Day 4 - Machame Camp to Shira Camp

MOUNTAIN ROUTE OVERVIEW

Today is a shorter day that starts with climbing up a steep ridge to a small cliff named Picnic Rock. Climbers will start in the moorland zone which is above the rainforest and clouds. As our climbers hike up the steep ridge, they’ll be rewarded with a sweeping view of Machame Camp and Machame Village. The air will become increasingly thin as they reach the halfway point and vegetation will slowly give way to black lava and sand. The trail continues up and up pst small mountain streams, rocky walls, and deep ravines. Shira Camp is in the middle of the Shira Plateau. Climbers will have views of Mount Meru and Kibo from camp is the weather is good!!

MOUNTAIN ROUTE STATS

Starting elevation 9,900 feet

Ending elevation 12,500 feet

Elevation gain 2,600 feet

Distance hiked 5 miles

Average hiking time 5 to 7 hours

—

Journal Entry

Today we shimmied and shimmied and shimmied up rocks gaining altitude.  As we went I became very aware of the Spirit moving on the mountain and the breaking of my own spirit.  He still moves mountains.  Sometimes those mountains are within us.

So here is what I learned: 

For the first part of the climb I was right behind our gracious Guide, Daniel.  I followed close as the group kept close the next one before them. And the thought crossed my mind, “Jesus, am I following you this close?”  A disciple by definition is someone who follows their rabbi so close that the dust from their feet would brush onto you. 

When you consider the climb there is no way any of us could do this on our own. The Porters, the Cooks, and the Guides have provided and been the most incredible helpmates. There are 45 people climbing this mountain to help 8 climbers! And the do this with such joy that it is moving and humbling. The Spirit of God is like a Porter. He is providing and making a way! Even at the end of the day they came and carried our packs the final way. (After they had already carried our porter bags that day). We do so little in our own power.

And today the reminder was constant, “pole, pole” meaning slowly, slowly. So as we followed Daniel today I reflected on how I expect following Jesus should yield quicker results. No one dares pass in front of our Guides, and yet we do so often in front of Jesus.  The only time God commanded for people to be ready to rush was when Israel prepared to leave Egypt. Other than that, Jesus tells us in His word, “pole, pole.”And who am I to pass the Great Guide who created the trail? 

-Keri

P.S. We are all safe and feeling good! Ready to get to 15,200ft tomorrow. 

-Murphy