Dole-13,235 feet
October 30, 2016
Namaste Family & Friends:
This was a long, hard day.
We left Namche Bazaar at 8 am and arrived in Dole at 2:20 pm. We gained 2,500 feet of altitude in the move from Namche Bazaar to Dole, but we ascended well over 4,000 feet because of the alignment of the trekking trail as it winds its way up and down the mountains and valleys. The distance traveled was 8.3 miles, and we landed 22,485 steps.
I’m not complaining about the long, hard day. I passed a fellow carrying some very large planks of wood and several steel poles. He was bound for Gokyo where the goods he is carrying will be used to build a large sign at the Asian Trekking lodge where we will stay. The freight he was carrying on his back weighed 190 pounds. Yikes! I’m guessing he gets paid about $15/day for this hard labor. Here’s a suggestion: frame the photo below and hang it in your children’s room. Then, start saving for college.
At the beginning of the trek, just outside Namche Bazaar, we had some great views of Mt. Everest and Ama Dablam, the “Jewell of the Himalaya.” Later on the trek, we were joined by Naga, Shera and Samdem, who were coming from Khumjjung where they live. So, now the team is complete.
My room is very primitive-just a wooden bed, with no toilet or shower. The room is about the size of a walk-in closet. The common toilet down the hall is basically a room with a hole in the floor. Oh, and don’t forget to bring your own toilet paper.
The lodge has no heat and it is very cold inside & outside. Can’t wait for them to fire up the pot-bellied stove in the dining hall where we will have dinner in 1 hour.
Please don’t interpret this post as complaining. I stayed here last Autumn, so I knew what to expect. I just want you to have a minds-eye view of what we are experiencing. We are having a really great time.
Please check out “Where’s Bill” on my website to see where we are.
Tomorrow, we move to Machermo.
Bill
David & Bill with Ama Dablam on the right and Everest directly over David’s head
Ama Dablam & Everest
Trekking to Dole
Trekking to Dole
Phortse and Ama Dablam
Porter
The Team-David, Bill, Shera, Samdem Naga
Rock Stairs
Dole
The dining hall with guests huddled around the stove
The toilet
My spacious, 5 star, room
Bill,
Thanks, as always, for all your updates and pictures. It’s always a thrill to follow along. Our heated home and bathroom are looking better than ever. Perspective is everything.
Sending continued good thoughts for your safe and successful climb!
Judy
Wow, that’s a difficult day, and you’re at altitude.
One step at a time is an understatement.
Motel 6 suddenly looks like the Four Seasons.
P.
Bill, Please carry with you thoughts and the spirit of Junko Tabei on your summit attempt.
Junko was the first woman to reach the summit of Everest in 1975.
Sadly, she has passed away recently but forged a path supporting women during her many summits.
Bill,
Your room in Dole came with a view, right? Your gym workouts and Sierra backpack trip with Mark surely helped prepare you for the long flight of stairs, but elevation brings it’s own set of demands. THE posted pictures are fabulous. Blessings to you and the hiking team.
Rick
Bill, Very much like the minds eye view of the trek. Curious about the distances between stops, temperatures and the food eaten to keep you energized. I’m buckled In for your journey and wish you and the team great success.
Bill,
First time follower, your trip looks awesome and very demanding. Be safe….