Day 6: Climb to Karanga Camp
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UPDATE FROM THE GROUP
“The Cliffs of Insanity”
Everyone woke up this morning, seemingly having the best night of sleep on the trip. During the course of the night, those of us who had the pleasure of the side effects of Diamox, were able to gaze upon the night sky filled with amazingly, brilliant stars and the summit of Kilimanjaro (“Killi”) looking down upon us (for many of us multiple times throughout the night).
We began the day with another picture in front of Killi before we continued our rhythm of 40 minutes of quiet hiking as we trekked to the wall of Barranco (aka “the breakfast wall” or as we called it “the cliffs of insanity” for those Princess Bride fans). It took us about 3 hours to cover 1,200ft of elevation with numerous very difficult parts. The married men in the group decided to refrain from sharing with their spouses the difficulty of this climb (I guess what happens in Killi, stays in Killi). Our guides continue to be the backbone of our experience, making sure we arrive safety from camp to camp.
At our break point at about 14k ft, the group decided we would stay together and trek down and up and down and up to camp Karanga (about 13.2k ft) where we were surprised with a amazing pizza lunch. Before dinner, we used a satellite phone to call our loved ones to let them know we are still alive and well. Some picked up, while others let it go to voicemail (thanks honey/mom). The day concluded with some brain teasers before dinner and an another great meal before going to bed for the last good night of sleep before we summit.
The group has continued to grow closer through personal stories and how YoungLife has made an impact on so many. We are getting excited as we prepare to summit Killi in the next 36 hours. As father and son, it’s been such a blast being able to share this adventure together, something we will treasure for the rest of our lives.
~ Curtis Sr. & Curtis Jr. McWilliams
P.S. - He doesn’t know I’m writing this, but I thought I’d take the opportunity to gush on my Dad a bit. I’ve always been inspired by my Dad’s resiliency and determination, but this trip has taken that respect to a whole new level. Both he and my uncle Jeff have encountered some really difficult maneuvers (even for men half their ages) with precision and grit, ever so slowly with the help of the guides (big thank yous to John Simon, Samuel, Nazareth, Ahi, and Alpha). I’m continually amazed at the things that my Dad has done and continues to do and how he exemplifies what it means to be a Godly man. I cannot be more proud to be his son and cannot wait to finish this journey with him in the coming days. Love you Dad. - C.B.
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 | Ascend 14,000 feet to the top of Baranco Wall
Ending elevation 13,300 feet at Karanga Camp
Net elevation gain 400 feet
Distance hiked 3 miles
Average hiking time 4 to 6 hours