25 Things I Learned Hiking to Everest Base Camp

1. If you hike everyday you won’t be as sore
2. Not showering for week isn’t a big deal
3. Tea and cookies are the best post-hike food
4. I’m petrified of suspension bridges
5. Cake tastes better at 15,000 feet
6. Coffee, who needs coffee
7. Don’t waste the mornings
8. Only God can predict the weather
9. Dal Bhat = 24 hours of power
10. A girl yak is a nak
11. Naks make yak cheese
12. Don’t eat yak cheese while hiking
13. Mirrors and makeup are overrated
14. There’s nothing more beautiful than the sun rising over mountains
15. Turning prayers wheels, even as a non-Buddhist, is very therapeutic
16. You can tan just your hands – and it’s not a good look
17. Squatty potties are often cleaner than western toilets
18. Any day, in any weather, being outside trumps being inside
19. Don’t eat meat above Lukla
20. You may think you’re strong until you see a porter carrying 100 kg of lumber on his back
21. Hiking is a great way to get to know amazing, interesting people
22. The best gear won’t get you to the top – only will power, mental strength and personal drive
23. No 3G, Wi-Fi or cell phone service is the recipe for deeper conversations and richer experiences
24. I would love to wear wool socks everyday
25. I don’t want success, I want wonder!

I want to give a big thanks to Ace the Himalayas and TheClymb.com for the amazing trip that they put together. I will never forget the hike, the people or the magic of the mountains.

Photos by Kyle Knapp and Brandon Blackford