Day 4: Climb 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

After a night that was full of waking up for bathroom breaks and unfamiliar noises, the morning seemed to come fast. That being said, waking up to the contagious spirit of our guides and porters, in addition to amazing coffee, turned the switch on.

Day 1 was a smooth hike for me, maybe giving me a false confidence. Today started off with the same momentum. As we approached our lunch spot I started to feel weak. It’s funny how fast your mind can turn from positive thinking and tenacity to negativity and harsh feelings towards yourself above 12,000 feet.

What’s incredible to me is just how fast my mind turned back, once again, witnessing the “all together spirit” that hovered amongst the group. The kindness coming from our guides and porters, specifically Big John, Gabriel, Marco and Alfa, is a true demonstration of humble strength.

It’s been hard for me to see these men carry our bags for us and let go of the instinct to carry them myself. As we walked into our camp today to the sounds of singing and dancing, I was reminded of Jesus. Because just like Him, these men not only carry the weight for us, but rejoice in helping us to the final destination.

I hope that our small group can take this spirit back to all of the amazing places we are from. May we take the weight for someone and rejoice.

-Chris Flicek