Namaste from Periche Day 4

Today started at 8:00 am in Debuche with a view of Everst and Lhose.  We learned that the day before the main bridge that crosses the Dhuh Koshi River and leads up to Everest Base Camp had broken and fell hundreds of feet into the river.  Luckily no one died.  Our Sherpa guide worked with the local Sherpa people to plan a trail around the problem that enabled us to regain the main trail above Pangbuche.

We followed the Sherpa trail through the spectacular ancient Rhodadenra forests where moss hung from branches and light filtered through making this part of the trail so picturesque.  We weaved and dodged our way along the single track trail which lead through the back country, Yak grazing fields and traditional Sherpa stone houses.

Just as we were approaching the main trail we came across our first Yaks, as we are now entering higher elevations where they live.  I decided to stop and take a picture.  Just as I was about to take the picture, the Yak charged at me.  I ran out of the way and then it took after Kirsten who was about 100 yards ahead of me.  I yelled to her because she didn’t see the Yak charging up the trail.  As she turned around and saw this mammoth beast she thought it was the end for her.  She ran off the trail and luckily the Yak stayed on course and continued down the trail, passing her.  We could not have been more lucky.  It was strange and surreal.  The whole event left us all stunned and now very respectful of Yak.

Kirsten and I are struggling with colds and congestion making the climb to higher altitudes very challenging.  We stopped at a tea house for lunch.  I had the Dahl Bhat and Kirsten had noodle soup.  We both took Excedrin and within 30 minutes we were so jacked up on caffeine we literally had to control ourselves from running to Periche at 14,000 feet above sea level.  We didn’t dare exert ourselves for fear of Altitude Mountain Sickness.

Our lodging in Periche is a 5 Star tea house and very comfortable.  We are so happy to  be here and happy our cold symptoms are being held at bay by the Excedrin, at least  for the moment.  We plan to stay here for acclimatization for 2 days and then press on to Lobuche.

cmackin