Today we hiked from Tengboche to Pharoche which is at 14,100 ft. It was a much tougher trek as we are climbing in higher elevation so the air is thinner and we are going up mostly. It was another spectacular day as the bigger mountains now surround us so the views are amazing. I know I keep using that word, but not sure how else to describe it. The temperature is beginning to drop and the winds off the mountains are beginning to blow so the afternoon was quite chilly. We have been lucky though as it has not rained on us, fingers crossed.

The highlight of the day beside the awesome views was that we stopped at one of the monasteries where the head lama of the Khumbu valley worships. His name is Lama Geshe. He is a legend. He has blessed about every climber who has climbed Everest for many years. We all gathered in a room and we sat with him for about an hour as he told us about the Buddhist religion and the prayers. His daughter translated for him as he does not speak English.

After that, he performed a ceremony we here we went one by one, knelt in front of him and present him our katas, which are the silk scarves we were given back in Namche as part of that ceremony. The lama blessed us and presented the scarf around our necks and then tied a small orange string around our necks. The string is called sunde. It is meant to provide us good luck for as lomg as we wear it. We are not supposed to take them off. They are supposed to fall off at some point. However, several of the climbers who are back here for multiple times still have theirs from years gone bye. I think I will keep it on!

The climb in the afternoon was hard. The air is definitely thinner and we are heading up. By the time I stopped I could feel my right knee hurting. Unfortunately, the climb is taking a toll on it and it is becoming inflamed. Today, day 8, I am laying low to help it heal some as the next couple days are going to be big climbs and a lot of altitude gain.

One by one you are starting to see people deal with certain issues. Colds, sinus, discentary. Everyone is working hard to stay healthy which is getting a bit harder to do. The altitude too makes you tired and gives you a head ache. I feel that way in the evenings but then I eat, drink lots and lots of water and get rest. By morning I feel fine.

Aris and Athan. Here is a picture of a baby yak just for you. They are hard to find as I mostly see the big one carrying loads. I will try to put him in my backpack and bring him home!

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