LaQuishia Stone and the Hanesbrands Team EBC Trek Dispatch

April 30, 2010 – We Meet With Lama Geshe and Then Head to Pheriche

Namaste! Today I am writing from Pheriche, 14,000 feet/4,300 meters.

We had a very special day today because we visited Lama Geshe who gives blessings to all the expedition members and climbers that venture into these mountains. He said some beautiful prayers and gave each of the team members a kata scarf. The offering of a kata or white scarf is a well-known Nepali custom. In the Buddhist practice, the kata is an auspicious symbol which lends a positive note to the start of any enterprise or relationship, or in this case, a trek, and indicates the good intentions of the person offering it.

After enjoying our time in Tengboche, we started off on the trail to Pheriche. It was a beautiful walk, and one of the more easy and enjoyable day hikes on this trek. We reached Pheriche around 4 o'clock.

I have to say that everyone is doing very well, especially LaQuishia. She's awesome!