We woke up to another beautiful morning. After breaking camp and having a hearty hot breakfast we were climbing by 8:15. We hiked for 5:10 up to Shira camp which is at around 12,500 ft.
At this altitude we are constantly passing in and out of cloud cover. It’s totally different than the way fog feels. Bright and clear one minute and the next a cool moisture is condensing on you. (decent pic of liz in cloud cover)
We’re already quite exhausted after 2 long days of climbing but thankfully we are not quite as light headed as yesterday – though liz is starting to feel the effects too.
I couldn’t sleep last night which is one of the signs of mountain sickness (but also could be due to jet lag and excitement) so the guides want me to start diamox tonight. Liz slept alright (and is allergic to diamox) so she is taking ginko billoba which sometimes helps people.
Tomorrow is our last long climb day –until summit day — ~6 hours before 2 shorter climb days into high camp (around 15,000 ft). The next three days, without a lot of altitude gain, are neccesary for our acclimitization before we summit.
Welcome to shira camp!! We have been watching the climb on your blog and see the next hike seems to be a traverse of some sort on the hybrid map…hope the dinner was good last night!
john
Amazing!!!! Liz – you’re looking great! Keep up the good work! How’s the food? xxxooo Moo-my