Polar Explorer Eric Larsen
Day 8. Pheriche
rainy, overcast, partly sunny, 60 F
08 September 2010 | Pheriche, Nepal 14,057' 4,283m
Yesterday, we were desperately trying to get Tshering and Nima on a helicopter to Lukla. With weeks of bad flying conditions, over 150 tourists and locals were waiting on flights stuck in Kathmandu.

So, when I randomly bumped into my friend Mark Wood who was chartering a helicopter, we went into logistics overdrive. After a flurry of calls, the outcome was still uncertain. 'If it works out, no problem,' Tshering counseled. 'If not, no problem, too.'

Turns out that the weather cleared and 17 flights made it into Lukla - including the rest of our small team. No problem.

We started the day in more misty and overcast skies (again). Our spirits lifted considerabley when the clouds cleared and we were able to get our first real views of the surrounding peaks. Incredible.

Tshering, unfazed by the change told me, 'In the Lama book it says that 21 days of rain ended yesterday.'

We climbed slowly for most of the afternoon eventually making it above treeline. The landscape has changed slightly and we are now in the more open Khumbu region. Coming into Pheriche, we were impressed by the number of yaks grazing... Everywhere! Both Ujjuwal and I are in agreement that we like Pheriche best.

With the help of Base Camp manager, Elisabeth Harincar, I will be answering one question a week each Wednesday. Please submit your questions through Twitter @ELexplore or http://facebook.com/ericlarsenexplore Want to know what I eat for breakfast, my favorite Clif bar flavor or what I miss the most? Now is your chance to find out all that and more. Submit your questions any time. One question will be chosen to answer each Wednesday.

Image: Ama Dablam in the distance as seen from one of the last bridges before Pheriche.
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