Judy had been so concerned about her fitness level and her knees. Both were put to rest solidly today.
There are lots of ups and downs for the first four or five miles between Phakding and Namche Bazaar for a nominal gain of 500 feet. Some of the short descents are extremely steep. Her knees handled these well, even without her braces.
After crossing my favorite bridge and beginning the ascent up to Namche Bazaar, the trail gets much steeper; in fact, another 2,000 feet are gained in the final mile or two. The altitude tent and multiple skinning trips to Needles Lodge at Snowbasin must have worked, because she power hiked it in no time, staying with even the strongest Everest climbers! Upon arrival she received “high fives” all around. It was a proud moment for her, and I think she finally has the confidence it takes to make it all the way to EBC!
Once we arrived, we checked into one of the more recognized tea houses in Namche, the Kumbu Lodge. We have a special room, with our own shower and toilet. One of the guides must have thought Judy earned it!
Mt. Everest 