We got up fairly early, but didn't start climbing Kala Patthar until well after 9am. This was great as the sun had time to warm the air, but would have its consequences later.
After breakfast, Muir performed the usual health checks and then we put together a team to climb Kala Patthar. Due to lack of acclimatization, we decided that a small group of students should remain in the lodge whilst the rest of the team climbed. We didn't want to risk anybody getting ill on the mountain. These students were very dissapointed but they already had so much to be proud off. Climbing to Gorak Shep is a huge acheivement - it is after all 5140m above sea level, higher than any mountain in Europe.
The ascent team made slow progress up Kala Patthar, pounded by the bitter wind and suffering from the thin air, but to look at their expressions when they reached the summit, it had all obviously been worth it.
The descent to Gorak Shep was fast and dusty, I think that the kids were longing to meet up again with their friends and have something warm to eat and drink.
Leaving Gorak Shep about lunch time, we began the very long walk down the mountain to Lobuche and then Pheriche, where we arrived in the gloaming. Scott Browner, Ash and Josh had walked up the trail to meet us.
The lodge was full but the atmosphere was great, everybody in very high spirits.
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