4 July 2023: Kilimanjaro Day 3

And then there were 9.  Today was very wild.  We only hiked about 6.5 miles, but the first half was straight uphill, the second half straight downhill.  We lost one of our climbers today due to altitude sickness (rather, she was escorted down the mountain).  Med checks were fine for us, my pulse ox is pretty steady around 94, but my heart rate is always running high (around 105).  I think the med checks make me a little nervous since my normal resting heart rate is closer to 60.  JT's pulse ox and HR were both 88.  

The 9 of us set off, and after a tea break, we arrived at Lava Tower, around 15,330' for lunch.  I was very surprised that they brought all 5 of our toilet tents, the dining tent, and kitchen up there, just to serve lunch, then break it down to carry to camp.  Our lunch was a hot one of fried cornbread, soup, potatoes, chicken, and fruit.  The second part of the day was actually much more challenging (for me at least).  I may have made the mistake of saying out loud that this was the first time of the hike I felt was actually a challenge.  Downhill on the ash is very tricky on the feet and knees, so lots of slipping and sliding on the scree.  We made it to our camp at 5:30, had our usual popcorn and tea, then a dinner of soup, macaroni, mushroom sauce, beef, and fruit.  It's also very cold at this camp, mostly due to the wind.  We had cell service, and also saw stars for the first time (now that we're regularly above the clouds).  I enjoyed showing JT how to spot the Southern Cross, even though we were freezing.  A couple random side-notes - some of our team are starting to struggle.  Most of us are on diamox, which aids in preventing AMS.  A random side-effect of that is how often you have to go to pee.  It's funny how like, every 30 minutes you pretty much have to go.  At least we're well-hydrated?  

It wasn't even observed, but it was Independence Day for us Americans.  Not my first July 4 overseas, and not likely my last!  

The view of Mt. Meru from our camp.

I have no idea why this foot was here.  I felt the need to document, as I do with all detached appendages I find.

The climb up to Lava Tower was very scenic!

As was this outhouse.

This is the first time you can really appreciate the size of this mountain... We're at 15,000' here, and the top is still up to 19,341'...

The whole team!

Hot lunch at Lava Tower.

This is Lava Tower.  My reading on it made it seem like a bigger deal, and a site not to miss, but I was kinda eh about it.  You used to be able to climb it, but rockfalls have made it too dangerous.

Team at Lava Tower.  One team, one dream!  Hakuna matata!

Lava Tower Lunch.

I couldn't get enough of these clouds.  Sorry for all the photos.

Mt. Meru way back there!  It looked so large from our hotel in Arusha - but it's 43 miles away!

Our trail to camp!

Do you see our tents?

More Giant Groundsel trees

This does feel like a planet from Star Trek.

Baranco camp!

Check out these luxury facilities.

Yay more dinner.  I haven't really mentioned it yet, but JT and I were the human sumps on this trip... The crew just basically called us the boys, and brought us all the food.  I think it really helped with the acclimatization.  

The sun is very intense.  You may not be able to appreciate it from this photo, but we are very chapped all around.  No amount of spf on the ears or lips was gonna make that any better.  Also note the ice- Kili is at the equator, so this is actually kinda crazy.  This is where the term "The Snows of Kilimanjaro" comes from!

One more Giant Groundsel for the road.