April 27th A Guides Job

Arrived in Kathmandu on the 26th. When I left I had a suprise at the Sea Tac Airport. One of the clients pulled me aside and with a serious voice said "I have a problem". I thought, "we are at the airport so he must of forgotten his passport or ticket". In a low voice he hunches over and says "You need to give me a shot every 10 days." I was relieved that it was not the forgoten passport or ticket. No problem David. I ask "in the arm?". He gives me a blank face. I then realize I will have to give him an innoculation in his butt and wish he had forgoten his passport. I have done many things for clients but this one is beyond a guide duty. In trying to be a consumate guide I agree then turn to the other clients, "we will be having a card game every 10 days. The loser has to give David a shot in his ass. "

We arrived kathmandu and within 5 minutes the gate keeper of all expeditions called me on the phone. Elizabeth Hawley is a writer reporter who has been documenting every expedition coming to Nepal since the American expedition of 1963. She is a true legend and I always feel privilaged to sit and talk with her.

We depart for Lukla a small village with an even smaller landing strip. I always have felt that the landing in Lukla is as scary as some of the climbs. Lukla is the gateway to the Khumbu region (Everest region). We will then take two days to hike to Namche at 11200 feet. A rest day will be welcomed on the 30th, sleeping, eating, reading, card games, writing. On the first we continue our approach to Kyajo Ri via the Renjo La pass at 17300 feet.

Be well.