The climb from Barafu is long and slow. It's not so much the physical distance, which is moderate by some mountain standards, but the lack of oxygen. As one climbs higher and higher, the pace slows more and more. E found that she could proceed effectively by taking two breaths for each step.
After leaving around 1 AM, we reached Stella Point on the summit crest just after sunrise. From there it took us another hour and some to reach the true summit, Uhuru Peak.
Sunrise behind Mawenzi
The last few hundred feet before Stella Point
It looks close, but the summit (the highest point in the distance) is an hour away...
Finally there
All grins on the roof of Africa
Congratulations to E and many thanks to Goodluck and the other three assistant guides/porters who accompanied us to the summit (for their first time to the top!)
The way down is much easier--you don't need nearly as much oxygen to descend--but also very hard on your legs. We stopped at Barafu for a quick lunch, then kept going down until we reached Mweka camp at 3,100 meters. For those of you who are counting, that's around 9,000 feet of descent! E was glad to see the camp when we finally arrived.
Congratulations to E and many thanks to Goodluck and the other three assistant guides/porters who accompanied us to the summit (for their first time to the top!)
The way down is much easier--you don't need nearly as much oxygen to descend--but also very hard on your legs. We stopped at Barafu for a quick lunch, then kept going down until we reached Mweka camp at 3,100 meters. For those of you who are counting, that's around 9,000 feet of descent! E was glad to see the camp when we finally arrived.
1 comment:
There's just something about the 3rd photo that I really like. Thanks for sharing.
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