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 | Ascend to 15,000 feet at Lava Tower

Ending elevation 12,900 feet in Baranco Valley

Net elevation gain 400 feet

Distance hiked 6 miles

Average hiking time 7 to 9 hours

UPDATE FROM THE GROUP

”Scenes From His Balcony”

- a carriage of clouds
- steady steps
- organized chaos
- overwhelming gratitude
- temples of thirst
- songs of sniffles
- echoes of laughter
- strength in numbers
- margarita cravings
- a sea of service
- richness of smiles
- fearless leaders
- late night potty on the mountain
- embracing the unknown
- the treasure of rest
- the chokehold of hot cocoa
- soul searching and soul saving
- pockets of sunlight
- nutella everything
- slices of sky
- daughters of patience
- rock scrambles
- the armor of trust
- crossing the threshold of comfort
- electrolyte cocktails
- thoughtful breaths
- a cape of fog​
- full bellies
- seekers of warmth
- dirt diaries
- sweet stillness
- one family, one climb
- the peace of praise

Big love to all our families back home!

Thank you Jesus, praise you Jesus.

~ Claire Conner