What Goes Up Must Come Down!!

5/2/13 Deboche to Namche Bazaar: The trek started with a steep uphill climb and then a steep drop until we crossed the Dudh Kosi river and again repeated a steep climb.  The rest of the trek  seemed to be endless winding and going up and down trails.  We were about 3 hours into the trek and Mario says to our Head Sherpa "are you sure we are going in the right direction? We are supposed to be going down and we keep going up!" The trek took about 6 hours and we covered 5-6 miles. The decrease in elevation was 1000 ft.  The scenery with the flowers in bloom is just amazing. 

I have to admit this is the first day that my body is screaming in pain. With all of the downhill my right knee is hurting, I have blisters on both feet and my baby toenail is jamming into my boot. All I can think is that I only have one more day to trek and we're almost home. To help alleviate my agony I took a long FREE shower (all other tea houses charge or don't have one). Then I treated myself again to a Trekkers Massage!

5/3/13 Namche Bazaar to Lukla: Today's trek is the final of our trip, I can't tell you how much I'm looking forward to arriving in Lukla.  The trek took 10 hours and we went 8-10 miles going up and down the mountain crossing 6 suspension bridges over the Dudh Kosi river.  I was sore yesterday, but I could barely make it to the hotel today on our arrival into Lukla. 

We had a wonderful farewell dinner with our Sherpas and  Porters that included cultural music and dancing. It was a wonderful celebration. Our Sherpa's are the most kind, helpful, friendly, motivating, patient people I have ever met. They also kept us safe in a very unpredictable environment. 

This trek is the 2nd greatest accomplishment of my life. The first is raising 4 of the most amazing children.  My hope is to inspire my children to shoot for the stars and to know that they too can accomplish any goal that they put their mind to.

Tomorrow we fly to Kathmandu and spend a couple days touring and recovering!