Day 5: Climb to Barranco Camp

MOUNTAIN ROUTE OVERVIEW

Today, the trail runs through a black lava desert past millions of boulders. From the Shira Plateau, the group will go up a ridge, past the trail to the peak of Kibo, to Lava Tower (known by locals as Shark’s Tooth). During their lunch break, they can take in the snowline above the Lava Tower. After lunch, they’ll descend to the Barranco Camp at an altitude of 13,000 feet. The black lava desert fades into heather and moorland. From Barranco Camp, they’ll see the Barranco Wall, the Western Breach of Kibo, and the South Glacier. This is where their hike ends – and they rest and have dinner. Because their bodies are exposed to such a high elevation at lunch, this is one of the most important days for acclimatization and will prepare our climbers’ bodies for summit day.

MOUNTAIN ROUTE STATS

Starting elevation 12,500 feet

Ending elevation 12,900 feet

Elevation gain 400 feet

Distance hiked 6 miles

Average hiking time 7 to 9 hours

JOURNAL ENTRY

To watch the transformation of men has always been an amazing thing over my 25 years of working with them. I’m not sure I’ve seen faster bonding in the midst of extreme circumstances than this.

It’s been said that Kilimanjaro will break you down and then build you back up. I see it happening and I’m experiencing it. Today’s BRUTAL 8.6 mile, 8 hour journey up to 15,000 feet in sleet and snow was difficult but it build our confidence in what we can do. The climb down however to 13,000 to camp at … Wall was grueling. I had a brief slip and fall as did two other but all is well.

It felt as if we were walking through the seen from one of the Hobbit movies. Majestic peaks, rocks, streams and vegetation. We are camping in the Shadow of Kilimanjaro, and it looks intimidating.

With a wide range of guys who age from 20-65, We also range in physical ability. From a professional athlete and professional adventure guide to someone who has Parkinson’s and another who is hiking with no ACL. Each man without exception is challenged physical, emotionally and spiritually.

It’s been special to have musician Brandon Heath here. And I’ll be honest, the songs he shared tonight were powerful and the guys let him know. God is working in all of us.

We aren’t quite half way to the end of our journey but we are only think about tomorrow, one day at a time, one step at a time. We miss our loved ones at home. Continue to pray for us. And please, back home- tell someone you love them. Slow down a little just for a bit, and pause and give a hug. It means a lot. We love you. To wives & families back home- your men are in good hands. They are cared for. We are in this together. Pamoja, Pamoja.

~ Kevin Edelbrock