So, Everest.

Today's hike was a modest 5hrs; mostly uphill. Made it to Namche by noon. There is a decent circuit of trekkers through here. Some heading back after getting here; most keen to push up towards Everest Base Camp. Regardless, this tiny mountain village has to be one of the most remote markets around. Porters will carry their wares for days to sell it here. Suppose it makes sense as everything - except those born here - has been carried in on a porters back. It's tough enough making up carrying just a day pack.

Most of the electricity is from hydroelectric. Lots of run-off from the mtn glaciers feeding the waterfalls and rivers. Have noticed a few spots with solar panels; far more at less remote spots. Seems like the ideal spot for wind turbines, but we'll have to get Ben Kerl on the case.

Oh, so I saw Everest today. Could see the huge southern face lit up by the early morning sun. Rather humbling at 8,800m. Will get a straight glance at the North Face from Gokyo in about a weeks time.

I'm starting to feel like Bill Murray in 'What About Bob.' Baby steps across the bridge. Baby steps past the sherpas carrying 80kg. Baby steps over that next mountain pass... Heel to Toe on the uphills.

It all gets higher and more remote from here. Signing off from the doorstep to the roof of the world.

Namaste...

I'm currently in Phakding, Nepal; day three of my 20 day trek. Haven't showered in 5 days, but feeling very fresh.

Nepal is an interesting country. Very poor. Incredibly remote. The people in the mountains have very warm hearts and are tough as nails. The porters carry loads up to 80kg all day (and in some cases through the night). Its necessary. Its their livelihood.

After a few audibles (road strike in Jiri and a couple cancelled planes), I have decided to take a route up towards Everest Base Camp, through Cho-la pass, up to Gokyo and back down to Lukla. The mountain passes will be up at 5,500m range. I've only been up near 5,000m in Peru. The air was skinny, but wasn't an issue was I slept well below that mark. We will have a number of nights above 5,000m on this trek.

I am accompanied by a guide, Raj, and a porter, Kuntcha. We have made good ground our first few days: 7-9hrs of hiking the lowlands. We missed a day due to a cancelled flight and ultimately hopped a plane which dropped us in a town 2days below our original start point; thus, we are 3days 'behind' schedule. Its all relative. Not an issue.

Ok, the power was just switched off in town. Managed to boot back up quickly, but i'll sign off for now. Have internet tomorrow, but then likely sparse until the end of the trail on May 7th when I'm back in KTM. Have arranged a 7 day trip into Tibet. Will drive from KTM on May 9th.

Off for dinner. Dhal Baht (lentil curry and rice). They have a rule: unlimited plates of Dhal Baht. All other food is served as a single portion only. Its funny, after every meal Raj always looks at me and askes if I have a "Full Tank."

Life is pretty basic. Active. Eating. Sleeping. No complaints.

grows like a weed...

last night on the flight down I watched a tech show called "Invention Nation."  They highlight three innovative ideas per show. I was struck by the obvious simplicity of one: the bamboo bike. 

Light weight, extremely rigid and strong. The tubing seams are wrapped in a hemp fiber which is apparently stronger (and safer) than fiberglass.

Take a look at the link.  Highlights the fixed gear bamboo frame with handle bars made from real Texan steer horns.  I want one of these.

http://www.calfeedesign.com/singlespeed.htm

Designed and manufactured by Calfee Design. 

Enroute.

I am currently in a small bangkok hotel; close to the airport. My connecting flight to Kathmandu is in 8hrs. I'm poaching wifi and recharging some batteries. Just dumped some photos from the D90 onto my laptop to clear some space on the memory stick; just in case I fill 8gb with shots of the mountains. 

There has to be a certain degree of truth in most cliches otherwise they wouldn't be repeated and never become, well, cliche.  I am a believer that things genuinely do happen for a reason and whatever does happen you must look forward and figure out how you can turn it in your favour. 

Two months ago, I was asked to resign from MS.  The following 60 days have been fantastic. Certainly wouldn't trade them to be grinding it out on the desk.  I have had a heap of fun and the journey has really just begun. 

I have encountered two responses to my unemployment; both polar opposites: get back in the saddle and find a job or travel and ride that horse into the sunset.  I am of the latter camp. Clearly. 

I find it difficult to convince myself that I need a job at the present time.  I am 27, debt free with no kids.  Such a period of time is limited. To do anything else but travel and explore would be foolish, but again thats just my view. 

Thus, I have purchased an around the world business class ticket. I have 12 months to travel 39,000 miles.  All departure times are flexible, but I have outlined my destinations: TKY --> Nepal --> Vancouver --> Toronto --> Santiago, Chile --> B.A., Argentina --> Jburg, S.Africa --> Mumbai, India --> Singapore --> HK --> TKY. 

Tomorrow I arrive in Kathmandu. I have never been there prior. I have arranged for a 25day trek through eastern Nepal followed by a short trip into Tibet. 

I wander and wonder one day at a time.