Happy Thanksgiving from the Stillers and Papi-Don Cooper! We are missing everyone, but today, we went on a short hike to the Gangapurna glacier and lake. We are on a schedule of acclimatization hikes. The goals on these hikes are to gain 300-450 meters of elevation and then return to a lower sleeping altitude. This allows the body to achieve an acid-base balance at lower pressures and oxygen levels before then going even higher. For a full lecture, I recommend you attend the altitude lecture in Manang at 3 pm every day at the HRA clinic. At the teahouse at Gangapurna glacier, we met a group of Malaysian trekkers. The leader was a delightful 64 year old named Agnes, who, in her own words, was “too young to go on cruises”. We recruited her group to come to the HRA lecture. In turn, the kids sold themost fleeces and more than 6000 rupees worth of scarves. Kids are very good for business! The “Take me Home to the Himalayas” finale is getting better with each performance. We are available to do weddings and bar /bat mitzvahs. I suggest you book now.

Traveling with kids-some guidelines for an easier experience. We waited until our youngest was at least 5 to bring to an area on nonpotable water. Children need a certain body mass to tolerate travelers diarrhea and dehydration. Be aware of the local pathogens (campylobacter, crypto and giardia here in addition to others) what water treatment method treats what pathogen. Filters remove all parasites and bacteria but need to be a certain microfiltration specs to include giardia. Boiling great but needs to be longer and higher temp at higher altitudes. Chlorine tabs not effective against giardia or amoebic cysts again…know what is in your region. As the water is colder and the altitude (pressure) is less, thewater needs longer treatment times. Iodine drops work well but water needs longer exposure time if colder and higher altitude. Iodine leaves a funny taste and not to be used if kidney problems. We have invested in a steripen which kills via ultraviolet light. For this trek, I have been treating boiled water with the steripen. (doesn’t work well if lots of particulate). Overkill perhaps, but can you imagine having FOUR kids with GI problems! More guidelines: bring cinnamon…it makes everything taste better and bread becomes cinnamon toast! The kids get a multivitamin each day as fresh fruit and vegetables are lacking. Kids need the same quality boots, socks and gear to travel as an adult. Remote areas are not where you wish you had invested in well-fit smartwool socks! With children, do not expect to be incognito. Set realistic goals for the slowest person in your group. Oh yes..and remember to bring your patience!