Day 2: Shira Camp

Ok now I know why yesterday was called the easy day! Let's begin...

We woke up at 6:30 am to Godfrey bringing us what they call "bed-tea" (or coffee). It warmed us up right away. After we packed all of our gear we went to the mess tent for a breakfast of mango, papaya, toast and jam, and porridge (which was actually edible once a scoop of peanut butter and honey was added). They also served breakfast sausage which was in fact a sliced hot dog. But you had to get your protein! 

Then it was time to head out, I mean up. We had left the rainforest and entered the Moorlands. We saw one giant climb ahead of us with a small line of people climbing straight up it. It wouldn't have been too bad if there weren't two more identical climbs hidden right behind this one. The trail the first three hours was a very slippery rockface, boulders and mud. My legs felt awesome taking giant steps up rocks- thank you Crossfit Stafford for those air squats and lunges! On the peak of the third climb we stopped for lunch with a killer view of Mt. Meru, Mt. Kili's baby brother. 

Mt. Meru in the background

Cindy, Me, Deb

Arman, Dan, Mark

Then the temperature dropped and the winds picked up. I had to add a long-sleeve and rain shell. The fog started to roll off the mountains, but thankfully no downpours. Knock on wood. The second half of the hike felt like we were in Lord of the Rings on the quest to Mordor. After a pretty gnarly sock scramble which required being on all fours, we spent another hour switchbacking up only to descend on the other side into the valley of Shira Camp. From  up high it was so colorful with orange, blue and green tents in looked like a carnival. However, it was no carnival. But the hot chocolate waiting for us was heavenly. Then we continued the ritual of how water to wash, set up our tents, go register. It's already cold here and the sun hasn't even set yet. It's getting a bit nipply out!

We had the first sufferer of altitude sickness today. Najef looked like hell when he sat down for dinner and suffered from such a severe headache he couldn't eat and left. Tonight's dinner was leek soup, white rice and green beans, chicken, and sliced avocados. After dinner we stayed in the mess tent talking and playing cards. Evans later came in for tomorrow's briefing. Tomorrow we have a longer distance to cover, but not as steep as today's essentially vertical climb. We will hike to Lava Tower which is at 15,200 ft and then descend to Barranco Camp at 13,050. This is our acclimatization hike. The motto is "Hike high, Sleep low." If the weather is good we will have the chance to climb Lava Tower. Awesome! It requires a harness and ropes to repel, which I am lacking. However maybe someone will share! 

Tomorrow seems like it should be easier than today. But I seem to keep underestimating things, so only time will tell. Going to attempt to sleep now, but there seems to be a porter party going on. Let's see if my earplugs can block this out...