Pheriche to Pangboche to Tengboche to Namche Bazzare

In case your just checking the blog I just posted three blogs to catch up to date as I finally found some OUTSTANDING internet here at Namche Bazzar, so, if your interested in us reaching the Base Camp and/or summiting Kala Pathar, 18,192 ft, you might want to check back at the older posts...

Today was an extra long trek down the mountain as we headed back to Namche Bazzar for a well deserved rest, shower, and meal! We trekked, once again, through beautiful hillsides blanketed with rhododendron and juniper trees. It was about a 6-7 hour trek today with very steep up and down hills all the way. We eventually reached Sansa which is the major trail junction in the region. The trail to Namche Bazzar clings to the steep wooded slopes beyond Kyangjuma winding through several bends. We were able to catch quick glimpses of wild goats, colorful pheasants, and musk dear as we continued our trek.

After passing a Chorten, we reached the army camp at Namche Bazaar and the soldiers were out in full force lining the trail with automatic weapons at their sides. Still, as is heard from time to time, and day to day, they each greeted us with the familiar phrase, NAMASTE, except for one who looked at me and said, with a Nepalese accent, "What up Dude!" I loved it! As we continued down into Namche Bazzar our knees were ready to buckle and our quads ready to burst, but, we made it. The friends we made on our first visit welcomed us back and the newbies, on the start of their treks, asked us how it was and what they needed to know. What can you say after an experience like this. I'll never forget the three little girls I met at one of the local schools. Once they found out I was a Principal, they treated me like a king!

OOPS! I almost forgot to tell you that in one of the Monastery's along the way we were able to see an supposed actual scalp of a YETI! Take a look!

All the way down the mountain, as I trekked alone at times, I finally realized that this trip was not about the destination but about the journey itself, after all, there is no end to our journey on this earth. I personally have focused way to much on getting someplace rather than enjoying the journey. The journey brings with it experiences that can richen our lives, help others, expand our horizons and, hopefully, become a better person! Well, as this journey comes to what I would have once said was the end, I now say the end of this journey is just the beginning of another, linked together as the journey continues...

As always, NAMASTE!