April 1, 2013
Kathmandu, Nepal

Long day of medical presentations (Acute Mountain Syndrome, hypothermia, frostbite) and logistical briefings as tomorrow we leave the comfort of the Hotel Yak and Yeti and fly to Lukla to begin the trek.

New Nepalese regulations cut way back on our allotted weight for the flight.  What had been 15 kg for our duffel and 5 kg for our carry on daypack (44 pounds total) has been cut to 15 kg total, shaving 11 pounds off our limit.  Think it’s easy living in the mountains for two week on 33 pounds?  Try packing it.  My waterproof expedition duffel bag weighs 4 pounds empty.

Pizza with the group at Fire and Ice Pizzeria, a Kathmandu tradition.  Early to bed for a 5 a.m. bus to the airport.

I’m not at all sure I’ll have web access for the next two weeks, so don’t be surprised if the blog goes silent for a while.