Kathmandu

We are now back in Kathmandu having flown in from Lukla this morning. For a while it was touch and go – the weather being responsible for long delays with incoming flights from Kathmandu. Some of the incoming groups were delayed by 3 days.

It is absolutely heavenly being able to have a hot shower, and get into some clean clothes. To celebrate the occasion, we all intend to have a bottle or two of Everest Beer.

Our next priority is to scour the markets for some of the gear with all the famous brand names. Items can be bought for a fraction of the price one could expect to pay for same item at home. Brendan says – “what the hell if the jacket falls apart after three months or so – with the prices they are charging we would be fools to pass them by”.

We spend the next two days in Kathmandu, then on to Delhi for a night and a day. After that we fly to Heathrow – onto Dublin and then back to dear old Kilkenny.

All the best for now – Michael Snr., Brendan. Noel, Ollie and Michael Jnr.

P.S.: Keep your comments coming.

Everest Basecamp

To one and all

We achieved our goal, and duly made Everest Basecamp.

The journey was probably the toughest we’ve had to endure. It took us roughly 10 hours to accomplish the trip (6 hours to and a 3 hour return to where we had our kit stored), and by the time we arrived, we were ready to drop.

Along the way, we stopped off in various locations, the names are too difficult to spell, and so we will fill you in on them when we arrive back.

However, at one location, Tengbouche – we witnessed and partook in a Buddist ceremony. The occasion was filled with bells, gongs and incense, with the occasional cup of tea for good luck.

Back in Namshe Bazaar at present, weather is overcast, and a need for wet geat is essential.

The 3 older members of our team have been subjected to the rigours of the trip and we seem to have caught the usual symptoms of age – colds, runny noses and sore throats, but these should all clear up by the time we return home.

We have two more days trekking before we reach Luckla, and our flight back to Kathmandu, then on to New Delhi where we spend a night.

Regards to all – Michael Snr, Brendan Noel, Michael Jnr and of course Ollie.

P.S.: Mary D and Mary H – Water and Toilet Paper available all the way. The Tea Houses are of a very high standard. The food is wholesome. Bring Strepsils, Vitamin Tablets and plastic bags (to hold your dirty socks etc).

Day 4

Afternoon all. We have at last arrived at Tenge Bouche (13,800ft). All seem to have survived the ordeal. It is now 4 p.m. and we are relaxing with a nice cup of Nepal Lemon Tea. The trek was quite long and strenuous. We left Namshe Bazaar at 8.30 a.m. We took a North Easterly route towards Tenge Bouche. We skirted around a mountain called Kung Jung, dropped down several hundred metres and had to suffer the consequences of a sharp ascent.

Conditions along the way are to say the least basic. It’s amazing how these lovely people manage to exist. So far all five of us are coping well. The food is much better than expected. Weather is excellent. Tomorrow we set off for Dynbouche (tough day), then a rest day. Finally the following day sees us making an attack at Basecamp.

Regards to all – Michael Snr., Brendan, Noel, Michael Jnr. and Oliver.

Talk again soon

About Blogging

Just a few comments about blogging for the lads in Nepal and others using this blog.

Please read the comments of this post. Chris

Day 3

Hi everbody. We have arrived in Namche Bazaar 3.400m. Day 3 saw us climbing to 3,800m (12,500feet). No ill effects. Tomorrow we push on to Dingboche. The countryside is unbelievable. Snowcapped mountains everywhere. Got our first glimpse of Everest this morning. We are approximately 5 hours ahead of Ireland. Brendan is the only one with the correct time. The rest of us are still on Irish time. We are unable as yet to download pictures. To our families – Mary, Sabine, Edwina, Emer and Louise – we are all well. Food and accommodation to date is excellent. Water does not present any problems. To those entertaining a visit within the next few weeks. You can purchase anything relating to trekking in Kathmandu for a fraction of the prices at home including medicine. Thanks for all your messages, we really do enjoy them. Love to all – Michael Snr., Michael Jnr., Brendan, Noel and Ollie.

Airport

Brendan

Jayasus, far from Blogs ye were all reared!!!!!!

Good luck to you all (young and old —- you know which is which)…………………Be safe and will be in contact with you as the trip progresses. B…….p.s. Dont forget the tacky fridge magnets!!!!!!