Welcome to my Mt. Everest page!

Lets start at the top, with my good friends and companions Mike Garner, Holly Smith (with myself) on top of Kala Patthar (18,200'=5545m):	Larger View.
Larger View.	And here is Holly and me on the way down. The snow had gotten worse, but at least we are still smiling!
Its not always hard going. Sometimes we got warm days, gorgeous views and paths that were flat or actually went down. You actually learn to hate the down parts though, because it just means you have to climb that much again! Here is a nice view at a lower elevation.	Larger View.
Larger View.	And this was another nice day in the village of Khumjung. We had just descended into this valley after visiting the Everest View Hotel and spent the night here. Believe it or not, there is a very nice German Bakery here! I tried to get a discount by stressing my Indian accent, but I think my equipment gave it away. Plus, I think the lady who runs it has heard all the excuses! Still, she gave me half a discount from the usual (rip-off) rates she charges "foreigners" as she said: "you are only half a foreigner, so I will charge you less!"
And here we are enjoying the sun at the famous Everest View Hotel on the way up. If you are planning a trip to this region - I would definitely recommend staying here! But do it as we did on your way back and you will learn to appreciate the true luxury of hot and cold running water. In this picture I am sitting between Holly and Mark, with Chris across from us.	Larger View.
Larger View.	A few more pictures to show we didn't really spend all our time at the Everest View Hotel! This is Lobuche (16,108' - 4,910m). We spent the night here, before heading for Gorak Shep - the last step before attacking Kala Patthar. Woke up to Snow :-( I was not well (had a mild case of altitude sickness and had started taking Diamox) and was definitely not thrilled to find the official Nepal Govt. rep. who is supposed to check climbing permits staying with us! He usually stays up ahead at Gorak Shep, or even as far as Base Camp, but had come back down as "the weather was not good and he wasn't well". And we were supposed to go ahead? Still, at least it looks pretty.
Climbing is risky, and in 1996 there were several casualties:	Larger View.
Larger View.	Well, 1996 is not the only year with casualties. Unfortunately, people are lost almost every year.
Phew! Glad I've made it over this one!	Larger View.
Larger View.	The monastry at Tengboche (12,664' = 3860m). I believe this is the highest monastry in the world.