A note from Thailand......

Hi All,
I have been very remiss about writing.   Sorry!   I met Sam and Simon in Bangkok last week......the flooding wasn't too bad at that time.  Sam said he almost didn't recognize me  becasue I had lost some weight. I think just about everyone was thinner by the end of the trek.  We headed  off to Kho Phi Phi, one of the most beautiful islands I've ever been to.   Ok 8th graders,  extra credit:  The islands are a great example of Karst Topography.  So, what is karst topography?  How does it form?   Where are there examples in Michigan of Karst landforms?  I'll award points when I return just before Thanksgiving.   I hope things are great at BCMS!
We came back to Bangkok yesterday and the flooding was much worse.  We managed just fine though.  We are now in Chaing Mai in the northern part of Thailand.  I'm going to try and download some pictures......the two computers I found in Bhutan were too slow!

some pictures......

Finished!!

Hi All,
Just a very short post to let everyone know we made it!   The last week was pretty tough: several mountain passes to cross ( one over 17,000 feet), lots of high altitude and long days scrambling over rocks and boulders and mud!  We just arrivied in Punakha after a 7 hour bus ride------very windy roads.  I will write more and post pictures, but there is only one computer here in the hotel and several trekkkers who want to contact family members.  Thanks for all the positive comments!  I will write more tomorrow, hopefully!
S

last call

Sam posting for Susan again.  Got a call last Friday Morning from a very fatigued and short of breath Susan.  I was right last time when I said it was hard to sleep at that altitude.  They were going over the pass that is over 17,000 ft the next day and then only had 3-4 more days of camping so they should be done by now and heading back to Paro.  I can't remember the total miles they trekked but over 300 and when I mentioned that, Susan added, "Over rocks!"  One member of the group had to be evacuated and many in the group had GI issues and some respiratory problems but all in all it sounds like it was a successful journey.  Susan should be able to post herself soon though she says the internet is not always working well there.  I will meet her in Bangkok next Monday, can't wait to hear the stories and see the pictures and mostly to see her.

addendum

Last post was by Sam for Susan, they are still off line.  Canadian Himalayan called and said that all was well with the group a few days ago

stats

The group has walked over 280 miles in the last 19 days and slept (or attempted to sleep) at about 16,000 ft last night.  About another week to go!

rest day and call

Made it to Laiya (sp?) for rest and adjusting to altitude.  Going up from here.  Feet are ok, have to watch every step, don't get to look around much except when you take a break.  About 11 bumblebars left, doling them out.  Borrowed a sat. phone to  call out, all is well but the expedition phone is out of batteries so probably no more contact until the end.  Guide says good karma so the weather will probably be good for the rest of the trek!  Many stories when I return.  Best to all.   SS for SS