April 1, 2001

Hi,

Yesterday we departed out of Kathmandu. It’s funny to make the same trip that we did only five months ago. The landscape is unchanged except for the fact that the valley isn’t as green as it was during the post monsoon.

We stopped in Kodari, had lunch, and proceeded over the Friendship Bridge into Tibet. The drive from the bridge up to the border town of Zhangmu had to be the most difficult part of the trip so far. The entire team was in the back of a Chinese truck bouncing to and fro over the rough road. By time we reached the town, 40 minutes later, everyone was covered in dust. Those with black hair suddenly aged, their hair gray.

We had to spend the night in Zhangmu, because we were late getting to the border. The accommodations there were slightly better than here in Nyalam. Hopefully there will be no rats tonight.

Mike Chrisp has come down with a serious bout of diarrhea brought on by food poisoning. Both Mike and I had the same food, I however have not felt quite as bad. Mike has not been able to sleep for fear of losing his bowels in bed. Phil however has been as chipper as can be. I am once again sick with a sore throat and a typical head cold. I have already started antibiotics, because I need to properly acclimate without fighting a cold.

Best regards,
Tim Boelter
2001 British American Lightweight Everest Expedition