Day 6: Climb to Karanga Camp

MOUNTAIN ROUTE OVERVIEW

After breakfast, one of the biggest challenges for our climbers begins. They’ll climb up and over the Great Barranco Wall. Getting to the top of it will take 1 to 2 hours. After the wall, climbers will cross a barren and rocky plateau with views of Kibo and three glaciers before descending into Karanga Camp. As they cross the plateau on a trail of gravel and sand, climbers will pass streams and giant boulders for 2 to 3 hours. As they walk into camp, they have a good view of tomorrow’s route. They’ll get to camp by lunch. But this short day is planned for resting which helps with acclimatization.

MOUNTAIN ROUTE STATS

Starting elevation 12,900 feet

Ending elevation 13,300 feet

Elevation gain 400 feet

Distance hiked 3 miles

Average hiking time 4 to 6 hours

3:53pm

I awoke early this Thursday morning to the sound of Tanzanian wind whisking against my tent. Searching for my watch, the time read 5:06. “Time to see the stars” I thought. Stumbling out into the dark, the freezing air filled my lungs. Moments later, my eyes adjusted and the night sky came alive. As I stood there in wonder, time slowed down and my mind cleared. Why has God brought me to this specific place? The heavens and stars above have never felt so close before. Surely they contained my answer. 

Hours later, the African sun rose to shed light onto a new glorious day above the clouds. Breathtaking views continued to surround us as the sun peaked over the summit. Optimistic and primed for the climb ahead, I still pondered my existence on this mountain. However, today was going to be the day I found purpose in my journey. 

The team and I marched onward foot by foot, climbing higher and higher towards the top of the first ridge. We made excellent progress. To reward our hard work, a clear view of the snow covered summit painted a beautiful backdrop for us as we posed for pictures. I stood back in admiration of the peak and was in constant awe of God’s creation. Elevation? Heavens? Summit? What do these all mean? I was determined to have an answer soon. 

The final hour or two of our hike today consisted of ups and downs. We eventually arrived at our camp exhausted and beat. I am continually impressed by the tenacious spirit of our team. After hearing everyone’s story and purpose for conquering the mountain, I found my own rationale empty and incomplete. What am I missing?

As I lay in my tent writing this blog, the truth of my journey came to light. I am missing my mother. In every story, the protagonist has a want and a need. My want is to summit this mountain, but my need is to be closer to my mom. God has placed me here on top of Mount Kilimanjaro to feel her presence at 19,341 ft. I pray that on summit night the team and I all reach the top. For me, I’ll be making it to the top for her. Reaching out for the heavens to hold her hand one more time. 

Journal Entry by Grant Wood