Internet connection is not great so posts will be few and far between.
We made it to Chukkung (elevation 15,045 ft). As we were ascending my left ear began to feel full of fluid and began ringing. Once we arrived I could no longer hear out of my left ear. Tried to sleep it off, but was unable to get the pressure to relieve. This morning we decided to descend back to Dingboche, where there is a pharmacy. We woke to 3 inches of fresh snow. Noticed some nice little footprints in the snow as we were hiking down. Wondered what little critters belong to those toe prints.
Arrived back in Dingboche and my ear felt a bit better, but had not cleared. The pharmacy did not have a decongestant and recommended that we hike across the mountain to Pheriche where there is a doctor who could look at my ear and give me the appropriate medication. Took 25 minutes to hike over the mountain and was seen quickly by a doc from Scotland. No fever or infection, just fluid caught in the ear f of the change in pressure as we ascended. Gave me a decongestant and sent us on our way. On the hike back up the mountain we saw an eagle soaring on the thermal waves. It was the highlight of our day. We stood and watched him effortlessly glide through the sky. Oskar got some nice video footage, but it does not capture the experience of that moment.
The trip thus far has been full of intense experiences. The mountains are beyond anything I could imagine. I am moved to tears on a daily basis.
We have been able to manage my body thus far. Our gear has kept me warm despite cold temperatures. Seeking warmth is a constant task, whether from a ray of sun or the kitchen stove in the tea house that gets fired up around 5 pm.
The kitchen is a meeting place for trekkers from all over the world. The Sherpa people who run the tea houses are joyful, friendly people who love to share their culture and their beautiful home.
Namaste
WanderJill
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