I love writing, but today I'm a little lost for words ...
Today was superb. I'm a bit weary, and time is a bit tight, so there's no detailed story tonight. Just a series of photos, with some captions. When I process the day properly I'll go back and fill in a story. Here goes:
Yaks on the helipad
Relaxing before the walk
Ama Dablam over Khunjung
At the new Sir Edmund Hillary Visitor Centre, pre-opening and pre-ceremony
Khatas being presented to the (very large) crowd
Jamling Tenzing Norgay, left, son of Tenzing Norgay Sherpa, with Peter Hillary, right. Jamling's speech during the ceremony was very emotional, and brought tears to my eyes.
Part of the cultural entertainment, in front of Hillary statue
Butter lamps lit by Jamling Tenzing Norgay, Peter Hillary, Helen Clark (ex NZ PM and Patron of the Hillary Trust NZ) and others
After the formal opening, I had a lovely chat with the Australian Ambassador to Nepal, Felicity Volk. We'll be having dinner with her in Kathmandu next week (photo courtesy Margaret Dane)
Leaving Khumjung, post ceremony (on our way back to Namche)
Along the way to Namche
High above Namche
The newly festooned statue of Tenzing Norgay Sherpa, with Lhotse in the background
The opening ceremony at the Tenzing Norgay Sherpa Heritage Centre above Namche
Chomolungma/Sagarmāthā poking her head out of the clouds, to the left of Lhotse
Seemed only fitting to have an Everest beer today ...
Caught up with Peter Hillary to get his signature on the book inscriptions I've carried all over the country
After I'd got Peter's signatures, Trevor (travelling companion and room mate) did the same and then obtained Helen Clark's signature on a fundraising poster.
That's all folks - 7 hour walk to Thanygboche tomorrow ...