Hello MountainZoners, this is Vernon Tejas with Alpine Ascents Mount Everest Expedition. Today we took an optional tour to the fair city of Thame, it's up the valley to the west of Namche Bazaar. Goodness gracious, spring has sprung. The rhododendrons are blooming, as well as a flower that I found out the name is adollah, a beautiful pink flower very reminiscent of cherry blossoms.

The hike took us through a meandering forest, up a raging whitewater river valley. Some opted to go on to the actual top of the trail to a small monastery above the town of Thame, very archaic and old, ancient place that is more traditional. Being off the beaten path, it doesn't really represent the impact of tourism.

The fellows who made it up there took many photographs and we hope to get some of those downloaded and sent off to you. The other wonderful thing that happened today was that all our friends in Namche are bidding us farewell for they know that tomorrow we're on our way out of town and actually going towards our goal.

Some folks opted for a very easy day today and that they were in the best shape possible for going up-valley to Tengboche and when we get there we'll give you another blast and tell you know how it is. But everybody now is in very good health and we are anticipating the beginning our journey.

That's all for now. Bye Bye.

— Vern Tejas, Alpine Ascents International Guide and MountainZone.com Correspondent

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