Descent

After nine days of living at high altitude, it felt great to be heading down. The altitude had definitely taken a toll, in some way, on every member of our group. Although I had mixed emotions about leaving the high Himalayan mountains, it felt great to breathe easier as we descended. Fueled by thoughts of hot showers and loved ones at home, we headed back toward Lukla.



No worse for the wear, our fearless guides, Heather Sullivan and Danika Gilbert (for Lotus Expeditions), take a break along the trail. They are both amazing women. I would follow either one of them on a trip anywhere. They have my complete trust and respect.
One of Danika's many talents is ice climbing. Among other things, she guides for San Juan Mountain Guides.
Heather founded Balanced Rock Foundation, whose mission is to offer enriching programs for the mind, body, and spirit in the serenity within and around Yosemite National Park.
Thanks so much to both of these women!



Prayer flags adorn trees along the trail.



Our descent took us once more, through the Everest Memorial Area.



A hiker from another expedition is assisted with oxygen as he descends to recover from altitude sickness.



Without yaks, yak-cow hybrids, and their drivers as they are called, trekking (and living) in this region would be very difficult. Since there are no motorized vehicles, these animals are the next best thing.



I can still hear the bells ringing on the path. It's quite a lovely sound, as long as it's not too close! Their horns are quite dangerous. Mostly, they are gentle, but you still want to give them a wide berth.



This video gives a glimpse of trekking around yaks. The men guiding the yaks are known as yak drivers.



In this video, you'll catch a glimpse of Dipendra, the world's greatest sherpa, protecting me as I film the yaks. He's using my trekking poles to help keep them on their path.



Although they are carrying huge loads, they are quite nimble on their feet.



Early morning in Pangboche, 13,500 feet. This was one of the few times that I actually used the gorillapod I brought along. I don't think I could have taken this shot this without it. For my photo friends out there, camera settings were: f22, 2.5 seconds, 3200 iso.



Breaking down camp in Pangboche.



Door to 604 year-old gompa in Pangboche.



Interesting lock.



Sign on door in Pangboche.



A mother and her son in Pangboche.



Running water.



As our group headed out from Pangboche (far right), our Nepali staff finished breaking-down our camp. (bottom left)

Three more trekking days left, stay tuned!