Updates From Everest Calonica Let the Acclimatizing Begin Thursday, August 7, 1997 (Jomsom) Hi there, It's me your local Jomsom, Kagbeni field reporter. Let the acclimatizing begin. On July 6th we flew from Pokhara to Jomsom at 2,713 meters, the Nepali version of the U.S. wind city Chicago. I've been to this place many times over the last sixteen years and like clock work around 12 noon it comes as sure as the sun will rise and set, it's a good idea to do your walking to and from this area early in the morning, unless of course you like dust and knock-you-over gust type winds. The wake up call this morning was spectacular. I was in this deep, deep sleep when I felt as if something was breathing down my neck and wanted me to wake up. I got the shock and opened my eyes and saw just what it was that wanted me to wake up. Right out my bedroom window was one of the most spectacular Himalayan peaks one could ever wish to see first thing in the morning. The peaks I'm looking at here are the Nilgiri peaks and further down Tilicho peak all around 7,000 + meters high, beautiful, simply beautiful. After breakfast we head off to Kagbeni at 2,895 meters. A very old village not far from the border of Tibet and the gateway to the Mustang area, a remote, hip place to visit these days and very expensive. Going price per day -- $100. That's a lot of cash to pay for desert walking and an occasional old Tibetan Buddhist Monastery if you ask me. But what the hell, look what people are willing to pay for some fish eggs, right? It's the ole lemming affect, one jumps in and the rest follow. Tomorrow we're off to Muktinath, a small village sitting at 3,798 meters. I'll fill you in with all the details of that area in tomorrow's, as the acclimatize-times roll. -- Craig Calonica, Expedition Leader [Back to Updates Home]