hike to Machharmo

This turned out to be a really nice hike almost 6km long and a steady rise to 4,410m (14,100 ft).  Today was a fairly ho-hum hike unless you consider seeing a more amazing mountain peaks around every corner ho-hum.  In that case, it was another day of spectacular views and vistas.

While the hike wasn't too strenuous or long, I was feeling sort of tired at the end.  After lunch at our tea house in Macharmo I decided to retire to my bed for a bit.  I didn't sleep but ended up resting for about 3 hours or so listening to the peaceful sounds of yaks grazing outside my window, which I started to refer to as the lawn care service.

Two other members of our team decided to go for a ridge run which I think furthers the separation of the fitness classes I've established here.  At the top are the Nepalese people who are hired as porters for our group.  These folks carry our "extra" gear bundled two to a person which end up weighing about 45-50kg per bundle.  That is a bit over 100 pounds.  These folks as small in physical stature, probably not weighing much more than 100 pounds themselves.  They generally wear jeans, light jackets and tennis shoes.  Many of them also smoke.  They trot up and down these trails as easily as I walk out to the mailbox I think.

Next in the fitness level are the athletes in our team.  That would be Boz and Keri.  They are both accomplished ultra-runners who normally run mountain trails for extreme distances.  Boz has so far worn shorts and flip-flops for the entire trek.  Keri doesn't use trekking poles and generally only slows down to be polite I think.  Donnie has been able to hang with this group on the trail but I think that is only because our lead guide sets the pace for us and doesn't appreciate folks passing him up.

Then there are the laggards which includes myself, David and Jim.  We bring up the middle and end of the string.  While I could go a bit faster, I choose not to as I feel better at the end of the hikes if I can keep my heart rate between 90 and 110 bpm.  At this altitude it is super easy for me to ring 150 while walking if I don't pay attention to my pace and breathing.