10 SEPTEMBER, 2013 - HIKING DAY IN DINGBOCHE

Today was an acclimation day.  Eleni woke up feeling much better.  We started the hike, and the porters were told to watch Eleni as she wasn’t feeling well the day before.  This led them to tracking her like shadows.  Once we got to the first ridge, Eleni let Chhiri know how she felt, “I know I’m slow, but I can’t have these guys 2 inches behind me!  I feel rushed and I don’t like it! They either need to go ahead of me, or stay way behind me!”  Chhiri got the message, the porters ended up coming with me and Tom and basically left Eleni do her own hike.  Since it was an acclimation day, we hiked straight up a mountain that is right next to our lodge.  Tom and I reached the summit (5,050 meters) with a Scottish guy and a Hungarian couple.   Right when we reached the top, the Scottish guy lit a cigarette, we couldn’t believe it.  The summit was a little scary, it was extremely foggy, and when we reached the top, one edge was a vertical drop.  We couldn’t see how far down it went, but it was intimidating.  Eleni made it about half way up the mountain before she turned back.  Today should help us all a ton for tomorrows hike.

Tom at the Summit

Cool view of Mt. Amadablam

Dingboche

City and Mountain

Top of Ridge

We did this all before lunch.  Tom ordered 3 entrees of “Mixed Fried Noodles”.  This dish consists of fried spaghetti, canned tuna, onions, greens (not actually sure what it is), chili sauce, topped off with bits of fried egg.

Three Entrees

Eleni just got out of a hot shower.  She is stoked!!!  She is so much happier than she was yesterday.

Eleni’s Shower

Eleni Note: Yes, I am much happier than yesterday!!  The diamox has kicked in and I got to shower.  Below you will see a photo of the shower I used.  It doesn’t look like much, but nothing beats freshly boiled water.  So nice!!  I would also like to note that the female part of the Hungarian couple mentioned above is badass.  First she was the first female to the top today and then when we were back at the lodge she showered after me, and then walked out of the shower, through the heated common room, and then outside to her room all while in a towel.  I changed into warm clothing while still in the shower (which did require some balance).  Like I said, Bad Ass!

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