Trekking Day 4

10/25/2011
Macchapucchare Base Camp (MBC)

This morning I made it to MBC in only 4 hours, arriving at noon. This is the last stop before I ascent 430 meters to Annapurna Base Camp, which lies at 4130 meters. It was a lovely climb today, through a valley between cathedral-like rock faces, alongside a river running strong with snow melt. I paused today at a small rock shrine to give thanks to these beautiful mountains, and as I approached MBC I was greeted by a soaring Himalayan Eagle. It hardly flapped its wings, soaring freely until it reached a spot above me, where it made a smooth turnaround to go back behind the rocky cliff. It felt as though it was saying hello to me :0)

After taking a two-hour nap, I am now sitting in the lodge dining room, trying to stay warm, drinking lemon ginger tea. I am watching a group of Nepali guides and porters playing a fierce game of hearts (they don't just lay each card down as they play, they SLAP them down with gusto!). While I was napping I heard loud shouts from outside - at first I thought it was an emergency, but now I realize it was the guides & porters playing a game of high-altitude volleyball!
I just got invited to play Scrabble with some other travelers. I will write more tomorrow!

Namaste,
Melissa