Today’s episode is a bit of a departure from the usual. I’m going to take you back in time to the beginning of Girl Gotta Hike, or actually, before the beginning. Living in New York City, it’s all too easy for me to get tied into the day-to-day hustle and while I often dream of heading out on long hikes, it’s been the rare occasion that I’ve been able to step out of the fast lane for an extended break.   In the summer of 2017, I had become an officially licensed Outdoor Guide. I hadn’t quite worked up the courage to lead my own hikes yet, and my website was a series of blog posts from my John Muir Trail thru-hike from the year prior. But that December, the neon sign for my next adventure started flashing right in front of my eyes.  I got an invitation to join a small group of photographers on trek up to Mount Everest Base Camp, and in a few short months, I found myself traveling halfway around the world with William Vazquez, photographer and founder of Camera Voyages, plus four other new York city based photographers.   And it was five years ago this week that we reached Mount Everest Base Camp, at 17,598 feet above sea level. The journey to get there has been taken by many before us and many since, but walking amongst the highest mountains in the world was unbelievably special, and somehow, despite the lack of oxygen in the air, I had enough reserves to write down my daily  experience along the way.    This episode covers the first 7 days of my trek, from Katmandu to Namche Bazaar. Part two will be headed your way next week. Anjali’s Cup Turmeric Blends — use code “GIRLGOTTAHIKE” for 15% off your cart at anjaliscup.com Gossamer Gear — use code “GIRLGOTTAHIKEGOSSAMER” for 15% off your first purchase at GossamerGear.com Check out GG’s amazing backpack lineup here: Mariposa (60-Liter) Gorilla (50-Liter) G4-20 (42-Liter) Kumo 36 (36-Liter) Camera Voyages travel company Into Thin Air, by Jon Krakauer Everest, 2015 movie Kancha Sherpa Foundation Nirvana Home, Namche Bazaar