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Mon 20th Feb. Not today...

20/2/2017

24 Comments

 
We all sprang out of bed at 4.30 this morning and we're in the Kathmandu domestic departure lounge by 5.45am..!!!
Along with several others, we waited...and we waited...and we waited..!! The lounge became very full of passengers trying to depart to several parts of Nepal that were closed due weather. With no spare seats available........we waited.
Now normally, if you haven't been called up for your Lukla departure by around late morning to midday due weather, you normally get cancelled for the day. But today, Tara Airlines insisted all Lukla passengers remain at the airport well beyond midday and wait for Lukla to open. (They were trying to clear the backlog from yesterday's cancelled flights). In fact, it was 2.15 when the announcement came over that Lukla was still closed and all Lukla flights were cancelled. Devastating..!!! A very long day for very little result.
We are now back in Thamel, some of us still wearing our day 1 trek gear..!! Sitting in Sue's favourite coffee shop (Himalayan Java) washing down (and eating away) the frustration of the day.

Now I am used to Lukla delays. That's the nature of the EBC trek. (Adventure, not a Holiday). But today was tough for several within the team. 

So tomorrow is no guarantee either. Forecast only marginally better and we are now on the 3rd flight due to the backlog of those now trying to get in/out of Lukla..!! Hoping for good fortune tomorrow..!

Neil is the positive one in the group.  He has titled tomorrow "Tok Tok Tuesday"....being our planned 1st night trek.
24 Comments
Sue
20/2/2017 10:31:49 pm

They obviously held a glimmer of hope keeping you all there that long. Chin up Team EBC..... you will look back at this as an amazing experience. Truly sucks at the time, but trust me on this.
So is everyone ready for another "pat down" in the morning....it will feel a little De Ja Vue.

Reply
David G
21/2/2017 12:23:37 am

We are all ready for "Tok Tok Tuesday." Tomorrow Didi.

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Glenn
21/2/2017 10:20:36 am

Pat down more like touch up

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Sue
21/2/2017 03:30:01 pm

Well, you just never know where one might try and hide something.

Brian@weeroona
20/2/2017 10:33:06 pm

I would rather be stuck in Kathmandu trying to get into Lukla than being stuck in Lukla trying to get back to Kathmandu.
Been there, done that.

Reply
David G
21/2/2017 12:32:35 am

Hey B@W. I'm inclined to agree. Right now sitting st "Sam's Bar" reflecting on the day. Have had a great coffee and cheesecake at "HImalayan Java" and two of the team have had an hour massage from Dinez at the Guest House. Could be worse..!!

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Brian@weeroona
21/2/2017 02:45:50 am

Ahh, the method in your madness. You eat carefully and lose weight at home and then, away from the oversight of your dietitian, Suzi, you spend your days 'pigging out' on cheesecake etc. in Kathamandu. Or are you claiming that you are 'fuelling up on carbs' before your strenuous walk in the mountains? : )

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richard Ford link
21/2/2017 03:28:24 am

Brian ... Dave hasn't fussed up to Baskin and Robbins addiction yet !

David G
21/2/2017 01:56:39 pm

Dobber...!

Richard Ford link
21/2/2017 03:13:37 am

well if tok tok doesn't happen ..enjoy the 4 day walk !
and say hello to Peters kids on the way ...cheers

Reply
Wine link
21/2/2017 09:16:42 am

If you mean Peter H, now I know why he disappeared for a while during 2012 trek. It was either to visit family or create more.

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John G
21/2/2017 08:18:18 am

A familiar look of boredom and frustration on the faces in the departure hall. I like Laxman's new wheels. That old Corolla he had had surety rattled to bits. Hopefully you're away tomorrow.

Reply
David G
21/2/2017 01:58:10 pm

Looking better this morning John.

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christine hennigan
21/2/2017 09:15:12 am

unlike many other airports in the world, there's not a lot to do at Kathmandu airport, a few mini board games might be a thought for future waiting

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David G
21/2/2017 02:00:40 pm

Ha.. There wasn't an inch of floor space to play any games yesterday Christine. Airport was absolutely full..!

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Wine link
21/2/2017 09:21:47 am

Dave and team, hope you make it out of Kat today. The trek is not for rushing, it is for enjoying and experiencing.

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Sue
21/2/2017 12:08:06 pm

So true Wine.....and you haven't experience Nepal unless you've either....
a. experienced delays in and out of lukla or
b. Shit your pants altitude.
Bill has experienced Nepal, but not the delays of Lukla.

Reply
David G
21/2/2017 12:29:15 pm

Ok, so in the checkin line at the airport with tears of laughter rolling down my cheeks at these last few comments..!! Bill, I anticipate a response..!

David G
21/2/2017 03:29:50 pm

Update Tue 21st 10.13am
Have just been paged for our Lukla flight. A good sign.

Reply
Dis
21/2/2017 05:16:18 pm

David, I see Laxman has a new car. Will look him up when we get there and use him for some local trips

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Bill
21/2/2017 07:22:01 pm

Sorry you guys will have to front up to a 3rd day of waiting but its all part of the experience. Having trained hard to meet the physical requirements of the trek, you are now experiencing the mental side of trekking in Nepal but it will be worth the wait.

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Sue
21/2/2017 09:29:34 pm

I believe they got out today Bill, Hats off to you cause not only did you have to deal with the physical side of the trek, you're still facing the mental demons of the trek from 4 years ago. If only you had of squeezed those bum cheeks together just a little bit tighter, things could have been a whole lot different. Blog entries would have been a whole lot different......For this I thank you Bill Brown.

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Spanner
22/2/2017 08:58:48 am

Glad to hear you are one the way at last, every one seems to be in fine spirits and ready for their great adventure, good luck to you all. The photos are great cheers mum

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David G
22/2/2017 10:59:51 pm

Thanks Span'

Reply



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    David
    2017 EBC blog...

    ​Hi all.

    Welcome to the 2017 EBC trip blog.

    David will update and post the progress of the team from their departure out of Melbourne to their slog up to Everest Base Camp at 5,545m amsl and then their safe descent and recovery back down.

    Feel free to access this blog and drop them a comment during their trip. Depending on the availability of WIFI on the way up, the team will be rapt to hear from you. 

    Cheers.

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