NO APRIL FOOL’S

We finally caught a break in the weather!  The third time was a charm, and at last we escaped Kathmandu!

Yesterday, we came so close to getting out!  We actually had our boarding passes in hand, but all flights were cancelled once again due to windy weather conditions at Lukla.  We were all so disappointed!  Our hopes had been high because the weather in Kathmandu had been beautiful all day.  Over a three-day period we spent nearly 15 hours in the dark and depressing Kathmandu airport before finally taking flight and heading to Lukla this morning.  This three-day setback to our schedule won’t necessarily affect the climbers, but may affect the trekkers. They could be shorted a day or two at EBC (Everest Base Camp).

It was a glorious flight to Lukla, making the delay seem worth the wait.  Clouds developed as we approached the Himalayas, but, luckily, it remained clear enough for our pilot to make a perfect landing on the steep mountain runway.  Even though we were all somewhat apprehensive about the flight, especially Caroline and Kara (a Delta Airlines pilot), the entire plane erupted in cheers as we landed safely! After leaving the plane we made our way to a nearby tea house to wait for our duffel bags.  A bakery is part of the lodge, and Judy and I shared a delicious piece of chocolate cake.  We met five of our climbing Sherpa, then started our trek to Phakding.  Interestingly, we hiked down to begin with.  Phakding is about 600 feet lower than Lukla in elevation.

We both kept our fingers crossed and, thankfully, Judy had no knee issues, not even a twinge of pain.  What a great relief!  Judy is ecstatic!  We’ll be staying tonight at the Sunrise Tea House.  It is very close to where we stayed before and is quaint and cozy.  We both like it better, because it’s warmer!