DIARY OF THE HIMALAYAN CHALLENGE:

11th November:

After a very early departure from Dublin we arrived in Kolkata to met Ian from Across the Divide who will be our expedition leader on this adventure.  It was a warm evening and just a few days previous to our arrival the Diwali festival had been in full swing celebrating the Godess Kali.

Dereks summary of the day: "We had a very smooth flight over.  On the bus journey from the airport to the hotel it was amazing to see all the statues and temples from the festival..."

Susans summary of the day: "All the lights on all the buildings just made me want to leave the bus and explore..."

12th November:

Due to some logistical issues there was a slight change in todays itinerary which involved a walking tour of Kolkata visiting the Victoria Memorial and other local sites.

Roxana's summary of the day: "The first impression I had was how much we take for granted, simple things like cold drinks and basic needs.  People were very friendly but quite curious of us.  There were lots of different smells as we walked around the city..."

13th November:

Unfortunatley due to circumstances beyond our control we were unable to take the overnight train to Darjeeling so instead boarded a plane bound for Bagdora.  From here we jumped into jeeps and took a very picturesque drive to one of the biggest towns on the route called Kurseong where we sampled tea.  We then continued the drive through some smaller towns called Sonda, Sili Guri and Kurseong until reaching Darjeeling (2200m).

Johns summary of the day "We left the mesmorizing chaos of Kolkata for the cool serenity of the Himalayan foothills.....it's fantastic to be here, with a great gang, to embark on what promises to be a life-enriching time!......"

14th November:

Woke up to an amazing view of Kanchenchunga, third highest mountain and then visited a buddhist monastery before starting the trek. It was a long steep walk but quite amazing to cross between India and Nepal so many times.

Elaine's summary of the day ''The gang were very entertaining, especially Derek. It was hard starting off but then I got into it. The laughs kept me going''

15th November:

After our wake up call we took a flat morning walk through a Rhoderdendron forest to our first view of Mount Everest.  While we followed the fantastic clear views of the mountains we crossed between the Nepalese and Indian boarder.  At one stage to our left was a Nepalese village called Jowbari and to our right was an Indian village called Gaireybas and we were standing in no mans land!  We camped at Kaalpokhari (3100m) which was very cold.

Nathy's summary of the day: "From our camp at Tonglu with a fantastic view of Kangagoogoo!!! we moved west with our crew.  'We wanted to tarry but Ian didn't care, He said we must hurry to make Kali Pokhari'

16th November:

Another early start and today we headed for our highest point on the trek Sandakphur (3680m).  The views of Loste, Mackalu, Everest and Kanchenchunga were breath-taking.  Angchuk preformed 2 buddist ceremonies - the stones and the pray flag - before setting off again to our camp at Sabargram (3543m).  It was a really long day with the last part of the trek taking place at sunset but I think the colours of the sky took all the tiredness away.

Donal's summary of the day: "The whole day was very spiritual.  Going to the higest point meant a lot as we were acheiving the high point of the challenge and over the cusp of the hill I also found Angchuk's ceremonies very moving.  It made me think of thoughts I had not in a long time.  Physically hard but I didn't mind.  We were well motivated and supported and everyone helped everyone out.  One great thing I will take away is the comradory from everyone of all nationalities..."

17th November:

After a 5.30am wake up call and watching the sun rise over Everest and Kanchenchunga we trekked through the Gorkhey forest to Phalut where the Tri-Junction used to be: India, Nepal and Sikim.  Then from Gorkhey to our nice warm campsite at Samaden (2200m).  A nice downhill days walking but it will be the last time we see Everest.

Will's summary of the day "Saturday morning, early start 5.30 but worth it.  Crystal clear views of Everest and Kanchenchunga with the sun rising behind us.  Several layers of clothes help us ignore the hard frost.  After breakfast and dozens of photos, off down the mountain.  After one last look at Everest it's into the bamboo forest.  It's a steep descent but the banter helps the hours and the kilometers fly by.  Before we know it we are in a town at the bottom of the mountain drinking tea with the locals and staring into the faces of bemused kids.  Hard to imagine we did this all in one day..."

Mike's summary of the day: "Today we had our final view of mighty Mount Everest.  Quite poignant really.  We then gegan a descent from Sabargram to Phalut to our camp at Samaden.  It was a different type of trekking as we were descending all the way and this puts pressure on your big toes and knees.  This is where your walking poles come into their own.  e descended through lush forests that included bamboo.  The weather was glorious which kept our spirits up.  After a brief ascent we entered our camp at Samaden.  A great day..."

18th November:

Today we started with a presentation to the kids at the local school where all the fantastic donations that everyone had made could be distributed.  We then took our slow and steady ascent through forests, villages and schools to our next campsite Sirikhola (2200m).  Another fantastic campsite but this time we spent the night round a campfire exchanging songs and dances with the locals.

Aileens summary of the day:  "Awoke early in the potato field.  Met 28 local children and their teacher from the local school.  Gifts and balloons where given to the children and it was wonderful to see the delight and excitment on their faces!!  They sang a song for us... really cute!!  After that we continued on our downhill journey through the beautiful forest.  Arrived at camp to prepare for the final night camping and more importantly "the party".  Drank lovely HIT beer and sang songs with the locals by the campfire.  Had the best night sleep - it was a HIT!!! Great day...."

19th November:

Time to say goodbye to the fantastic staff who had been helping us throughout this journey which I think for everyone was a little emotional.  Our last morning of trekking which took us to a village called Rimbik and the finish line.  Lots of hugs of congratulations for completing the challenge and then we bundled into jeeps bound for Darjeeling and our gala night - time for more celebrations.

Allan's summary of the day: "After the HITS of the night beofre, for once the feet weren't the sorest part of the body.  The morning began with presentations of the tips to the very deserving staff who really tended brilliantly to our every need.  Derek in his own unique style paid homage to them and literally gave them the shirt off his back.  The trek was the gentlest and shortest of all and enabled us to savour the gorgeous views one last time.  Crossing the line as a group was a mix of emotions, pride in having completed the challenge with a tinge of sadness that it was over.  A glass of bubbly and photos were taken before heading to Darjeeling by jeeps.  The night ended with fantastic dancing..."

20th November:

After the gala celebrations today was a day to take in the sights of Darjeeling.

Pat's summary of the day:  "After the previous nights celebrations we awoke to the glorious prospect of a free day.  Whilst some went on a trip organised by our guides on their day off others decided to do their own thing.  The noticable thing at the end of this day was that everyone gravitated back to the team, we have obviously become and enjoyed another night of each others company.  Some even ventured back to Club 503!!..."

21st / 22nd November:

As we travel back to Dublin and remember all the sights and people we have encountered in the past few weeks and giggle at some of the stories told, I would like to thank Claire, Alison and Ian from Across the Divide for all their help, professionalism and humor throughout the journey.  We could not have done this without the help and support from the local staff from Discover India and of course the Concern challengers who made this an amazing adventure to be part of.  Thank you for the memories and see you at the reunion.....

In the last words of Buddah "All things fade away, strive on earnestly"