7 hours of climbing today. If you are counting that’s 17:10 climbing, 60 hours without a shower and 2 pairs of underwear (James only)
We climbed past the Lava Tower today to Baranca Hut camp. At it’s highest (at the Lava Tower) we hit 15,200 ft. That’s 800 ft higher than Mt. Rainier!
It wasn’t a perfect day tho, Julia was suffering from acute mountain sickness (AMS) and almost had to turn back to Shira camp, one of the few places you can actually get a ride off the mountain.
However, today was a climb high/sleep low day. So she decided to stick it out to the lower altitude of Barancco (12,900 ft).
We all are feeling the effects of the altitude. I had intermittent dizzyness and a throbbing headache that subsided as we descended into Baranca. The rest of the team has similar issues. Liz who can’t take diamox is concerned about future climb days but is feeling pretty ok so far (keep fingers crossed) I guess we’ll see.
I took diamox for the first time this morning. It increases respiration and should help to minimize the effects of the altitude.
We’re all sitting around in the mess tent now, talking about the day, eating popcorn and drinking tea. Dinner is typically around 7pm.
60 hours without a shower. That’s where I draw the line.
What exactly is diamox?
Clean undies are over-rated.
Fingers crossed, Lizzie!
basically it helps increase respiration so that you get more oxygen. interestingly, they also use it to treat glaucoma. I learn something new every day.
link here.
Hey guys good to hear you are doing alright. Hopefully the mountain sickness symptoms pass soon. keep it going! I’ve been checking the blog daily. hopefully the camera and all is working out well for ya…the gps thing is really cool though.
I have to say I just got a little choked up when I saw those pictures of you – it looks amazing. I am so proud of you. You are definitely the coolest (and dirtiest) people I know (for now).
Hope that urine funnel is coming in handy!
Miss you! XOXOXOX
Today’s pictures are gorgeous…. i hope you are taking a ton more!
badvah
you and the hubby are ah-ma-zing. the pics are incredible and i love reading about your climb. sounds like things are going well. keep the updates (and pics) coming.
xoxo
lyss