Buddha is back in Katmandu after trekking up near the Everest base camp.

But seriously, and I’m not exaggerating, our hike up to the Kangshung Face of Everest was the most amazing hike I’ve ever been on. We had spectacular weather and went all the way to 17,200 feet or something, with full packs and I didn’t die or get HAPE or HACE or anything! Zack and I do have bad chest infections though, which is pretty much the norm after mucking about Tibet. I just can’t stop coughing. But anyway, we were able to hike right up this morain wall alongside this huge glacier past Everest base camp and we were all alone (none of the 4 fully-outfitted expeditions we met were able to get that far because their yaks couldn’t pass the snow, ha ha!) and we just stood in awe at the foot of Jomolonzo (25,604 ft), Makalu (27,825 ft), Lhotse (27,940 ft) and of course, Everest (29,035 ft). It was unbelievable. I’ve never done a hike like that in my life! We kept muttering to ourselves breathlessly, “Dude, THAT is the highest point in the world!!!! Get out!!!!!” We’re now at 3000 feet and suffering from the bends and it’s really hot and we don’t have the clothes for it. All we have are thick down jackets and sweaters and stuff. Oh well.

Her posts are a hoot, as usual, so be sure to click on her previous journal entries for more Himalayan hilarity.