Good day,

We're heading down today!

I woke up early, in Base Camp, today, more from cold, sleeping on what felt
like a 45 degree angle, and being pushed out of bed by my North Face bag - than from wanting to go down!

It was a bright sunny morning, and I packed the last of my gear - I headed
up to the mess tent for breakfast - and we had omelette on toast with
ketchup, of course (my favourite breakfast!)

Eventually, we were all gathered, and had an enjoyable meal together, then
it was time for final preps, paying tips and, most importantly, paying one
last visit to the Puja, to thank Chomolongma for a safe and successful
climb.

Then, we headed out. Attila and Reni headed out first, and I waited a
couple minutes for Paul and Fiona. It was great walking - the funny thing
is I don't remember any of the terrain to Lobuche - I was so sick, I guess
I was a bit out of it, and, at the time, I was focusing on not puking on
the trail!

But today, I could look around, and enjoy the view! I even saw the
turn-off for the Italian Research Pyramid.

Once we reached Lobuche, we ate lunch. I kept my meal simple, as this is
where I think I got sick the last time. We carried on down the valley but
this time with a different destination - Birbal, our Base Camp Chef,
informed us that instead of heading all the way down to Pangboche, we'd be
going only as far as Pheriche. I was okay with this - after all, I'm on
vacation (now), so there's no rush.

Following lunch in Lobuche, I particularly enjoyed the trek to Pheriche. I
saw green grass for the first time in weeks, and small purple flowers
popping out of the grass. Since Paul, Fiona and I were slightly ahead of
Reni and Attila, we waited at the large stupa in the village. Paul went to
search for rooms at a lodge that was different from the one where we stayed
the first time - he had success at the second place he checked. Then, we
found out, that's where we had rooms served for us anyway!

We all went inside, Attila and Reni had caught up, and got our rooms. I
sorted some stuff out, then hung out in the dining area for much of the
evening with everyone else.

Tomorrow, we'll head down to Namche. We're all pretty tired so it's off to
bed now. I wonder how long I'll be listening to the very strange
assortment of music they play here: Celine Dion "Titanic", Savage Garden,
Backstreet Boys, and so on - very unique music for this location!

Okay, my eyes are very tired so, I'm outta here!
Meagan