start of the trek to Namche Baazar

Landed in Lukla safely on Monday. First 2 trek days were easy hikes, 2-3 hrs hiking in the morning then at camp for lunch. Not cold yet, in 40's at night, but we know it will be getting colder! Today we entered Sagarmatha (Mt. Everest) Nat. Park and had our first glimpse of Everest, and Nupste, and also Ama Dablam. We are now in Namche Baazar staying 2 nights - to acclimatize - in a simple Sherpa lodge here at almost 12000 ft. We have both had some minor headaches, and Anelle has had some sore throat issues, but nothing major and pushing through with the help of VIt. C, Zinc, cold eze and Advil.
Today's hiking was challenging, a rise of 600 meters (approx. 1800 ft) but the total cummulative elevation gain/loss was 2700 ft in only 4 hrs and we were moving at a snails pace due to the acclimitization making it more difficult. Everything is measured in elevation and time to get to the next point, we have no idea how many miles we are traveling!
Might not be able to post much more for the next 10 days or so... its approx. $4 for 15 minutes of internet here! And, we aren't having much luck for data signals with the blackberry... perhaps a text message might get through to Brian's brother Jeff with an update, so check out comments from him as we might ask him to post a short message or two.