Correspondence From The Mountain:

 

May 20, 2007

Most all the group has arrived safely back in Calgary. Deryl will be returning end of week.

 

May 19, 2007 1:07 AM

Just checked in at Phuket airport and connecting on to LAX, will call before leaving LA

 

May 18, 2007 8:32 AM

Enjoying the warm weather of Thailand, did some sea canoeing and explored caves today. Time going very fast, will call you from LA to confirm flight times , all well with everyone.

 

May 14, 2007 5:25 AM

Everyone is back in KTM for a few days. After much needed showers and change of cloths everyone was ready for some food and drink. The group last night headed off to Rum Dudles 40,000 and 1\2 foot bar where climbers post their names on the wall over the years, it is a long held tradition to attend Rum Dudles after a climb or trek. Today the group had a city tour and also several historic sites in and around KTM.The afternoon saw some serious shopping in the interesting markets of Thamel district of KTM. Weather in KTM is very hot , in the 30-35 C , the heat is doing several people in as are the smells and general chaos of the city. Tomorrow is a free day , which most people will use to repack for the long trip home or to the beaches of Thailand for some of us. Happy mothers day to all and to the mothers on our trek.

 

May 13,2007

All trekker's are back in Katmandu sitting on the balancy enjoying the sun and thinking about having a shower.

 

May 10, 2007 12:14 AM

Currently in Khunde, we will spent two nights here resting on the final stage of our trek. Group is a bit tired after two big days to Everest Base Camp and Kala Pattar back to back and very early starts and walk back to Pangbouche.All treckkers made it to both BC and KP. Weather for BC and KP was great, lots of great photos. Good timing as the last few days have been overcast and some rain and snow. Meet several of our freinds from 2001 climb in BC, the group had the opportunity to meet some of the 2006 climbers and our Sherpa friends. Also meet up with Dawa Sherps and was able to present to him two scholorships for his children, thanks to the work of Dave and Jennifer Rodney. We all meet up with Dwayne last night here in Khunde, he is not feeling any better and will go on to Mongo today, a drop of about 1000 meters, we will meet him tomorrow night. Little Kayla is doing wonderful and was skipping rope at about 4100 meters, actually Sandy has the record of 52 skips. Some interesting names here , we had lunch yesterday at Funkeytinga, where they have water powered prayer wheels. That was just before the 2.5 hr walk up to Khunde, seems like we always have a big up just after lunch. Tomorrow off to Mongo and next day to Lukla. Will talk again from Lukla.

 

May 10, 2007 5:58 AM

Hi all, emailing from a small town at 3800m called Khunde. We're all on our way back from a great trip to basecamp and from the summit of Kalapatar (5600m). Almost the whole group made it including Sherpa Kayla. We're having a rest day today and we'll be back in Kathmandu in 3 days and then off to Thailand for a well deserved break and some fresh fruit at sea level.

 

May 6th

The group has made it to basecamp! They returned to Gorak Shep where they will use the night to rest for the trek to the summit of Kallipattar.

 

 

May 4th

Everyone has made it to Dingboche safely, and will be enjoying the days rest with a small acclimatization climb, With the exception of Duane who, after waking up feeling ill has returned to Namche Bazaar as a precaution. The rest of the group seems quite healthy and are looking forward to the pinnacle of the trip. They will leave for Lobuche in the morning, and on to basecamp the following day.

 

Sat 4/28/2007 8:30 PM

The trekkers with the missing baggage went shopping for ..... trekking supplies.... that's right their bags did not come in yet. Hopefully they will catch up with them in Namche. Other than that on that they went on a tour at Monkey Temple and Patan City this morning. They should be leaving Kathmandu tomorrow I believe. So we may not get any news for a few days if at all depending on whether the sat phone works.

 

Sat 4/28/2007 6:15 AM

After many hours in the air and on the ground we are all in Kathmandu. Everyone is in good condition but tried from the long trip. Some missing bags but will be in tomorrow and catch up with us later. Today the group was on a tour of the city and several historical sites including the famous monkey temple. In the Kathmandu valley their are seven world historical sites, many are of a religious nature. This afternoon most people spent shopping and getting last minute items. We are leaving for the airport at 0515 tomorrow morning, so no late night parties tonight , alternatively we stay up all night. Most people are in a state of culture shock as many have never seen or experienced any place like Kathmandu. The smells, traffic , poverty, active market place , pollution and just general chaos. Prices are great, we should have come here and did all our shpopping for equipment. I got new trekking poles for about $20, in Calgary they are $85-90.

Tomorrow we start the actual trek and fly to the village of Lukla. From Lukla we will have a short day about 4-5 hours to Monjo, site of the famous Emerald Odyssey Monjo Cup. (winner to be announced later). Day two of the trek will take us to the main town on Namchee Bazzar, here we will spent two days at the high altitude and let our bodies adjust. This most likely will be our last place to make communications.

 

Fri 4/27/2007 1:19 PM

They all made it to Katmandu but not all the bags made it. 6 bags never left LAX. Leo's 2 bags, Deirdre's 2 bags and Philips 2 bags. Two possible scenarios can happen. Thai airlines puts them on the next flight and they arrive tomorrow @ 1pm (say your prayers) or they come in Sunday @ 1pm after we leave for the trek @ 7am flight to Lukla. If the second happens the guy on this end says that he will send them to Lukla and the porter will meet us in Namche with both bags! If they don't make it to Namche they guess they will be buying gear in Namche (too small of size no doubt).

Correspondence From Home:

Good day to you all, Glad to see you're having a good time and wishing you a safe trip back Exciting things planned for 2008 I see (no, I not coming with you!) John

 

HI Leo , just read your latest entry and sounds like everything is going well for all. It is so nice to be able to follow along with your adventure on this site...I wish you a wonderful relaxing time in Thailand and lots of fresh fruit...Can't wait to hear more when you get back and see some pics as well. May your path be filled with joy and laughter. Happy for you, I am. Chiao Bud Keila

 

Congratulations to all the trekkers of Emerald Odyssey Spring 2007 Base Camp Excursion! Well done all....safe return. From all of us at Kelly & Creaghan!

 

Hi there Kayla, We have been eagerly waiting and watching for emails and any information we can find to mentally hike with you on your adventurous trek. Yeah! You made it to base camp, how awesome is that! We are so proud of you and remember we love you lots. Been praying that you and the rest of the group will be safe! Lots of kisses and hugs from the both of us! Oma and Opa Eyk

 

Hi Leo, hopefully you finally got your luggage. By the looks of the trek itinerary you have been doing well, only wish we could have seen a video of your trip as you go.....Mom and I are praying for all of you, for your health as well as your safety. Stay well my friend, enjoy this time with your friends and the elements. May they both treat you and Deryl with respect. Thinking of you daily, "Rock On!" AFA and Namaste Keila

EMERALD ODYSSEY
CANADIAN EVEREST TREK SPRING 2007