SURPRISE! I did not expect to find internet available up this far, but there are new surprises around every corner -- today's trek to Namche Bazar from Phakdinge was the hardest hike I have ever been on... we started out at about 7,500' elevation and gained about 4,000' with a lot of ups and downs -- will be staying here for 2 nites to acclimatise to the altitude -- can definitely notice the difference in breathing at altitude -- every thing is more difficult to do... Arriving here today was such a surprise -- so far from civilization, and such a hard trek here from Lukla that it is incredible this village is so large, about 1000 people live here, and in peak climbing season my guide says the guest houses and lodges can accomodate close ... read more

Well, got up at 4:30 am to get to airport for flight into Lukla to start Base Camp trek... but they overbooked the plane... Luckily the guide is with me, so the rest of the group will just have to wait until we get there -- the planes have to fly before noon or it gets socked in -- they are small 14 seat short-takekoff and landing -- the runaway at Lukla is built right on the edge of a cliff -- have a flight out at 10:00 -- mountain isn't going anywhere :) Didn't get much sleep last nite -- still running on adrenaline and anticipation of what's to come. Will let you all know how things were in a couple of weeks -- take care, Cam ... read more

Hi, Sorry I don't have time to answer some of your individual messages and e-mails... This computer is sooooo slow....!! I am getting up at 4:30 this morning to fly out to Lukla to begin the trek into Everest Base Camp!! I probably will not get the opportunity to e-mail or phone call until I get back out in 2 weeks... If I sat down with you for an hour I could not possibly describe what an incredible day I have had -- it has been a real emotional roller coaster ride starting with flying into Kathmandu and seeing the beauty of the mountains while listening to album Pink Floyd "Dark Side of the Moon" on Sony Walkman... Things have been magically falling into place like some invisible guiding force is bringing things together... and I ... read more

Hi Again Everyone, Thought I would get in another entry as I'm not sure what it is going to be like getting access to computer once I leave Greece -- and I know there will not be any once I leave Kathmandhu and am up in the Himilayas! Really enjoying trip -- seeing lots of interesting things and getting lots of pictures and video -- will try to upload some photos at some point... Getting ready to leave for airport -- flying first to Kingdom of Bahrain in Saudi Arabia, and then on to Nepal... Athens is a large city with a lot of hustle and bustle, traffic and noise... it was much nicer down the coast by the sea... I am looking forward to a change of scenery and environment, and can't wait to begin ... read more

Hi everyone, I think it's Wed morning here -- and still Tues nite back home... There is a 10 hour time difference between Pacific time and here in Athens... Had very nice flights Monday from Abbotsford to Calgary (I have never noticed before just quite how amazing the mountains are around where we live, but I guess I'm a little more aware given my destination) and Calgary to Montreal... aisle seats with no one beside me! Montreal was a bit cool and rainy but I got to walk around a bit downtown that night, and next day went to the old part of town which is pretty neat -- got lots of pictures of old buildings and stuff... The flight from Montreal to Athens was 10 hours overnite (got here at 11am on Wed morning)... another ... read more