In what she calls her ‘trip of a lifetime,’ Dr. Annie Antón, professor of computer science at NC State University, has just completed a successful trek to the summit of Kala Patthar at over 18,000 ft and the famed Everest Base Camp in Nepal!

 

Antón and 21 other trekkers participated in “Trekking for Kids: the Nepal Trek 2010—Everest Base Camp” expedition. She and her fellow trekkers have raised more than $55,000 for the Orphan Children Rescue Center (OCRC) in Bhaktapur, Nepal.

 

Upon arrival in Nepal, the trekkers visited the orphans in the OCRC where they toured the new construction at the center and were treated to a talent show by the children. Prior to departing for the ascent, they enjoyed lunch at the "End of the Universe" hotel with the OCRC children.

 

After landing safely in Lukla, the group trekked to Phakding, then Namche Bazaar where they took an acclimatization hike providing spectacular views of Lhotse & Mt. Everest. Then it was on to Periche, Lobuche, and Gorak Shep, a frozen lakebed covered with sand, the final acclimatization stop on the trek to the Everest Base Camp. From there, Antón and her fellow trekkers completed the ascent of Kala Patthar, where they enjoyed incredible views of Mt. Everest.

 

Using social media tools, Facebook and Twitter, Antón was able to periodically communicate her progress with people around the world following her trek. She was slowed briefly by a sinus infection, but improved quickly with antibiotics and a well-timed acclimatization day.

 

She is extremely grateful to everyone who helped support her charity trek, and especially appreciative of her colleagues and students at NC State who helped cover her load allowing her to make this incredible journey.

 

Trekking For Kids is a non-profit charity organization that raises money and awareness of orphanages around the world.  The Trekkers raise money for the orphanage (100 percent of the money goes to the orphanage) and spend time with the children and complete a project before and after trekking to their destination.  You can find out more at http://www.trekkingforkids.org/  This is Annie's third Trek.

 

The trek is listed among the National Geographic magazine's 50 Tours of a Lifetime.

 

~tate~