The hike just to get out of the village of Namche bazaar usually makes me question my fitness. But this year was much easier. I maintained my level of fitness from Everest last year straight through Antarctica and into this climb. I trained 10 lbs lighter and it worked. I feel stronger this year and better prepared for what lies ahead.
The temperature was perfect again. Sunny with a cool breeze. We stopped in the village of Sanasa for tea at my friend Tashi’s Amadablam Guest House. She is a Nepalese boss babe that runs a popular tea house with views of numerous 8000 m peaks and has a small store in Winter Park, CO. She hasn’t been back since covid, but I’ve been able to visit with her the past 2 years in a row here. We continued our trek rolling through the mountainside until we met with the river again. Anytime you “meet with the river” that means you have a long steep hike back up. We did and it was. Headphones on, listening to my Everest II Playlist, solid cadence one step at a time, to the top of the ridge of Tengboche, 12.5K ft.
The rooms were small, but warm and the tea house owner, Pema, makes a mean americano. She has a legit espresso machine with illy coffee. Thank you, I will have another. In the morning we visited the monastery I have been to numerous times before. But today was different, the energy was different. Maybe it’s just me that has changed. I felt a calmness, alignment and approval to be here. Whether it’s the Sagarmatha gods blessing me, or a deeper level of belief in myself, i am anxiety free and at peace. Now, there’s nothin’ to it, but to do it!! Onward and upward we go!
About the author : MEGHAN
