11th September 2007 - Kathmando or Kathmandon't

We had a long day yesterday and made it all the way to Lukla by nightfall to be at the head of the airport queue to fly out of the mountains. There had been no flights for three days due to the weather and we did not want to miss any slot.

On arrival at the lodge (adjoining the runway), word had gone ahead and the staff had a celebration cake waiting and presented each of us with achievement scarves! We also went to present our porter and Sherpa team with tips and cheers for all their help. We all signed a bright raspberry pink Girlguiding UK Balloon Team t-shirt and pinned it to the ceiling of the airport restaurant - something the big expeditions do to record their successes.

But as morning came, the drone of the approaching aircraft changed note as it made a pass and turned back to Kathmandu without landing. It was too dangerous to make an approach. Soon after, there was the surreal sight of the local army and aircraft staff playing football on the runway. It was going to be another frustrating wait for our team. There will be no flights today.

After another high carb lunch half the group went meandering and the other half visited a small monastery. It is a bit of an anticlimatic day stuck in the clouds with little to do and little to see, through the 10m visibility and woodsmoke trapped in the mist. And so, cards and games of Uno continue.....