I think we first noticed how short our breath was and how much effort each step was becoming as we pulled out of Thokla. We were on our way to our campsite at Lobuche, and this was to be our base camp for making an ascent on Kala Patthar within a few days. We could see that we were advancing upward to the snowline with every inch, and we could certainly feel the chill in the air. Foremost on our mind was that we continue to manage our body’s reaction to the high elevation, and we were watching each other for the first signs of altitude sickness. Most of us were on Diamox at this point, and we were drinking lots of water to keep ourselves hydrated. Remember that one side effect of Diamox is that the water flushes from your system, and whatever you take in is soon pressing you urgently to get out. If you get cynical or impatient you might go on strike, but nothing will stop you from having to heed the call. Richard and Gaye were becoming especially concerned, despite their own discomforts, for the well-being of the you teenagers in our group. They were doing just great, and being just as boisterous as ever.