Another stunning morning with picture perfect weather. The views of Kili have been spectacular during the entire hike this morning. I just can't get over it's grandeur rising up from the plains. Pretty sure I've taken photo of. It every 15 minutes or so. The clouds float across it like a theater curtain revealing all or partial glimpses. Amazing!
We finished our trek this morning an hour ahead of schedule. Which put us the first in camp. Our crew is the best . . . Always the first to be packed up and on the trail, which means first to camp and the best spots. Today our camp is about 14,000 ft next to a very small high mountain lake. The entire hike today was above the clouds. Something I just couldn't get over. Our tents sit at the base of Mawenzi Peak in a little valley protected from the wind. To the east is a sea of billowy clouds below us. The summit is now hidden behind the ridge and out of view.
The group is doing extremely well. A couple of folks experienced a small headache which disappeared quickly with water and Ibuprofen. Our guides are really pleased with our pace and reaction to the altitude. This afternoon we did our acclimatization hike higher on Mawenzi. Spirits and ability of the group carried us to 15,995, higher than the guides had planned. The best part was skiing down on the scree. Always a kick for me but the first time for the rest of the group. Al (70) said it was exhilarating!
This evening the Assistant Guides, Frank and Richard, shared the stories of how they became guides. They both are living their dreams.
The end of the night brought us an option. The guides agreed that we are all doing excellent with the change in altitude. For that reason they presented us with an option to start the summit run a day early. This option allows us to get more rest, climb more of approach in the warmer hours, spend longer on top, if we're feeling well to see the glacier & crater, the have a short descent to the same camp.
Everyone agreed and are taking their advice. So only one more camp before we head to the summit!
Today would have been Dad's 93 birthday. . . Guess I couldn't get much closer to him than above the clouds!
Love,
Donna
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