We began our day in Kyangjuma(11,320ft) with our longest day if trekking ahead of us. We would gain 2000 more verticle feet and walk more kilometers then in our previous days, it would take us all day to do it as well. We left shortly after 8am and arrived at our destination around 2pm.
We walked up hill for a short distance, then would head almost straight down hill all the way to the river bed. We reach Phunki Tenga(10,660ft) and cross the Dudh Kosi River for the last time.
The down hill walk was nice, except for the fact we would have to walk directly up hill for what seemed like eternity. We ended up in Tengboche(12,660ft), sore, tired, and ready for a nap.
We grabbed a quick bite and drink, attempted to use some painfully slow Internet with no success, and carried on with the days hike.
With a little more down, followed by some up, we found ourselves in Pangboche(12,890) shortly after 2pm. Thank god.
I was in dire need of a nap. After a little debreifing from everyone (I am happy to report that besides the fatigue suffered by myself and a few others, along with a few spurts of the Khumbu rumble [upset bellies], everyone in the group is in great shape and is doing fine) I took a quick nap.
Sitting upstairs in the coffee house with a wonderful view of Mount Ama Dablam(22,401ft) peeking through the clouds, with the sun shinning directly on it’s summit, we decided what to have for dinner.
I asked Coach White if it’s acceptable to eat the meat here, he replied with a big grin and 2 thumbs up. Yak steak it is. Ever had Yak? Neither had I, until today. All meat in the Khumbu is cooked to a welldone, I’m guessing to ensure no one gets sick. Although it was a little tough, it was delicious and is by far the best Yak I have ever had.
It’s 745pm and I’m laying in bed, writting this blog before I close my eyes. I feel like an old man (I know I’ll get some harrassment when all the guys on the trek finally ready this) going to bed this early. The oxygen in the atmosphere is about 56% of what it is at sea level. I live at sea level. My body is still adjusting, as is everyone else. The higher we get over the next few days the further the oxygen molecules will get from each other, making each breathe less efficient, making it harder on our bodies to get what it so desperately needs… Oxygen.