The trail gradually dipped down to around 10,650 feet and leveled off until at last they came to Phunki Tenga. There, they had a light lunch of noodles, rice, string beans, and fried potatoes, then headed off under a bright sky toward the long climb to Tengboche. Again, the team was met with switchback after switchback as they slogged up through the trees that had since returned after their descent an hour ago.
Unlike the hot and humid climb to Namche, though, the resinous mountain air here was cool, and a steady northeast wind funneling up the valley beside them kept the humidity at bay. Sarah made a point of taking short breaks often, then after a quick drink, she would push on. Again, Sangye tagged along after her, and like before they fell into an easy conversation, talking about the
