Everest Base Camp Trek Dispatch

May 11, 2008 – Happy mother’s day!

Hello it’s Tracy calling on May 11 from the beautiful village of Thame.

This morning in Namche Bazaar, Caroline purchased some red hot killer chilis, which are her favorite, to start us on our way. We left the hustle and bustle of the Namche behind and made our way toward Thame.

The eight-hour walk was spectacular! We had clear weather this morning with fabulous views of the magnificent peaks around Namche. The trail took us higher and that meant cooler temperatures. Clouds covered everything around us, and it was very mystical. It still amazes me how high we are and how green and lush the vegetation is. We are surrounded by beautiful flowers and the spring blooms of the Rhododendron. The green rolling hills are dotted with pink, white, red, and yellow, and peeking through the misty clouds are the immense rock faces of the mountains.

As we took a break today, Wally remembered that May 10 is the anniversary of his second summit on Everest, fifteen years. His team that year included Apa Sherpa, who has now summited Everest seventeen times. This spring he is staying in Thame. Wally and Ang Temba visited him today, and we are all going to meet him tomorrow.

After crossing the most breathtaking bridge, we arrived here at Thame Lodge where we were greeted with traditional welcome tea. We spent some time with Ang Pasang, the famous artist and longtime friend of Berg Adventures International, who showed us some of his amazing Thanka paintings.

Now we’re looking forward to spending the evening relaxing and enjoying another fabulous meal. We are all doing well and should have peaceful sleeps in the quaint, quiet village of Thame.

Namasté! – Tracy