The Sherpa Code

We soon learned that the Sherpa have a code. If a man falls behind, they get left behind. When they got ready to go they didn't say a word, they just left. If you weren't ready or in the squatter, you got left.

Later in the trek, this became a game for us. We would try to get up earlier and leave them to catch up. This made them very nervous since they were supposed to be our guides. At lower altitudes we were faster because of their loads but up higher we couldn't keep up. So we would just see how long we could hold the lead.

In front is Cami Sherpa, then Sara, then Peter (Filipino) and Pasang Sherpa with the huge load.

Still Lukla

This is a typical Nepali house. The mountain people are very poor and live very simple lives. Almost no access to medicine. I guess that was the guard rooster.

The Everest Highway

This was the main street through Lukla. There are no motorized vehicles of any kind. The quiet was wonderful after Kathmandu but after a month in the mountains it was nice to get back to hot showers and western toilets we dubbed "sitters". We simply called the local style of outhouse "squatters". We now realize that we were starting to get a little crude but it all seemed quite normal at the time. We won't share everything on this family sight but I will say that we adopted the Vegas saying with a twist. What happens in Nepal, stays in Nepal.

Lukla

We took a twin otter airplane from Kathmandu to Lukla. This is the airstrip in Lukla. After this it is all on foot.

The guy in the blue shirt is Bruce. He had to be airlifted out a couple of weeks later due to AMS (acute mountain sickness). People dropped like flies up there. Sara said she felt like we were in a war zone. You never knew who would be bombed next. We dodged the shrapnel the best we could but got a splitting headache a couple of times.

Lakpa Sherpa

And so we meet Lakpa. Don't let his hollywood looks fool you, he has summited Everest seven times. He was our main Sherpa and a very caring person.

No McDonalds in sight

Don't laugh, this meal was actually quite delicious. It was a Nepali meal for two that would feed four or five. We did our best but in the end we had to wrap the rest in newspaper and take it to our room for later. I think Peter ended up with it.

What!? No way.

We were just walking down the street with the other tourists and cows when we spotted this hand woven yak wool sweater with a WSU logo. Well. . . you can just imaging our surprise.
WSU is where Sara will be going to school this fall. We took this as a sign.

Hotel Utse

We stayed in this fine establishment for two days in Thamel (the climbing section of Kathmandu). There were hippies, climbers, trekkers, retirees and us.

Kathmandu, one million prayer flags

Typical tourist activities before leaving "civilization". Notice that I get thinner as the weeks pass.

It begins, The Everest Saga

We had to get some last minute items in the fair city of Kathmandu, Thamel to be more precise. Peter seems to blend but Sara was looking for a bamboo stick. I'll tell you why later.

Sarahemla

Sara, ever diligent, is catching up on seminary. This proves that at least one of us hasn't gone native.

Gathering gear

Sara is borrowing gear from Janet, who traversed Everest last year after giving birth six months earlier. She is tougher than she looks.

Janet, Carina and Noel are the first women to traverse Everest. They climbed the China side and descended on the Nepal side. We will be climbing with Carina and Noel.

When I asked Janet what the hardest part was she said leaving her son.

The Saturday market

Every Saturday we attend the local market. It is buzzing with locals, expats, flies and us.

The really skinny cow

We were almost too late, most of the meat was gone. We settled for some neck scraps. I think we are losing weight.

Pork anyone?

This little guy was as intrigued as we were about the local fare.

You're not always welcome

This is Dad's welcoming committee when he went to Mindanao. These guys are securing the landing strip so it's safe from terrorists. Notice the guns.

Mindanao

Mike needed five guards during his trip to Mindanao. There is lots of guerrilla activity there. He went to check out a mine.

Who the Hkeck ARE you?

Mine security does a great job stopping any would be theives who might make off with any gold, tools, utinsils or towels.

Carry on then

Fellow travelers on the river of life.

Kuala Lumpur

Can you find Dad and Sara in this shot?

In the jungle, the mighty jungle

Sara is one with nature

Ahhhhh

The following picture is for mature viewers only. Acupuncture is not for the faint of heart.

Singapore

What can I say, the food was great and the traveling companions generally pleasant.

Doc Ted

The Everest team Doctor. His picture is on the poster behind us because he went last year. He is about Sara's height but she was crouching down. No, I don't know why.

We were at a planning meeting with a bunch of people looking for a quiet place to talk and passed by a sports grill when someone saw the team poster. Doc Ted had to be drug in since he is so shy. Once in, the manager wanted his autograph and picture so we took one as well.

Today's catch

Any body see a blue lobster?

Sara and the Boatman

Where Sara goes there are no roads.

The Sponsor

We treated our sponsor to a leisurely day on the river. As you can see he is bursting with enthusiasm as always.

Fellow adventurers

Just another day at the office.

The falls

Soon after this photo was taken we were taken on a precarious raft (made of bamboo lashed together) into the falls where we were pelted by tons of falling water while the locals looked on and laughed.

Our study group

We get things done over here.