April 14, 2018
Spoiler Alert! I have decided to post weekly summaries through my inReach messenger that my good friend Julie is going to post on the blog for everyone. (THANK YOU JULIE!) We both have unlimited messaging for these 3 months to keep in touch and to keep my family updated. It’s done in 160 character texts, but it is pretty awesome to have that connection to home for this trip. Detailed daily posts of every day with photos will start going up in 2-3 weeks when I get cell service.
The goal of this week was to gradually climb from 4,056 ft/1,236 m to Kanchenjunga Base Camp, (Google it for a photo), the official start of the Great Himalaya Trail at 16,873 ft/5143 m. We tagged base camp today, right on schedule, and are on our way down! Look at my Where’s Wired tab to get a good visual. This is a formal trekking route, so we have been able to stay and eat at teahouses everyday. Surprisingly, all of us have not had issues with acclimatizing, but we all have gotten sick!
Thankfully, part of this process requires many half days of hiking to limit elevation gain each day, and that gives us time to recuperate. Mine has passed after MANY days, and Buck-30 threw up once and recovered in less than a day. Griggs has a mystery stomach ailment that is lingering slightly and causing lethargy. He and I have had to battle through. However, we are making it through right on schedule and spirits are high. We have one more day down to Ghunsa where we will then head west to begin crossing the length of Nepal and get off the common trekking routes. Time to put those heavy tents and insanely heavy food bags to use! Below is a fun entry from Buck-30 as well since he also cannot post to his journal. Griggs says hi to everyone! Below are two photos that made it through on day one when I had a moment of service. ** note pics may be slightly blurry
“Wow, I can’t believe I’m receiving this award. The “Only Throwing up One Time In A Week Award” is really all I ever wanted from the GHT. I don’t know what to say. I guess, first off, I’d like to thank our lord and savior, The Trail God, for making me only sprint one time to a pit toilet as compared to Wired and Griggs. Of course, I have to thank my parents; without them I wouldn’t be freezing my ass off at 16,900′ in the Himalaya. And my sister and nieces. And, Heather, I miss you. I’m ready to be sweltering in the desert with you again. Oh, ok, I’m going. Thanks to everyone. 60 miles down and 840 to go.” – Buck-30
That first pic looks fake. So unbeliavably amazing. Can’t wait until the dailies post.
-living vicariously through you 🙂
If you have diarrhea for more than 1 week,it probably is giardia.
Namaste
Get better, Griggs! I’m glad the rest of you are better. Sending vitality and fortitude to all and wishing you all a wonderful journey!
I’m so glad that you’re powering through and recovering, albeit slowly. Sounds like one hell of an adventure already and I can’t wait to hear what happens next! Yours is still my favourite trail journal. Stay safe and enjoy.
Namaste. Well, this IS exciting. Didn’t think we would get a post, with photos no less, so soon! Charge ON!
This is so cool, on my list of hikes. Started to read Buck-30 journals, sounds like he’d be fun to hike with, and congrats on his award 😉
-Doug-
So unexpectedly good to hear from you!
Griggs and lethargic in the same sentence! Feel better, Griggs! Stay better Erin!
Namaste, walk in peace, all three of you!
Glad the “prep” for the trip seems to be over! Now on to having fun and staying well.
I’d never heard of hikers heading to hike in a place where they they KNEW they’d be sick. Gluttons for punishment; enjoy!
Thank you Julie for giving us the opportunity to read what’s going on! What a relief to hear your better & on your way Erin! Greetings from flat Belgium
You are welcome, Kathy! it is my pleasure to be able to help Erin share this adventure. I know how much she loves to update everyone daily. Since that is not possible this trip, we thought that everyone would enjoy at least weekly updates!
Julie, we are grateful, for sure!
How are you handling the elevation?
I’m so glad to hear you’re feeling better, and I’m sending good vibes to Griggs so he gets well quickly.
So much love! ?
Thank you for this post. I hope that soon you all will feel better. What an amazing adventure. I can’t wait for more updates and info. I am starting to prep already for doing this next year. Your blog will be very helpful.