A Post From 3,900 Meters

Hey everyone! I decided that instead of Mt. Everest, I would go to San Diego, so I'm posting from Mission Beach.

Only kidding. I'm in Gyantse after four days in Lhasa. Today we drove over a 4,900 meter pass, then took a one lane dirt road that dipped and dove from 3,000 to 4,000 meters for the next 6 hours. No guard-rail, just a nice canyon waiting at the bottom for any slip-ups.

But, going this way, we had to pass through many high mountain farming villages. They would stop whatever they were doing to smile and wave. Some woman actually dropped her baby into a yak pen (when I mean actually, I mean not really).

I had a great conversation with Tibetian guide today. After going over the 4,900 meter pass, I looked up at one of the most beautiful peaks I'd ever laid eyes on. In awe, I wanted to share this moment with him:

Me: That mountain is gorgeous! It has to be 6,000 meters at least. What is it's name?

Him: It doesn't have a name. There are so many that look like that.

Me: Oh.

Him: Sorry, let's go eat a yak burger.

And that we did. One of the best parts of this trip has been eating yak burgers. Who knew that you could get an animal to carry your stuff and being able turn it into a very tasty treat too?

Everyone is safe and happy here today. We'll be at Everest Base Camp in four days and, although we are enjoying each step on the way there, we're getting anxious to get on the mountain.