From 12,713'- Pangboche

This is the first journal entry I did for Love Hope Strength along the way. Original can be found here.

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Today was an emotional day for me. Waking up after a nine-hour sleep and feeling as though I was beating the small cold I had, a hot delicious breakfast and I was ready to take on the day’s trek. Then during breakfast, Lisa learned of the passing of her Aunt, and the waterworks began.

The reasons for being here vary from hiker to hiker – whether it be a thrill-seeking sense of adventure or the need to climb a giant mountain, to bring a prayer to the highest hills for someone fighting cancer or to pay homage to loved ones who have passed, we have our own personal reasons that have drawn us on this physically and emotionally challenging journey. For me it was a little of everything – a chance to climb part of Everest is an opportunity not to be missed. And to be able to carry flags for people to an amazing resting place to provide a small amount of comfort is something I am honored to do.

Around 8:00 a.m. we started on the initial decent down the mountain.

We were in the shade, my knees were aching and it was still pretty cold. The actual temperature unknown, which I’ve decided is better than knowing – a little ignorance can be blissful.  I began talking with Meghan and she brought up her grandfather who is in his 90s, and again the waterworks started as I thought of my own grandfather who passed over 15 years ago. “Hello Beautiful” he would always say to me. We had a special bond. Just thinking of that had me going again and so we had to change the topic to get my head back into the game. The trekking is challenging enough that having a clear mind is a good thing as you really don’t want to trip over a rock, or step in a giant pile of yak shit.

On the docket was a stop at the Tengboche Monastery. This stop wasn’t just a random sight-seeing excursion, but a very special one for the Llama (head monk) of the monastery was to bless the prayer flags we are carrying to Base Camp. These flags, which hold the names of loved ones who have passed, those who are sick, or just those who we carry in our hearts and want extra prayers for.

The Monastery is located atop a small ridge with spectacular views of Mount Everest, Nupse, Lhotse,  Ama Dablam peaks. It’s so beautiful that you almost can’t even fathom what you are viewing at the time. A beauty so great that you don’t even realize you are in awe until you look through the photos on your camera during afternoon tea.

Leading up to the understated monastery is an elaborate gateway of traditional Asian style – wider at the top and stair-stepping down with each layer holding a different pattern with every color imaginable. This gateway – flanked by two large guard dog statues at the bottom and four dragon heads at the top corners – is so ornate and colorful that it almost steals the attention from the natural beauty surrounding.

As we entered the area within the monastery where the Llama was sitting, we piled our prayer flags for the blessing. This moment was even more powerful for Lisa who had just the night before written her Aunt’s name on one of the two remaining flags I am carrying with me. After the group blessing, it was requested to bring these flags to the Llama and as we stood there together, he again blessed my set of 41 flags. It was a powerful, yet peaceful, moment.

So many names, so many stories. Each completely unique and wonderful, but very similar at the same time. As each of us hiking on the mountain, and to all those who we pass along the way, we all become one on the mountain. We are all here, trekking to a goal. We experience the same pains, joys and sights – yet our personal stories are as varied as the clouds above the peaks and they create a wonderful web of life and trials that makes this trek such an amazing experience.

Life is so fragile and fleeting – but not to be thought of in a sad way, but to be celebrated and enjoyed. Live it as if you are standing on the top of Everest and screaming out “I AM ALIVE!!”

Sarah Ewalt

December 1, 2012

Pangboche

12,713 feet

Quote of the day: “Is that Linkin Park?” ~Monk from the Tengboche Monastery as the guys began to play.