This week Facebook reminded me about a not so small that was happening this week. And it’s a good thing it provided the reminder as who knows maybe I would have forgotten and not be on a flight right now typing this. As you may have guessed, I’m not referring to the US election!
It’s 8.55AM EST right now which means I’ve been flying for 8 hours and 10 minutes, which likely puts me somewhere over the Pacific.
Destination? Firstly China for a 3 hour layover, in approximately 8 hours, and then onto Katmandu.
I’ve told some of you, hinted at in other places and referenced it on Instagram but I’m off to hike to EBC – that is Everest Base Camp. When I arrive in Kathmandu I’ll meet up with half a dozen other folk from the UK who I know and also our guide for the trip.
I land in Kathmandu itself midday local time, in 17 hours. And I thought flying to London was a long trip! Once there we’ll stay for the day, a chance to rest a little and organize what I’ll be carrying and what will go into my 10kg allowance for the Sherpas to carry.
The following day we take a short flight to Lukla from where we’ll start the hike, staying in “tea houses” along the way.
It’s taken a lot of preparation aside from hiking as much as possible the checklist was exhaustive and not always easy to source all the kit (I was still running around yesterday trying to find biodegradable soap and high factor lip salve). On top of that I got a series of jabs (or as I’ve learnt, since that word doesn’t work in America, “shots”) for various diseases and prescriptions for various ailments I might be susceptible to on the hike.
Honestly, when I went into the pharmacy and picked up the majority of the meds I needed, it was a sight. Typically I chose not to use a basket, underestimating how hard it is to hold your own small pharmacy in your hands. As I came to the counter, there was another customer waiting IN LINE (American’s (well to be fair, only some) have this ridiculous idea that there’s a line you stand ON. Don’t even think of referencing a queue – that would be even more ridiculous – of course), the look on his face as he saw the amount of medications and first aid kit items in my hands, I think he must have been trying to figure out what possible illness I have and all his life choices upto this point that lead him to be in the store at the same time as this person who must have some contagious illness.
Never the less I feel prepared, or as best as I can be. I need to pickup a sleeping bag, walking poles and a down jacket in Katmandu but then I should be good to go. I’m not sure what Wi-Fi will be like along the trip but I’m going to try and keep this updated so keep your eyes open for updates!
The road goes ever ever on
Down from the door where it began,
Now far ahead the Road has gone,
And I must follow, if I can,
Pursuing it with weary feet,
Until it joins some larger way,
Where many paths and errands meet.
And wither then? I cannot say.
(Lord of the Rings)
I hope your journey is not quite as fraught at Bilbo’s!! Good luck