Everest Base Camp - Day 3 -Phakding

After a great night’s sleep at the hotel it was an early start (5.30am) to catch our flight to Lukla. I actually felt excited and ready to get into the trek. After some waiting around in the airport we boarded our flight which wasn’t half as bad as I had expected. We even had an air hostess on board. Flying in was like something out of Jurassic Park, you half expect a T-rex to pop out from somewhere. Despite the runway being frighteningly small we landed safely and were ready to begin the trek to everest base camp.

Our first days trek was surprisingly easy, more like a gentle stroll, although, on a few of the steps I did start to feel the altitude. I certainly won’t be running anywhere fast anytime soon. The campsite is great, everything was set up when we arrived and we had a nice warm room to have our dinner in. If the trip carries on like this I’m going to have to exaggerate my story to the people who sponsored me when I get home.

Another luxury is I have my own tent, which despite my general hate for people did make me feel a bit sad… only for a second though. Once inside I was able to pack and arrange all my things with tons of room. Needless to say some of the lads who have to share a tent have questioned why the smallest girl gets her own. Shit happens I guess. Although I may need someone in when it gets colder, but for now it’s great.

With so many porters, cooks and Sherpers doing pretty much everything for us I have never felt more British. They even fed us cheese sandwiches and spam for lunch. All I need now is my nightgown and pipe.

Tomorrow is apparently one of the hardest days and will be a test for how well our bodies cope with the acclimatisation. I’m looking forward to a challenge as at the moment it feels a bit like a holiday (I realise I may regret saying this).