Day 7: 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

JOURNAL ENTRY BY STACY AND EMILY SANTEN

Up, up, and away on this “rememorable” day.

We started our day with a chilly morning, a yummy breakfast, and a beautiful view of Uruhu Peak. Our amazing crew of guides and porters serenaded us with a lively version of Jambo Rafiki. Our devotion reminded us that when we are weary, all we need to say is “I trust you, Jesus” because he has already arranged the events of our day. What a sweet reminder as we headed out for day two on the mountain.

We began our ascent in silence, some listening to music, as a time of prayer and reflection. Soon into the hike we found ourselves above the cloud line and could see the nearby Mount Meru. Cue about one hundred pictures being taken by the team with this majestic background.

The climb was a steady uphill at first, but the second part of the day ended up a little more adventurous as we had to climb over boulders and be a little more careful where we placed our boots. Lunch couldn’t come soon enough as we arrived at camp after 3.

We were greeted at Camp Shira 2 with another serenade by our team. What a fun welcome! We ate a filling and yummy lunch but despite all the good food, many of us were thankful that Nina is gluten-free so we could share in her yummies.

After a much needed siesta, we came out of our tents to an incredible sunset, casting a red glow on the Mountain. Cue about one hundred more pictures.

Day two was good to us, even if it kicked our butts along the way.