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Sunday 2nd Mar. Back in Kathmandu

2/3/2014

14 Comments

 
PictureLonely me outside Pumpernickels
Yes, we are back in Kathmandu, but where is my team...??

Ok, firstly and at risk of repeating myself from previous years trips, let me summarise our morning.
After yesterdays disappointment following the cancellation of all flights in and out of Lukla, we nonetheless enjoyed another enjoyable evening at Paradise Lodge, particularly with a new batch of trekkers who had arrived into Lukla having completed their own treks. The temptation to go out and visit one of the several drinking holes around Lukla was dampened by the fact that it was snowing/raining and they did not have any fires or heaters going (= little iceboxes)

We awoke at 6am this morning to a beautiful clear Lukla sky. Oh the sight of those stars and the moon...!!! We hurried down a breakfast and walked over to the airport, observing with enthusiasm a pristine and awaiting runway. Off course....Kathmandu was closed due thick fog..!!. So the waiting game (correction ..."Lukla game") commenced. For those who have joined us, or at least followed us on previous trips, you will all too well be aware that as Kathmandu starts to clear throughout the morning, Lukla begins to close..!! Clouds start to gather, winds start to pick up, trek leaders start to stress, lodge owners start to rub their hands together (another night of full lodges and handy off-season revenue) and in the blink of an eye, Lukla is closed and all remaining flights are cancelled...!!

But not today...! We waited patiently and finally at 10am, the siren sounded alerting all that the planes had finally departed Kathmandu. Before we could say "please don't trap me in Lukla another night" we were sling-shotting off the runway and heading back to Kat.

Now in the meantime, Sue (Didi) has decided that she cannot pass up the opportunity to have a last night with the team at Kathmandu's Everest Steak House and has decided to delay her rushed international departure (originally booked with Sammy for today) and depart tomorrow instead. Sammy on the other hand is committed to depart today due to expensive accommodation already booked in Bangkok tonight, plus work commitments requiring him back in Melb. He has just sent me a text saying the Prime Minister of Nepal is sharing his plane to Bangkok and has booked out the entire Business Class section, thus preventing Sammy an upgrade..!! Sammy claims he is still going to wonder up front during the flight and chat girls with him.

But.....WHERE IS MY TEAM? True to their word, they have dumped their bags at the Kathmandu Guest House and have spread in all directions to get some "weight gaining" food into them. Some have already showered (and shaved), while others are eating the afternoon away still in their trekking boots..!! We are yet to set eyes on Paulene and Des, who returned to Kat a few days ago. Looking forward to seeing them.

The plan tomorrow is to do the 6hr drive down to beautiful Pokhara for some relaxation and para-gliding next to the mighty Annapurna, before flying back to Kat on Wednesday.

So the 2014 trek blog comes to a close..!! I love all my visits to Nepal, and this group trip was no exception. Always challenging and often for different reasons. A team of 13 is a big team, which presents certain logistical challenges throughout. I'm determined to return to a capped size of 8 to 9 for future trips. 
Looking back, it was disappointing not to be able to spend more time on Kalar Pattar. The panorama is beyond words and the effort to get there (both during the trek and the pre departure training to get there) warrants more time there to absorb and share with each other the incredible view. The plus side was the pride in each of the team in achieving their goal. Not everyone gets the opportunity to stand on KP, so a big WELL DONE to each and every one of the team.

Did the entire team enjoy their Nepal adventure? I certainly know that most did, and some are already planning and discussing with Sue and I a return trip.

Thanks to all who have followed us and provided terrific responses. It makes the challenge of finding wifi and keeping batteries charged at minus 10deg worth it. It is always a great time sitting around a dining room yak poop heater reading out and laughing over your words. Some truly brilliant and well worded responses amongst them.  

I'll continue to blog our R&R in Nepal and Thailand for those interested in our winding down from our EBC adventure.

Namaste

14 Comments
Treelessgeorge
2/3/2014 12:52:24 pm

Great to hear that it was a successful trek. Look forward to catching up with the team on the return to Melbourne.
Regards Blair

Reply
David G
3/3/2014 02:02:17 pm

Thanks Blair. The team are already plotting a night at Ghurkas shortly after our return.

Reply
Ray
2/3/2014 01:47:28 pm

Glad you made it out so go enjoy those steaks team - recommend a bucket of red to wash them down! You have earned it.

Reply
David G
3/3/2014 02:05:14 pm

Thanks Ray. We certainly did that. Great night at Everest Steak House (and beyond......)

Reply
Anne
2/3/2014 11:33:42 pm

Oh poor Dave - looking used & dumped! Happy faces all round I imagine finally getting that ever escaping flight. Enjoy your adventure today.

Reply
David G
3/3/2014 02:00:07 pm

Thanks Anne.
We learnt last night that the 4th flight (we were on the 3rd flight) was cancelled due weather. So we only just got out.

Reply
Wine link
3/3/2014 12:33:36 am

Well done again Dave Enjoy Pokhara and the paragliding. That must have been a difficult selfie to organise outside the bakery.

Reply
David G
3/3/2014 01:56:52 pm

G'day Wine
Didi helped with the snap. Only because she and I had pre arranged to get to Pumpernickels as soon as we landed.

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Angie
3/3/2014 01:28:50 am

Mission accomplished, Dave! The blog made great reading & most welcome back in Oz. Characters come to mind...shepherd / seven dwarves / MASH. 2015 Itenarary might need to say flights in and out of Lukla/Un-Lukla! Fly high on fun for the rest of the trip.

Reply
David G
3/3/2014 01:49:19 pm

Thanks Angie. Have loved your responses.
Cheers.

Reply
Adam
3/3/2014 10:17:16 am

Dave, Sue, John and the rest of the gang,
Thanks for letting a pom gate crash the traditional steak dinner last night. It was great to get to know you as we shared the "Lukla wait" the previous day.
Best. Of luck with future trips.
Adam

Reply
David G
3/3/2014 01:47:43 pm

Thanks Adam. We're glad you joined us last night. Ripper steaks.
Trust you got home ok and have great memories of your time in Nepal.

Cheers mate.

Reply
Wine link
4/3/2014 03:00:16 am

Not sure if you picked up a previous blog I sent Dave as I received a rejection advice. It was regarding Bangkok and checking the travel warnings for tourists heading to that area. Can't wait to see your photos so I can spill on them again.

Reply
David G
4/3/2014 06:52:56 pm

Thanks Wine
The old precautions. Stay away from public rallies.

Reply



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    2014 Trip Blog...

    Hi. Welcome to my 2014 Everest Base Camp trip blog.
    We plan to drop regular updates of our trip progress and look forward to reading your responses





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David Gaul - 0417 388 404
Point Cook. Vic. Australia