Day 8: Climb to Baranco Camp

MOUNTAIN ROUTE OVERVIEW

Today, the trail runs through a black lava desert past millions of boulders. From the Shira Plateau, the group will go up a ridge, past the trail to the peak of Kibo, to Lava Tower (known by locals as Shark’s Tooth). During their lunch break, they can take in the snowline above the Lava Tower. After lunch, they’ll descend to the Barranco Camp at an altitude of 13,000 feet. The black lava desert fades into heather and moorland. From Barranco Camp, they’ll see the Barranco Wall, the Western Breach of Kibo, and the South Glacier. This is where their hike ends – and they rest and have dinner. Because their bodies are exposed to such a high elevation at lunch, this is one of the most important days for acclimatization and will prepare our climbers’ bodies for summit day.

MOUNTAIN ROUTE STATS

Starting elevation 12,500 feet

Ending elevation 12,900 feet

Elevation gain 400 feet

Distance hiked 6 miles

Average hiking time 7 to 9 hours

JOURNAL ENTRY BY CAMILLE SNYDER

Today I was awake by 3 AM and instead of going to the restroom like I needed to and so missed the beautiful big moon, I was taking a quick inventory of how I was feeling; a little stuffed up and a little nauseated. Plus, Nathan was restless as usual. On the Climb I heard two songs called “shake it off“ ( on shuffle no less) by Ellie Goulding and one by Taylor Swift (thank you to my husband’s eclectic play lists).

I was reminded of our scripture today to not get stressed but rely on God (to “Shake it off”). Even in the hardship of this altitude-climbing Zombie-walk as we increasingly feel short of breath, nauseated, and just wanted to sleep at 15,000 feet at Lava Rock Camp.

We on this climb are increasingly going to be reliant on Him. But let us not forget the mountains in our daily life are no different and God still wants our dependence on Him.

We are to thank God in all circumstances and in all times. May we remember that when we are not in as much pain and tiredness we are in now. Let us focus on the beautiful mountains, people, and terrain that is around us.