Our rest day in Pheriche worked out well and everyone felt better after a day at a lower altitude. We went for a short hike and had our oxygen level checked (all very good) and so the next day we headed back up to Lobuche. It was tough to retrace our steps but this time we felt great at Lobuche. After a solid sleep we headed towards Gorakshep for the morning. After a snack at our lodge, the highest inn in the world (Snowland 5100m), we headed off for Everest Base Camp. It was only a two hour trek but beautiful amongst these giant mountains and glaciers. Several times we saw parts of a glacier break off and start an avalanche! The most mind blowing part of the trip up to the camp was the many times we needed to pull off to the side for yak "trains" carrying loads of items from base camp as they are dismantling it for the season and the porters carrying LOADS of stuff down...carpets, tents (think wedding tents), chairs, mattresses (several at a time), metal containers, etc! It was insane! Once we got to base camp it was almost deserted of tents, which our guide tells us has never before happened in Everest climbing history. Usually the place is covered with hundreds of tents, but instead just a lonely few were left. We saw the Khumbu icefall that climbers set off on and it looked dangerous! Finally, Alex and Zach found the perfect rock souvenir to bring back to Canada. A rock from Everest was on Alex's list!
The next day we woke up early (4:45) to summit Kala Pattar. We were told the views from the summit are spectacular and you really get the true sense of how big Everest is, as it is right infront of you. The clouds were low and thick when we set off and not very promising. However, the boys and Mark pressed on to the summit and were rewarded with the clouds burning off and "the world's best views" says Zach! Once they returned we had a quick breakfast and began our descent down. Tonight we are back in Pheriche and in the next few days we should be back into Lukla for our flight back to Kathmandu. We're getting ready for our next step but equally sad to be leaving the beautiful Himalyas. Zach already has plans to come back to complete the Kongma La pass and other peaks! This has been the best trekking experience ever. The kids have surprised us each day by their perseverance and attitude. They are amazing!
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