Day 6: Climb to Karanga Camp

MOUNTAIN ROUTE OVERVIEW

After breakfast, one of the biggest challenges for our climbers begins. They’ll climb up and over the Great Barranco Wall. Getting to the top of it will take 1 to 2 hours. After the wall, climbers will cross a barren and rocky plateau with views of Kibo and three glaciers before descending into Karanga Camp. As they cross the plateau on a trail of gravel and sand, climbers will pass streams and giant boulders for 2 to 3 hours. As they walk into camp, they have a good view of tomorrow’s route. They’ll get to camp by lunch. But this short day is planned for resting which helps with acclimatization.

MOUNTAIN ROUTE STATS

Starting elevation 12,900 feet

Ending elevation 13,300 feet

Elevation gain 400 feet

Distance hiked 3 miles

Average hiking time 4 to 6 hours

Today was another blessed and promising morning for the group. Every day seems to get better and better right from the start. Cliff had his first full day with his own clothes which was a major prayer answered. With the exception of Pete who unfortunately had a rough night, most of us had our longest and most restful night of sleep on the mountain.

The morning views at camp Barranco were arguably the best yet. The hike for the day was also as unique as the views. We started the day with an imposing but fun climb up the steep but beautiful Barranco wall. We were blessed with beautiful valleys and streams for views as we proceeded up and down for 5 miles of our short recovery day of the trip. Our hike today was quieter than most as the mountain and magnitude of our previous days have certainly worn on us. Fortunately we’re blessed to have Greg with us who can single-handedly keep conversation going for hours at a time.

After a surprise valley, we peaked the last ridge and arrived at camp. For many of us, especially myself, we were hit with the reality of the the challenge we face summiting tomorrow. Fortunately today was a short day and following another wonderful lunch made by our amazing chefs most of us retired to our tents to rest and recover for the challenges ahead of us tomorrow.

~ Turner