Surke to Lukla

Monday,  May 22nd  Lukla, 9,150 feet

Yesterday morning we  (Ramesh) decided we should let Russ try the trail for awhile and see how his body responded.

It turned out that he could walk petty much pain free if he went slow and didn't carry a pack.

 This lovely patch of orchids above our host's wash up area bid us farewell.

This mane wall stood at the junction of the trail. Namche Bazaar to the left and Lukla to the right . Russ seemed to be doing ok so we pushed for Lukla, where there is a doctor.

Not far off the trail we found a shrine to female genitalia. The rocks had been carved by the intermittent water flow over who knows how many thousands of years.

  

This is a particularly clear example of the old prayers carved into boulders found along the trail. In many cases the carvings are nearly invisible, even though about a half inch deep, because of accumulated dirt, lichen, etc. Monks from a local monastery clean and paint the old prayers.

 in addition to its hospital, Lukla is known for its airport with the sloped runway. At the bottom end of the runway, there is a cliff, as there is at the top end. Takeoffs are pretty safe.  Landings, on the other hand, are sometimes unsuccessful. Clouds suddenly obscuring the view, a sudden downdraft or pilot error can result in a sudden collision with hard rock. 

The apron is level and can handle two or three twin Otters plus assorted helicopters.

We checked into the Nest Hotel and found internet connectivity.  Yah!

Russ visited the local hospital and was seen by the resident Swiss  physician. After an examination,  the doc told Russ there was nothing seriously wrong and he could continue his trek but to take it easy for a couple days. 

We decided to take an unscheduled rest day to help the healing process.