Sept 30, 2009 (Marty)
Well we leave in a few days and the excitement is building. Amazing to think we’ll soon get to see the highest point on earth. Having the time and the health to do this trek is a privilege.
Darcy has been diligent in making sure we have adequate training in preparation for the trek. We’ve done some beautiful hikes in the last couple of months - Singing Pass & Musical Bumps (Whistler), Ice Line & Emerald Triangle (Yoho Nat’l Park), Panorama Ridge (near Black Tusk), Ptarmigan Ridge (Mt.Baker), Elfin Lakes (Squamish) and numerous early morning hikes up Grouse before work. Unfortunately, it all becomes a bit of a blur as the day of departure draws near.
I feel we are adequately prepared physically but there’s always the unknown of Altitude Sickness which can strike even the most fit individual. We will be taking Diamox to prevent this but this presents the problem of having to drink copious amounts of water – more water to purify and carry with us. The trick will be to acclimatize slowly to the altitude and keep to a slow steady pace. We will be flying in to Lukla at 9400 feet but will immediately hike down for 3 or 4 hours which should make it an easier adjustment. Speaking of Lukla, the nearest airport to Everest, it’s supposed to be a pretty hairy airstrip – 12% grade – landing uphill dead ending against a barrier and taking off downhill over a cliff. Try this link to have a look http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DqgZvb37NX0 .