well.