Shira I Camp to Shira II Camp
Last night with all the sleeping bag layers, electric socks, down jacket stuffed into bottom of bag, summit jacket laid on top and hat and gloves... I was warm. Gosh I hope Abdi was correct when he said Shira I was one of the coldest camps!
I woke to clear skies, a view of Mama Kili and frost amply applied to all surfaces, including our crunchy tent. It was stunning! As we packed up, ate breakfast and did our AM health check, lots of pics were taken too.
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| Me and Abdi |
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| Evance, Zar, Imogen, Sue, Me and Abdi |
The hike was easier than yesterday - mostly gently up and down.
But arriving after 10km, we 4 all reported more fatigue today. Just around 12,000'. As usual, a 1/2 km from camp, the porters had showed up to carry our daypacks the rest of the way. Day 3 and STILL the sweetest surprise!
On route today, I retained my crown for making the most money. ("Making money" is the guides lovely way of saying Pee.) But despite being only 3 hours of walking, I also finished 2L of water and almost all of my 1L electrolyte drink. I'm a rule follower and 3L is the minimum here. We have twice daily health checks. Pulse oximeter readings, a check in about diarhea, headaches, appetite, energy levels and whether or not Diamox was taken. All 4 of us were at 90+% O2 readings with healthy heart rates and no other issues. Long may it last!
Since our hike was short-ish and not much, if any, elevation gain, we arrived before lunch was ready and managed to fit in our altitude hike... 30 mins walking up a point that overlooks camp. It fulfilled the "hike high, sleep low" criteria and was not hard.
Chicken and chips lunch followed and just before a cozy afternoon nap, I managed a decent "washy-washy". Luke warm water in a plastic bowl, soap and a bath wipe... all the important bits plus removing dust and sunscreen from face and neck. I felt like a new woman.
So here we are at 5pm in the dining tent, journaling the day alongside Imogen, ginger tea in hand, cards at the ready; listening to the sounds of dinner being prepared. Before we know it, Emmanuel will be here with giant platters of food and a warm but firm face of expectation: "When I return, all of this food will be gone!"
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| Emmanuel! |
Did I mention sunsets are quite magical here? Our camp is a little higher than most and the view over Shira II is a delight. Plus... that's Mt Meru out there catching the last rays of today!
Ok, so how am I feeling? The hike was joyful today. 10/10. I love our team, feel well cared for and our guides set expectations beautifully. There is space and encouragement to be ourselves, and share freely about how we're doing physically and mentally. While I still have self doubt and discomfort is "normal", I also feel optimistic and so happy to be here. If the nights weren't so darn cold (both Imogen and I are sensitive to the cold) then this would so far be considered far easier than 90% of my training!
Tomorrow's Briefing:
Wake up: 5:30am
Breakfast: 6:00am
Departure: 6:30am
We hike 7km to Lava Tower at 15,110' where we'll stop for a hot lunch. Then it's downhill to Barranco Camp for 3km (3900m).
It's alpine zone >4000m. Wear tights and hiking pants. 3 layers on top.
Take/wear balaclava, hat, wool liner gloves.
Take sunhat, sunscreen, sunglasses, snacks.
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