Day 6: Climb to Baranco Camp
MOUNTAIN ROUTE OVERVIEW
The path today runs through a black lava desert past millions of heavy rocks. From the Shira Plateau, the group will continue to the east up a ridge, passing the junction towards the peak of Kibo. As they continue, their direction changes to the South East towards the Lava Tower, called the “Shark’s Tooth.” Shortly after the tower, they come to the second junction, which brings them up to the Arrow Glacier at an altitude of 16,000ft. During the lunch break they can glimpse the snowline above the Lavatower.
After lunch, they continue down to the Barranco Hut at an altitude of 13,000ft. Slowly the stone desert disappears and along the way they find again the typical giants cross herbs, as well as heath and moorland. From the Barranco Camp they will see the Great Barranco Wall, the Western Breach of Kibo, the window and the south glacier. Here they rest, enjoy dinner, and overnight. Although they end the day at the same elevation as when they started, this day is very important for acclimatization and will help our climbers’ bodies prepare for summit day!
CLIMB STATS
Begin ~ 12,500 Feet / 3,800 Meters
End ~ 12,900 Feet / 3,900 Meters
Elevation Gain / Loss 2,100 Feet / 1,700 Feet
Time Average 7-9 Hours
Distance Hiked 6 Miles / 10 Km
CLIMBER BLOG ENTRY
One of my favorite parts of this trip so far has been those 30 minutes each morning, before anyone else is awake and only a for-telling of the sun is beginning to color the sky. There is a vibrant hue in the sky: bright red, deep blue, and a pale yellow stacked on top of each other. I’ve never seen this in the southern United States and it has reminded at the beginning of each day that I’m in a special place.
We started this morning with a hearty breakfast, strong coffee, and words of encouragement to reflect on on the trail. I’m really sad to say that we had two folks turn back this morning. We all have our turning point. And for most of us, we don’t know what that turning point is until we are on the mountain. Knowing the beautiful and victory that awaits us at the top of the mountain, it’s tough to know that not everyone that started with us gets to experience that summit. But I’m convinced that no matter how far one makes it, to the summit or just up to the second or third camp, it’s impossible to leave this place without experiencing awe for its beauty and personal growth from the trek.
Today we hit 15,000 feet of elevation, which is the highest most of us have ever been outside of an airplane. We had lunch at our high point before descending back down a few thousand feet to camp. At lunch we were definitely feeling the altitude. A few of us had a loss of appetite, but mostly just light headaches and shortness of breath. Thankfully these symptoms subsided once we got down to our camp. Apparently this process is what develops the tolerance necessary to summit in good health.
It was a steady descent from lunch to camp that took about two hours. I broke ahead with Schroder and the two of us, who met only a few days ago, had some wonderful discussion. Aside from the natural beauty, the relationships that have developed on the trail have been one of the most rewarding parts of this trip.
The view at tonight’s camp was nothing less than breathtaking. We were in a valley that was cut out by a glacier, offering a closeup view of the summit of Kili and, when the clouds were parted, a view downward on the town of Moshi.
If the trip ended today, I can confidently say that it was well worth it. But the summit of Kili is within sight welcoming us up. And I’m so excited to sit on the top of Africa in just a few days.
Pamoja Pamoja
David