Finally started this 20 day trek at 05.30 on 8th December - my guide Reshi collected me from the Kathmandu Peace Guest House (am tending to stay there in- between treks etc) at thios godforsaken hour to catch the plane to Lukla. Said plane didn't take off until 07 15 as they waited for dawn and clear skies as the Nepali system does not have radar, as well as a very short runway at Lukla. We were the only 2 passengers on the plane and the other 12 seats were taken up with cargo - this whole country runs on the 'Heath Robinson' principle! Landing was sudden and bumpy but unlike some landings we did not bounce once. Spectacular views as we climbed up through valleys, often we were lower than the mountain tops.

We met our porter at Lukla after having grabbed our bags from the trolly and without much ado we made for a guest house, had breakfast and were off, first stop Phadring, only a 31/2 hr hike, at 3218m whereas Lukla is 3,300m. Day 3 we arrive at Namche Bazar at 3,600m following our first view of Everest. Unfortunately the first guide got sick and I have another guide, Phadi, a pleasant 24 year old with more than 30 treks to Everest behind him, and also he was involved in the organising the Skydive from 29,000ft of 38 skydivers, landing at Namche Bazar heliport.

The prospects of reaching base camp are good as the weather is holding and it is sunny and warm during the afternoon, and the high pressure system is predicted to last for the next week or so. If all goes well we should reach base camp on the 19th December. Succeeded and the weather held, but the effort was very great and lost 1/2 stone in the process, purely through the effort of breathing!
Photo 1 Ice flows at EBC (Khumba glacier)
Photo 2 The site of EBC NB No snow at this time of year - or tents.
Photo 3 Crazy ex-British soldier - plays a mean game of poker!
Photo 4 Rome Cathedral (should be elsewhere but unable to change it....)
Photo 5 Everest (middle peak) from viewpoint of Kala Pattar