Mawenzi in the distance. Camp 3 was at the base of this peak.
Not unexpectedly, The night was certainly colder than previous nights. At one point, I woke up and thought it was daylight. I stepped outside only to realize that the nearly full moon was high in the sky, and casting enough light down to make my way around camp without my headlamp. I slept about 7 hard hours. At this altitude, I’ll take it.
Today was a relatively short day. We climbed from Kikelewa to Mawenzi, gaining approximately 2000′. Our camp is at 14,100′. We climbed very slowly, and took frequent breaks. It was an easier day than yesterday. Like yesterday, we were greeted by song and dance. The porters and guides have amazing spirits. They treat us like royalty.
The porters prefer to carry heavy loads on their heads. Amazingly, able to balance the load with no hands!
After settling in, I brought out the mini football that I’ve been schlepping up the mountain this whole time. We invited the porters to join in the toss and throw. Soon, there were quite a number of porters and climbers chucking the ball all over the campsite. The thin air made for some serious distance throws.
We rested in the afternoon, but sleep was not allowed since it would inhibit acclimatization. We went on a short hike up to about 14,700′ in the evening. It was odd being higher than any mountain in Colorado, and still feeling good. I am not taking Diamox to help acclimate. How very Boulder, going au naturale. Turns out I’m the only climber not taking it this trip.
Another foggy approach into Camp. We are walking in clouds at this altitude
Matt O., came up with a rap dedicated to me. Pretty hilarious.
An excerpt:
“If you think you gotta poo, and you don’t know what to do, DR. WU!
If your poo is kinda runny, and your tummy’s feelin’ funny, DR. WU!”
You get the point. Headache, cough, and yes, diarrhea are the ailments du jour.
Acclimatization day tomorrow, so we stay in Mawenzi Camp for another day. More to come.
Another welcome celebration at Camp
A little vanity with Bonty at 14,000′
Looking good, Jeff! I can’t imagine going higher than 14,000. There’s no air up there! Keep on keeping on.