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Things went a little smoother today. Weather in Kathmandu was improved. There were still some clouds but no rain when we got to the airport at 6 AM. In no time at all we were getting on board the AStar B3 helicopter bound for Lukla. It was exciting and exhilarating to get up out of the Kathmandu Valley and to see the Himalayan peaks rising in a line to the North. They were impossibly big and steep and beautiful with the first rays of the sun finding them. We flew for about 45 minutes and caught a clear -but brief- glimpse of Mount Everest stabbing into the sky before we landed in the shadows down in Lukla.
Our trek began with a good breakfast. We set out walking at 9:30 and started downhill. This part of the valley is all forest and farmland with a big violent river charging through the middle. There was plenty to see as we followed our Sherpa guides, Dawa, Tenzing and Tsangdu. Finally we crossed the river a little after noon and pulled into Phakding. We lunched and then napped away the afternoon at 8600 ft of elevation. By dinner time the tea house had filled with trekkers recounting their exciting first day on the trail.
Best Regards
Posted by: Hannah Smith, Avery Parrinello
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Aconcagua
Elevation: 9,000'
The day that seemed like it would never come. The day the team has been training for for months. The day that starts it all, has finally arrived! We checked in with the rangers at the Parque Provincial Aconcagua, took a team photo, and started walking. It definitely felt good to get the legs moving after days of travel and sitting. The desert valley is beautiful. We walked along the riverside following the contours of the valley. After a few breaks and a juicy melon we arrived at Pampa de Lenas where we were greeted with snacks and juice. After our refreshments we put up camp as the wind picked up. The dust swirled around us. One day in and we are covered in dirt and look as if we have been here longer. With tents up and filled with sleeping bags, we took an afternoon siesta before dinner. Dinner was magnificent! Tomato avocado salad, potatoes, bread, and carne asado. The salt burns the sun-kissed lips but it tastes so good. Bellies full, once again, we head off to bed happy.
Tomorrow brings another day walking in the Vacas Valley.
Buenos noches,
RMI Guide Hannah Smith and team
Love seeing these photos & getting updates! We are living vicariously! Enjoy every moment!
Love you Beej!
Mom & Dad
Posted by: Judy & Dale, Byron’s parents on 1/9/2020 at 11:11 am
Thank you for posting these awesome updates and photos so we can follow along. Wishing you all the best! Hi to Byron :)
Posted by: Heather Collins on 1/9/2020 at 10:02 am
On The Map
Hope you have a great climb and beautiful weather! Can’t wait to see the pictures. Love you Tyler!
Posted by: donna shearburn on 7/9/2019 at 3:33 pm
Posted by:
Categories: Guide News
Posted by: Walter Hailes, Solveig Waterfall
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mount Rainier
Elevation: 14,410'
Congrats on attaining the summit, guys!
Posted by: Rick L. on 8/3/2014 at 6:36 am
Brad, Tommy, Mark and Tanner - Hope all is well. Cant wait to see the pics.
Posted by: cheryl on 8/2/2014 at 5:48 pm
Posted by: Tyler Jones, Geoff Schellens
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mt. McKinley
Elevation: 11,200'
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On The Map
Dave!
I can’t begin to know how you feel about what you’ve accomplished! Can’t wait to see you and hear it all through your eyes. Besides we need you…Tristan can’t keep up the pace and is buckling under the pressure of trying to fill your shoes :-)
Posted by: Suzanne on 6/23/2014 at 2:34 am
John, so proud of you and the rest of the team, have been helping you along, knew you could do it! See you soon here in the nice hot valley. Farmor
Posted by: Farmor on 6/22/2014 at 7:14 pm
Wish you well and be safe and enjoy we love you.
Keven Padrenoss
Your Grand Parents George and Janet padrenoss
Posted by: george/janet padrenoss on 5/21/2014 at 12:05 pm
Wishing to my sister Carmela and my brother-in-law Max Brouwer all the best in this great experience, love you guys!!! xxx
Posted by: Mariana Pinillos on 5/18/2014 at 8:02 am
Wendy! I see you are back at it! Good luck and have fun.
Posted by: Cory on 10/6/2023 at 4:54 am
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