Today was the day, which culminated in the ascent to Everest Base Camp. Our day began again early from Labuche, our overnight stay. At 6h30 we had everything done; wake up, getting ready, breakfast and checking out of our lodge...pretty good going to begin with! To be honest, I did not have a great night and I continuously woke up. It was freezing in the morning and even the water bottles we use as provisions during the day and as additional heater for our sleeping bags during night got cold...a first!

The trek started slow, but with excitement in the air that we will reach our final destination today...in a sense, it was purposeful!! After some short climbs, we reached a plateau which was set as a reminder and memorial area for perished climbers; reality hits back! We spent some time there and I found Scott Fishers memorial, the American climber, who perished on Everest in 2006. There were may others.

With a rather depressed mood, we continued. A large opening provided space and the views again, were simply spectacular! Far away from Ama Dablam, but so much closer to Everest, Lhotse and of course (especially today) Numptse and Pumori - what sights!!!

Eventually, we arrived in Gorak Shep, just about another 2hrs away from base camp. We checked into our accommodation, met briefly with our other group (remember they are 1 day ahead), had something to drink and then we were off to BC!

A long and windy trek along the Khumbu glacier...amazing to see! We were often pushed off the trail by passing Yak trains...or porters, who carried seemingly endless amounts of goods and equipment to the place we intended to visit...

What a relief, when we finally made it! Exhausted, excited and generally very happy, we did it! Some hugs, smiles and happiness all around! A big compliment to all the guys on this trip and also to the people at home, who supported us all the way.....!

We spent a further hour or so around the site and then made our way back to Gorak Shep.... What a wonderful day we had!