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

We fell asleep under the crisp night sky and awoke at 06:30 wrapped in a thick blanket of fog - though at this elevation I’m told it’s referred to as “clouds.” The muffled noises of breaking camp failed to reflect our (my) anticipation for today’s climb as we broke our fast with porridge, eggs, sausage, toast, and fruit. (In this regard Tom chalks up another win by creating mid-mountain avocado toast. Millennials will millennial.) 08:30 came and we were ready to march.

We had been assured that today was an easy day following yesterday’s long trek.

I cannot agree with that assessment. 

The close, wet greyness accompanied us as we crossed the wooden bridge out of camp and began our steep ascent. The route took us up a long mountain ridge - the clouds obscuring anything beyond the initial treeline, casting the illusion that existence ceased outside of our small troop. 

The sun and wind conspired as we soldiered on, gracing us with sweeping views of parallel ridges below and bright glaciers above.

Unlike the rainforests of yesterday the flora has changed overnight. Tougher, shorter scrub and trees dominate as they, like us, struggle to thrive as they are slowly deprived of oxygen. Miraculously, bright delicate flowers still manage to invigorate the mountainside and cheer us silently on.

For many, the signs of AMS (Acute Mountain Sickness) have begun to show as we continue to gain altitude. Headaches, nausea, and lost appetite become just as formidable as the slope in front of us and our group finds itself arriving at camp in different groups as paces begin to stratify. 

Fortunately, we arrived with ample daylight and after a late lunch enjoyed naps, books, cards, and each other - a welcome respite as we prepare our bodies and spirits for the climb tomorrow. 

Thank you to those praying for us, we send our love back to you and we promise we’re taking as many pictures as we can to share when we get home! We now have a very clear view of the summit and feel very humbled by it. Onwards, upwards, and as always…pole pole!

Journal Entry by Greg Liggett