Day 7: Climb to Kosovo Camp

MOUNTAIN ROUTE OVERVIEW

As our climbers near the summit, they have another short day for acclimatization today. After breakfast, climbers leave Karanga Camp and make their way across moraine with a view of Mawenzi and Kibo to Barafu. The alpine desert terrain is full of boulders with lichen and moss. Upon reaching camp, climbers will spend the afternoon resting before packing for the summit and having an early dinner in preparation for their ascent to the summit to start at midnight. Summit begins at 5 PM EST!

MOUNTAIN ROUTE STATS

Starting elevation 13,300 feet

Ending elevation 15,400 feet

Elevation gain 2,100 feet

Distance hiked 3 miles

Average hiking time 4 to 5 hours

Hello from Kosovo Camp, elevation of 16,076 feet. We arrived into camp at about 3 PM as snow was falling. As we came into camp the porters were singing and dancing. Of course we joined in the celebration. Even though there is obviously very little oxygen here, everyone spirit remains positive.

Today’s hike took us from Karonga Camp to Barafu Camp, which is where we had lunch. The elevation is 15,400 feet. This is where our porters were waiting for us and served another delicious lunch. this is also where most hikers camp the last night before going to the summit. We decided to hike on to Kosovo which is at 16,076 feet and also passed a fairly vertical section of the trail. This will make our last night to the summit slightly easier.

Today John Simon taught us how to do a slow, intentional walk which we are going to use tonight as we hike to the summit. Drew shared his way to stay focused as he makes the climb. Takes a stab and says thank you Jesus, then takes another step, praise you Jesus. This allows him to maintain the rhythm and keep his mind focused on Jesus. We have all truly come to the realization that Jesus is our strength and we are relying on him as we are pushing ourselves to our physical limits.

Each time we stop for a break the scenery is so magnificent that we feel like we are drawing closer to God as we push ourselves to make it to the next level which ends up being even more amazing than the previous one. At times the emotions are almost overwhelming. God is so amazing.

At this elevation pretty much everything is harder. It’s harder to breathe of course but also to talk, walk, think, eat… And pretty much everything requires more focus and intention. We are all feeling like we are going to make it to the summit. Everyone, while filling the effects of altitude, are doing pretty well. No one is suffering from major altitude sickness at this point.

We have really come together well as a team. We’ve shared a lot about our personal lives, struggles, and ambitions for the future. We are also encouraging one another as we continue going up and down the mini peaks and valleys on the way to the top of Mount Kilimanjaro.

It is amazing how the porters are able to carry all of our gear and rations ahead of us each day and set up camp before we get there. The meals have been fantastic. The porters are always smiling and ready and eager to help with anything that we need.

This evening we will have an early dinner and try to get some sleep. We will get up at midnight put on many layers of clothing on and then begin the hike to the summit. We are ready, but keep us in your prayers.

~ Cliff

Nina Barnett