March 28th 2002, Namche Bazaar

Just arrived in Namche Bazaar, we’ll spend a couple days acclimatizing. All our food and equipment, almost 2 tons, will go into base camp from here on yaks; we'll follow soon. Been experiencing a lot of afternoon thunderstorm activity every day with a bit of rain. The snow level is currently at 15,000 feet; snowing most the day even in Namche. Off for a hike to the villages of Kundi and Khumjung today. We are all hoping for our first view of the mountain! We plan to trek to Tyangboche tomorrow.

Scott Woolums Adventures International Inc. 

April 1st 2002, Dingboche

Our group arrived in Dingboche today. The weather has been ok, but snowing for awhile each afternoon. We plan to stay 3 nights here before moving up so all the team members can acclimatize well. We had a great Puja or blessing ceremony at the Pangboche Monastery yesterday. This is important for both us and the sherpas before going onto the mountain. We will have a much larger Puja at base camp. Several other teams are in the area now; everyone is slowly making their way to base camp for the April/May climbing season.

Scott Woolums Adventures International Inc.

Dispatches