Everest Base Camp Trek Cybercasts

Namaste friends, family and loved ones,

Rather than waste a day laying around resting, we climbed the mountain behind Pheriche. It is a great way to build our acclimatization. The weather was great and views stupendous. Some of the highest mountains  in the world were in sight. Cho-oyu, 6th highest is on the right horizon in the photo below. Awesome lenticular clouds envelope the fourth highest, Lhotse! Other severe mountains pictured are Twaboche and Cholatse.

Great enthusiasm is displayed by the team! All feeling well. Especially after we visited the high altitude clinic named Himalayan Rescue Association. They put on a very informative seminar and asked for study volunteers. A couple of us donated our bodies to science. Look forward to results.

All our best, Vern and the Cheese Balls

Namaste friends, family and loved ones,

Under cold skies we were rolling before the sun hit us. All were amazed by the view.  We headed up the Duhd Kosi valley and encountered several indigenous animals. Yak traffic was thick. Things thinned out off road! We even spotted two well camouflaged young Himalayan Tar, of the goat  family.  This all took place under the majestic Ama Dablam, the iconic mountain of the Khumbu.

Temperatures are dropping below freezing at night and the air is getting thinner. The team is embracing the challenge yet looking forward to a rest day tomorrow.

All our best, The Cheese Balls

Namaste friends, family and loved ones!

Dropping down into the Duhd Kosi valley we lost 1,500 feet. However we had to gain it all back and then some. After what seemed to be hours we entered the Tengboche gate. It was worth the effort though as we got our first glimpse of Everest. Our timing was good. We visited the monastery which is preparing for the Mani Rimdu celebration. No photos allowed but the exterior is ornately festooned.

We are well and looking forward to moving higher to the village of Pheriche in the morning.

All our best, Vern Tejas

Namaste friends, family and loved ones,

We said goodbye to Thame and hit the trail to Kumjung. Along our way we stopped in on the new Nuns Monastery above the wee village of Thamo. After a tour of the inside we took sun in the courtyard. Next was a visit to the famous Hillary School of Kumjung and a photo opportunity with Sir Edmund. As the clouds parted the nearest mountains were revealed in all of their glory.

All’s well with the Cheeseballs. Tomorrow we head to the famous Tangboche Monastery

All my best,Vern Tejas

Namaste friends, family and loved ones

We said our goodbyes to the wonderful folks at the Panorama Lodge in Namche and took a hard left toward Tibet. Our goal is the quaint village of Thame near the border. We saw lots of birds along the way. First was the the Danphe, the rare national bird of Nepal. Then we saw an Altitude Air bird trying to mate with a subspecies. It was beautiful to watch.

Rock paintings brighten our way as we climbed the hill behind town to explore the ancient monastery and attend a Puja. The team was granted audience with the reincarnation of the Rinpoche. He blessed us and then allowed us a photo. What a treat! Did I mention that the Rinpoche is 5 years old?

Team is acclimatizing well and super stoke to be seeing high Himalayas.

All our best,Vern Tejas