BaldBrady’s Blog

This is a short post today because I am COLD. Today we hiked up to Dengboche sitting at 4,400 m (14,436 ft) in a broad windswept valley. We are now in the alpine tundra zone where most of the vegetation is no higher than your knee. The temperature from the start of our hike was well below freezing, judging from all the ice on the trail. The day began clear, but as is par for the course, clouds began building by noon, and an icy wind brought a few swirling snow flakes.

Upon arrival, I was chilled to the bone. I got myself organized, had a cup of hot lemon tee in the dining room, and went up to my cubical of a room and crawled into my sleeping bag with all my warm cloths on and I even threw the woolen blanket on top for good measure. I almost dozed off, but the cold awakened me, I just could not get the chill out. This is a likely side effect of the thin air. I went down to the common room, which is marginally warmer due to body heat, had a hot chocolate and plate of popcorn, and now I feel much better.

Today’s hike was not difficult, but the thin air kicked my butt. Last night I did not sleep well, so I am hoping tonight will be better. I have Ambien waiting, but don’t really want to use it, at least not yet.