Christine McKee and Grahame Liddle, Auckland, New Zealand
We first got to know Eoin and Colleen through Martin, Grahame’s son, who lived with them while in Canada training for wrestling. We finally met in 2009 when they visited New Zealand to attend Martin’s wedding. Instantly we felt a kinship and were captivated by stories of their treks in Nepal.
We had to experience it ourselves and in 2011 joined them on the most amazing adventure. To see the roof top of the world, to be face to face with Mt Everest, to be in the magnificent Himalayas and to walk in the footsteps of Sir Edmund Hillary. Nepal stole our hearts as did the Nepali and Sherpa people we met along the way, many whom have become friends we are in regular contact with. And the friendships we developed with our lovely Canadian fellow trekkers whom we met and bonded with over days on the trail. A lifetime of memories.
Sherpa Encounters made the planning of such a trip very easy and straight forward. We were greeted on arrival in Kathmandu and from then on everything was arranged. The treks are extremely well organised and we felt comfortable and safe. Eoin’s experience, depth of knowledge, attention to detail and relaxed attitude combined with the skills and support of his sherpa ‘family’ guides and helpers make for an unforgettable journey. These aren’t treks where the focus is to get to the top; with Sherpa Encounters you have the opportunity to interact with villagers, chat and visit homes all at a most relaxed pace giving you a wonderful insight to their culture.
We returned to Nepal in 2015, happy to reconnect with our friends and delighted to take family and friends, so they too could experience this trip of a lifetime. On this trip, Grahame joined a small group to summit Island Peak which has been the most challenging and best experience of his life.
We are now planning our fourth visit and again look forward to introducing this special place and people to friends and family and sharing their adventure with them.
Footnote:
Christine and Grahame have been significant contributors to our charitable initiatives as donors for youth education, earthquake home restoration, bringing many trekkers to Nepal and in organising their friends and associates in making knitted clothing for babies in the Khumbu region. They are truly members of the Sherpa Encounters' family!