Paul Pottinger’s Adventures from the Top of the World

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Chillin’ in Namche

Everest 2015  •  March 31

All is well here in Namche Bazaar.  Today was a rest day, rather than a move day up to our next stop, because weather was not particularly favorable in the morning, and we wanted to ensure that everyone is in tip-top shape for the next hike, including me.  My sore throat has improved during the day, but it’s still there, lingering.  This too shall pass!

Sun is breaking out over this part of the Khumbu Valley, revealing spectacular views of the surrounding peaks.  Snow is melting like crazy, and the temperature is rising, all good signs  of a favorable passage tomorrow.

Namche emerges from the clouds in the morning light, new snowfall on the rampart across the valley.
Namche emerges from the clouds in the morning light, new snowfall on the rampart across the valley.
The thaw...
Thamserku emerges from the clouds.
Namche
Namche is surrounded by beautiful peaks.
The thaw.
Building codes are not quite the same here as at home… perpetual snow lies at the bottom of this narrow alley.

Plenty of time today to rest, hydrate, eat, relax, and try to get my blogs posted!

Trying to get yesterday's blog up... took me about 8 hours to get it done...
Trying to get yesterday’s blog up… took me about 8 hours to get it done…

Plenty of time for last-minute shopping today, too.

These walking sticks are standard issue for the porters who haul unimaginably heavy loads up and down the trails.  They are short... about the height of my lower leg... but are perfect height for the diminutive porters.  They also double as stools where they can rest on the side of the trail.
These walking sticks are standard issue for the porters who haul unimaginably heavy loads up and down the trails. They are short… about the height of my lower leg… but are perfect height for the diminutive porters. They also double as stools where they can rest on the side of the trail.
I love these yak bells, which come in a vast array of sizes, sounds, and colorful collar patterns.
I love these yak bells, which come in a vast array of sizes, sounds, and colorful collar patterns.
Lots of handicrafts for sale in Namche.  Wish I could bring all this stuff home....
Lots of handicrafts for sale in Namche. Wish I could bring all this stuff home….

At the moment I am in an internet boutique, of sorts, waiting for a video of our wait day in Kathmandu to upload… just 720p and 2 minutes long, but 103 MB will take an hour to get online, if it works at all!  My plan has been to edit and post video on the fly… I may need to rethink this.  I think the shop proprietor may have just cut off half the town’s net access in order to allow this upload!  Not a sustainable solution.  Methinks that video will need to happen when I return, though I suppose I might be able to squeeze a few uploads out from EBC… but no promises.

Addendum 4-3-15: I worked for hours to get that video online, to no avail!  As you will see in subsequent posts, we are now in Pheriche, where there is better wifi.  Success!

6 thoughts on “Chillin’ in Namche

  1. Thanks for your efforts to get the updates posted. Those of us at home at most appreciative! What a colorful, interesting place. xox

  2. Don’t worry about the video. My bet is that you can describe what you see and feel just fine to make us feel we are with you. Rather than watch the disco ball of death on the computer, just enjoy the place you are in. It might be a while before you get back. I was in Namche in 1984 and remember the dramatic peaks and fly-covered meat. That extra cup of tea with milk was mighty tasty.

  3. So beautiful there, Paul! What an amazing thing you are doing. Thanks for sharing all of this with us. GOOD LUCK!!!! Kate

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