A blissful morning on Day 5.Technically, today should be an easy day as we prepare to ascend to Barafu Huts...our last stop before attempting the summit. It is a slow and easy climb to just over 4600m.
With dusty fields of an ash-based scree, we are now obviously climbing a slopes of a volcano.We start our day at 9:00 and head off again under a clear blue sky. Anticipating a much colder temperature, I equip myself with a fleece hat. This turned out to be totally unecessary as we were subjected to some of the warmest weather yet encountered on this mountain. In fact, by the time I ditched the hat I think I ended up with sun stroke.
A slow simple climb across a well marked trail marked much of this day's hike.
The winding trail was dusty and seemed to go on forever as we crossed what looked like a lunar landscape. We arrived in very good time by 12. At this point, I once again suffered from a headache but I did not know if it was altitude, coffee withdrawal or now sun stroke (I had a good burn). After getting permission from the Medic (Liberate), I took a couple of Tylenols and within 15 minutes felt much better.
A long and winding road under a blistering sun ....here's an idiot that obviously needs a hat!
We arrive at camp (a cramped set-up of tents precariously nestled between rocks) to enjoy a warm and hardy lunch. Then we head up for another acclimatization hike for 1 1/2 hours along the trail that will take us to the peak.
This is where I become rather apprehensive....we are close to our target but you can definitely feel the altitude and the terrain is dry and dusty. Soon we will be heading for the summit and I for one am having doubt about my ability to make it for the final stretch.
In any case we all head for an early sleep by 7PM knowing that we will have to wake by 11PM for breakfast!
In any case we all head for an early sleep by 7PM knowing that we will have to wake by 11PM for breakfast!
Nestled between rocks for a quick 4 hour sleep.
