In Gokyo now, 3 clinics completed

Dear all,

Internet has been non-existent since Namche as we have made it up to Gokyo at about 4790 meters or 15,600 feet. We treated over 100 yaks in Khumjung along with 8 horses and 2 dogs. We then trekked to the village of Phortse, home to ~50 climbing Sherpas and the Khumbu Climbing School (new facility currently under construction). Most of the male yaks are further up the valley so we treated the females (naks) and their offspring from last year. After Phortse we made it to Macchermo where we conducted our third clinic. In total so far we have treated 212 animals including about a dozen horses and 3 dogs. Thanks to our Guide "Ram" and his sidekick Nima Rita Sherpa (16 year-old Sherpa boy from Phortse), along with Besh, a veterinary technician near Khumjung we have been well-received. Since most of the men are away high in the Khumbu and the ladies are caring for the lodges, the kids Besh have taken the lead in deworming most of animals which assures the sustainability of this project. Together, along with Phurba Tashi Sherpa (lead Sherpa with Himalayan Experience) they will be able to apply a follow-up dose in 4-6 weeks, then again in the Fall.

Because of the poor internet connection multiple pictures are not an option. We will not have internet again until Gorak Shep, 3 days from now. We are still acclimatizing, climbing Gokyo Ri tomorrow before tackling the Chola Pass on the 15th before arriving into Lobuche Base Camp. Our next big yak clinics will occur in Pheriche and Pangboche on the walk out on the 18th and 19th. We hope to treat a few yak on the way to Everest BC however.

I hope to post again from Gorak Shep. Namaste from Gokyo, Nepal.