Summiting Kala Pattar, 18,550 ft, was our best and worst day during our recent trip to Nepal. We started the climb about 7:30 am, and the top was socked in with clouds. We decided to go up regardless of the view. We had come this far, what was one more morning of pain? Please notice that we were able to smile for the photo. The day cleared off during our ascent and Everest is clearly identified over our heads. Pictured is Cathy Weeg, Kate Wattum and Tyler McClendon.

This shy Sherpina daughter, posed carrying her small doko (back basket) using a namlo (head strap).

This rooster was sounding the early morning alarm atop a prayer rock as we climbed out of the village of Namche Bazaar at about 12,000ft. Many boulders along the route were carved and painted with the Tibetan Buddhist prayers repeated on the surface. "Om Mani Padme Hum" which means "Hail to the jewel in the lotus." Everyone is supposed to walk around these (and all Buddhist monuments, stupas, monasteries and koras) always to the left.