So we arrived at High Camp after a short 2:45 climb. Barafu is at 15,235 ft. The same altitude we briefly reached at the Lava Tower on Day 3. This time we were able to do it without the negative altitude effects of our first foray above 15k. I guess we are acclimatizing properly.
At this altitude the landscape has become quite barren (see the pic). Not much grows up here and there is a lot of shattered shale. Sometimes when we are hiking it sounds like bells are ringing underfoot. I think I captured some of it on video.
We had lunch at 1 to review our pack for summit day tomorrow. Dinner is at 5pm and then its off to bed at 6pm. We wake at 11pm to try and make Uhuru peak around sunrise.
After summit we return to Barafu before contiuning to Mweka Hut which is at around 10,000 ft.
All in tomorrow is 15,000 ft of vertical covered, approximately 18 km and around 16 hours of climbing.
Hopefully our next blog will have a picture of us at the top of Kilimanjaro’s Uhuru Peak.
Hello at Barafu!!! You must have cycled your phone earlier as it shows you at 14,000 ft and maybe a kilometer from where you are now. Tomorrow is the big push and it is good to hear your are not having any ill affects at 15K. When we are eating dinner tonight you will be well on your way up to the summit. Be thinking of you…we were with the Gellers Friday and the Rokeaches yesterday (saw Dan Meyer at Atlantic Grill) and everyone is impressed. Love you both…have a great day. Dad
Hi Liz and James,
I’m so excited that it sounds as if most everyone is acclimatizing to the altitude and hopefully will make it to the peak. I’ll be thinking of you and your fellow climbers. Take photos! They are great to see. Both of you look great in them, very professional, confident and relaxed.
Love you,
Mom
Hi there!! I knew you two wouldn’t let a little altitude sickness get in your way!! I’m thinking about you all the time and I look forward to hearing that you’ve reached the summit!! You’re getting closer and closer to hot showers and clean underwear!! Good luck and enjoy. miss you. xxxooo moo-my
If my timing is right, you are underway about one or two hours right now towards the summit…we are both thinking of you and looking forward to hearing from you in 15 hours or so….Love M and D
I can’t wait to see the pics of you at the top of Africa…. and then all the great wildlife you’ll be seeing on your safari— what an experience!
Hope you are enjoying the sunrise!!!
M and D