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Published: December 8th 2012
At the end of every trip it is inevitable one looks back and thinks about the highs and lows of the journey just completed. For me this journey began over 12 months ago with the idea, then the planning, then the comittement both financially and personally for training and preparation to at least give me good shot at reaching Everest Base Camp and Kala Pattar.
Whilst I had some doubts along the way, getting beyond Namche in good shape gave me all the confidence I needed that I would achieve my goals, unless that is I suffered from altitude sickness. On that subject, I was aware that drug called Diamox was used quite frequently by trekkers to reduce the risk of altitude sickness, but I and one other in our group chose not to use it. In hindsight, it may have been better if I had used Diamox and I may not have suffered so badly.
Reading my post on reaching EBC it comes across as quite a depressing day - but I think it reflects on how I was feeling that day and the difficulties I had to overcome. Now, several days on, feeling healthy and rested, I look back with pride at having climbed both Kala Pattar and then reached EBC the next day, knowing I achieved all the goals I set out all those months ago. I admit it might have been easier if I had done more training for this trip, but what I did do was probably good enough. As when I climbed Kilamanjaro some 15 years ago, it was mental attitude that wins the day, and I think I still had it this time to see me through.
The kit I brought with me did a great job overall, especially my boots which were excellent - no blisters. There were a couple of failures along the way - but these I attribute to the very cold -8 degrees conditions around Gorak Shep and Lobuche. My camelback broke, my solar panel snapped in half, my other water bottle also broke and my prescription sunglasses lens popped out of its frame. I used nearly all the kit I took with me (apart from spares). The only piece of kit I really needed was a thick pair of mittens for the couple of cold days around Gorak Shep.
Throughout this trip I have been lucky enough to recieve lots of good wishes and supportive messages from work, friends and family, and they have helped enourmously to keep me motivated, especially on the more difficult days. Thankyou all.
And lastly, this trip would not have been possible without the loving support of my long suffering wife, to whom I owe a special thanks for everything she has done for me, and I hope I have done her proud.
This closes a chapter on my book of travels, and I hope to open another chapter as soon as I can - which I expect will only be possible this time if I bring the family along with me as well!!
Goodbye and Namestay from Nepal!!
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Jason
non-member comment
looks like you need a bigger top!