JCG Expeditions – Island Peak Expedition (PDF)

If you would like to discuss this expedition then please don’t hesitate to contact me at either jon@jcgexpeditions.co.uk or call me 07834 150940

I have just returned from nearly 6 weeks in the Kumbu, of which some was spend guiding teams on Island Peak. So what makes Island Peak so great? What equipment do you need to make an accent? Just how technical is it? Are you ready to take on your first Himalayan giant?

With around 7 lodges to choose from, Chukhung village is your gateway to an ascent on Island Peak. Chukhung is situated 5 days trekking from Lukla on the north side of Ama Dablam and at the snout of 4 glaciers which descend the slopes of Nuptse 7861m, Lhotse 8516m and Ama Dablam 6812m. In Chukhung you are right in the heart of the Kumbu underneath the enormous south face of the worlds fourth highest mountain Lhotse and the entire imposing north side of Ama Dablam whose incredible west ridge sweeps right across the skyline towards Island Peak. You are also granted superb views of Taboche, Cholatse and Arakam Tse all over 6000m. Chukhung is usually where you meet your additional local crew. Guides, crampons and climbing attire required can be sorted here also.

Prior to your attempt on Island Peak, most parties will spend an additional day acclimatizing in the previous village of Dingboche – 4400m, where you can trek leisurely up the slopes of Nangkar Tshang to around 5200m. Most often this will result with an afternoon spent at the Dingboche bakery, drinking tea and sampling pastry delights! Chukhung – 4730m is 2-3 hours further up the valley and, once settled in, usually the next day, a similar pattern is observed taking advantage of the peak just north of the village – Chukhung Ri – 5550m. Chukhung Ri is brilliant acclimatization for Island Peak and should be a must on everyone’s itineraries. Not only are do you reach 5550m but after just a few hours you are rewarded with sensational views of all the peaks surround Chukhung plus you can now see over the Nuptse Glacier and across towards Pulmori – 7165m and Cho Oyu – 8201m, and over behind Island Peak to Baruntse and the worlds fifth highest mountain Makalu – 8462m – be sure to bring a good camera!

After a couple of nights at Chukhung you pack you kit and prepare for your trek to Island Peak Base Camp, a pleasant 2-3 hours trek to 5087m on the south side of Island Peak. Heading south out of Chukhung village you pass over the tumbling Imja Khola river fed by the nearby glaciers, freezing cold, ice formations build up on all exposed surfaces. From here you are on lateral moraine jammed between the Lhotse and Ama Dablam glaciers, gaining a small ridge turning westerly, you follow the narrow worn path as it ducks and dives over loose dusty terrain. The path turns again and heads directly towards Island Peak in the distance. After an hour and a half you pass into a large open valley with Island Peak prominent above you at one end and Cholatse at the other end behind you, all the while Ama Dablam stands way above looking down on your progress as you move deeper and deeper into the Kumbu mountains.

Just before Base Camp you drop down to the foot of the mountain before easily traversing around to your new ‘home’. It was here that I gained a real sense of why they call it Island Peak. I knew from looking at the maps that it is a ‘stand alone’ mountain, similar to Kilimanjaro for example, and almost all the way around its base it is surrounded by glaciers, protecting itself with a maze of deep crevasses, like a moat around a castle.

Island Peak summit was first climbed in 1956 by a Swiss team as a training exercise in preparation for Mount Everest and Lhotse. Nowadays around 300 teams try climbing it each year. This may sounds like a lot but, compared to the super-busy peaks like Mont Blanc and Kilimanjaro, Island Peak is relativity quiet and enjoyed often by only a dozen a day during the climbing seasons.

Base Camp is tented accommodation only and this is likely to be the first time you camp on the trek. Most agencies have a cook/dining tent where the magic happens and your talented local sherpas will russle up nutritional energy-filling lunches and dinners for you before the big night. We enjoyed my Nepal favorite of egg drop tomato soup and a plate of fried potatoes, with some type of coleslaw and hot dog sausages. After a rest for a few hours to adjust to the altitude and to allow the team to move into their new homes, the climbing Sherpa, Hamanta, and I ran a technical rope work session where, for the first time, many of the climbers will practice using ascenders and descenders, (Jumars and fig 8s). On Island Peak there is a short section where fixed lines are put in for safety and it is imperative that each individual knows how to not only ascend and descend these lines but also how to do it in a systematic, safe and easy method – whilst wearing big gloves!

A few hours is spent learning the techniques required. Jumars, fig 8s, screwgates, cows tails, safety lines take on meaning, and their uses are learned and everyone is happy with the prospect of fixed lines high up on Island Peak’s glaciated cap. In the early evening we take a leisurely walk along the base of the mountain and show the group where the route goes in the morning. We will be setting out for the summit at 01:00 in just over 8 hours time so we head back to camp for an early ‘carb heavy’ dinner and then to bed.

There is an excited buzz in the air over dinner as I explain a few last minute details about what to wear and the importance of keeping warm, hydrated, using rest stops effectively, as well as rough timings and expectations for the summit day. I am a strong believer that you should not have to turn back on a summit day for something that is within your control, being cold and dehydrated, for example, which leaves only weather/conditions, altitude sickness and injury as good reasons for stopping and returning to camp. A few of the team have last minute questions and, once these have been answered and nalgeens have been filled with boiling water (to act as hot water bottles), I urge the team to their tents for 5 hours sleep.

Outside the sky is clear and calm with just a gentle cool breeze against my face. Looking upwards I am mesmerized by the sheer number of stars in the sky. Of all the places in the world to which I have been fortunate enough to have travelled I had never seen a sky like this. Millions and millions of stars flood the sky twinkling silently at me, more appearing every second as my eyes slowly adjust to the darkness. The Milky Way was more obvious than ever before cutting across the sky and, behind the skyline of Island Peak, I could see the glow of the night’s promised full moon rising slowly.

And so it was, under a bright full moon at 01:12, our little team set out onto the rocky slopes of Island Peak. The moon by now was overhead and, to my delight, we turned off our torch lights. We climbed in silence up the steep rock-strewn terrain of the lower slopes by moon light alone, just the gentle repetitive crunch underfoot acknowledging our presence. Our shadows from the moon danced softly on the rocks beside us as we made good time up towards High Camp. High Camp is not used by many teams and, at around 5500m, can save a few hours on summit day. However the camp is colder and people are likely to sleep and eat badly resulting in poor preparation before the climb, so most teams choose to start their ascent from Base Camp. It is very common, all round the world, to set out for a summit day in the middle of the night.

The ground shimmered and sparkled as we passed the deserted High Camp and followed the trail into a narrowing rocky gully. Aventurine is a quartz stone present in much of the rock in the Kumbu, and the shimmering I could see was caused by tiny metallic particles (mica) within the stone. The path was now a mix of fist sized rocks cut up and scattered across the mountain and the metallic snake of fine mica particles glistened under the bright moon guiding the way, one foot in front of the other. We zig-zagged higher and higher, passing a couple of short easy scrambles where the use of hands was often required to aid balance, but generally these sections were short and we continued up steadily gaining altitude, one foot in front of the other.

At altitude you have to move slowly and, at around 5500m, we now had the equivalent oxygen levels of approximately half that at sea level. We took care not to over exert ourselves and stopped every hour or so to take a short rest and drink and eat a little. When climbing at altitude it is a fine balance between stopping too much and getting cold and remaining hydrated and keeping energy levels up. The importance of remaining hydrated during activity is often under estimated and at altitude its necessity is even greater and should not be ignored – the amount of liquid required usually surprises every first time altitude climber. On your summit day you can help yourself by taking the time to ensure that you are fully hydrated before you leave camp.

At around 5600 we turned across the rocky gully and scrambled out onto the spur on the far side and, following a few carefully dotted cairns, traversed around into another wider gully. I noticed that the rocks had changed from lower down and are were now generally larger and stacked up in a jumbled heap like giant Jenga. A few paths come and go but meet again all with the same objective of getting you to ‘crampon point’ – a significant waypoint of the summit day where the surface changes from rock to ice at just under 6000m.

When we left Base Camp our team, and most others, wear their trekking boots – in the name of comfort. Our big boots, crampons, harnesses and helmets are carried up to ‘crampon point’ by our Sherpa team. It is here we swapped our trekking boots for big double plastics, donned harnesses and crampons and roped up for phase two of summit day, the glacier, headwall and summit ridge!

The glacier is welcome change of terrain and from ‘crampon point’ to the base of the fixed lines takes around an hour. For our team the first glow of sunrise begin to show, softly illuminating the sleeping giants of the Kumbu Himalaya all around with pinks and oranges. Only a little altitude is gained whilst on the glacier but the terrain is interesting with a few crevasses to cross and jump over. The main trouble maker is usually flagged and can be crossed higher up if necessary. However the glacier is constantly changing and moving and has required ladders to span the larger crevasses.

Surrounded by the lunar-like landscape and soft whiteness of the glacier, I lead my rope team to the base of the fixed lines. We enjoy a drink and a nibble, before clipping our jumars to the fixed lines and beginning our ascent to the summit ridge. This section is by far the steepest on the route and, leading ahead, I kept a careful eye on the team as they shunted their way slowly up the lines, sucking in the thin air with each step.

The fixed lines look quite imposing from a distance, almost 150m of vertical ice from the glacier up to the summit ridge line. The summit seems close, I can see the top, but it is still another few hours to go! The fixed lines are split into 4 or 5 shorter sections and require change-overs at each point, and this means transferring the jumars across from one line to another whilst remaining clipped in and safe at all times – all well practiced the day before.

The headwall with the fixed lines presents the only technicality on the summit day and is at about 45/50 degress with a short steeper exit out onto the ridge, somewhere between winter Scottish 1 and 2 grades. Helmets are essential whilst on the ropes, especially if there is a climber above you, as small pieces of snow and ice get dislodged and/or be kicked down, without the climber above realizing this. My team made good time and, after just over an 1 hour on the fixed lines, we had all made it to the summit ridge. Climbing over a steep lip, I exited onto the ridge. From here the views really open up, and I could not help but have a huge smile across my face. The sun was fully out by now and shining strongly all around and sun cream and sunglasses were absolutely essential, snow sunburn and snow blindness must be taken seriously.

The fixed lines extend to the summit of Island Peak. After a gentle methodic plod up the final arête of snow, I was taking my last few steps onto the summit of the Isma Tsa at 6189m.

In awe of my surroundings, I observed the panorama in silence, absorbing the mountain scenes into my memory, my eyes forced into overdrive to try and take it all in. In every direction a vast sea of snow capped giants soared high into the sky, Lhotse, Ama, Makalu, Nuptse, Barentse. The mountains surrounding Island Peak feel close, towering high above, stong and powerful, as if looking down on their little sister. To stand on top of any big mountain is a unique and special feeling and incredibly addictive, I feel sure that it is one of the world’s best natural highs and I can’t think of anything that compares. But it is a simple fact that in order to achieve the summit it means a combination of factors have all come together but with huge effort comes huge rewards, an indescribable sensation of self-satisfaction, a feeling belonging just to you, the holder of that success, something priceless that no one can ever take away from you, the knowing that you have achieved something great.

For 45 minutes we enjoyed the windless summit to ourselves, savoring the moment as one of the best views I had ever seen. No wind and no cloud – I tilted my head upwards and whispered a thank you to the sky, today was our day. My mind was racing with thoughts and already planning my next trip to try and get a different view from another summit.

But the summit is only half of the mountain and the descent is when the majority of accidents happen in mountaineering. I switch my brain back into the reality of the situation in hand and we began our descent down the ridge towards the top of the fixed lines. Just over an hour later we were safely back at crampon point and met by one of our Sherpa team with hot juice and biscuits, whilst switching back to trekking boots and loosing our harnesses, ropes and crampons, I finally relaxed again, the hard work was over. As I looked out across the view in front I smileed to myself, content with the day that has been, a great day in the office!

The descent is a direct retrace of the morning’s ascent and altitude was lost quickly as familiar sections passed us by until eventually we passed the site of High Camp and realized that Base Camp was only 45 minutes away. Tired legs and weary heads fumbled down the loose rocky trails and everything had a new light as time drew close to midday. Looking back we could see that it was now windy higher up and the first signs of small lenticular clouds forming up near the summit encouraged an egotistic smile; we had done our job, executed a plan and achieved the ultimate goal – summit success.

What to wear / Gear

6000m Double plastics – eg Scarpa Omegas
2-3 layers on the legs, thermals, trousers and (windproofs)
4-6 layers on top, Thermals, fleece, down jacket, windproof shell
Hat, gloves, mitts, sunglasses
Helmet, Harness, Jumars, fig 8 and 4 srewgate karabiners

2 litres in insulation
Foods in inside jacket
Heat pads

Tents – provided
4 season sleeping bag – can be hired
Sleeping mat

When

There are two main climbing season is the Kumbu and Island Peak can be climbed in both. These are the spring March – May and the autumn October – December

Where do you stay

During the trek you stay in tea lodges along the Everest trail, plentiful and good fun. Chukkung village is the base of Island peak ascents. Tents are used at Island Peak basecamp

Arriving into base camp fully acclimatized, having been in the Khumbu for nearly 30 days, I decided I needed a few days of rest to recover, refuel and prepare for the climb ahead. I had a plan and it was going to require a lot of energy. I’ll be honest with you, I was intimidated by the mountain, by the unknown that lay ahead and by the sheer beauty of its southwest ridge. The long sweeping line soars high into the sky like an eagle, from the edge of base camp to the summit of the mountain. I could feel its pull like a magnet drawing me closer.

I had made the decision to climb alone on Ama and to climb fast. I wanted to totally immerse myself in the climbing and focus everything I had on a safe and successful climb. I left base camp around mid-afternoon and, after saying goodbye to the rest of the team at base camp, I set foot towards camp 1 for the very first time. I put my music on as the cold clouds enveloped me and the mountains disappeared – I suddenly felt very alone. Being fully acclimatized, I was keen to push myself and after just 2 hours I was nearing the base of the ‘slabs’ below camp 1. As I entered the boulder field, a vast expanse of huge boulders scattered carelessly across the mountainside, the final light from the day faded away as I rummaged for my head torch. Up above I could see a few tents glowing a deep orange as the occupants, warm inside their sleeping bags, melted ice and chatted anxiously about the day ahead.

I crawled into my tent half an hour later and quickly set about getting sorted. It was slightly later than I had hoped. Snow in pot, stove on…sleeping kit out, get in sleeping bag…unpack bag, crampons, axe, helmet, harness in porch ready for the morning…clothes, gloves, hats inside ready for the morning. Once I was all sorted, I set about eating and drinking as much as I could, melting ice is a laborious task but hydration is essential. Confident that I was as prepared as I could be, I switched off my head torch, changed the batteries and drifted off to sleep, excited about the next 24 hours.

With just the lightest puff of wind, I entered into the dark night. It was just after 04.00 as I left my tent and clipped in the first of the fixed lines. I drew a long deep breath and looked around at the surrounding peaks sparkling and glistening under the bright stars, and began my ascent. The climb was intense and unrelenting; between camp 1 to camp 2 I rarely stopped for a minute. All the southwest ridge is steep, to both sides and above and below, but with 7000m boots and good kit on I felt safe and protected from what ever the mountain could throw at me. But the mountain remained quiet for now, letting me silently climb higher and higher up her slopes. The rock is some of the best granite I have ever climbed on and at times it is quite technical; Yellow Tower giving a superb pitch at around HVS if led. The short patches of snow and ice were hard packed, wind blown rime and neve, allowing my crampons to grip it like a fork in sticky toffee.

As I pulled up and over a short rock section to camp 2, the sun was just beginning to rise and the faintest glow of morning promised to bring warmth and hope to the day. At camp 2, half a dozen precariously pitched tents probably housed a number of climbers from all corners of the earth, most of them making their way to camp 3 later that day. They were still sleeping and I passed them quickly and quietly, then took 5 minutes to refuel and enjoy the sunrise. Being alone on the mountains is a unique experience and one that can be very powerful. It gives you a chance to think, a chance to forget the trials and tribulations of everyday life and, for a short period of time, you are completely free.

High above, I could see camp 3 and I knew it was going to take a further 2 to 3 hours to reach it. Remaining clipped in for the duration of the climb, I was constantly having to assess the fixed lines and switch ropes, adding and removing jumars and caribinas as I made my way further up the ridge. Shortly after camp 2 there is a fabulous section of snow and ice called the Grey Couloir – 100m or so at 70+ degrees. My calves screamed as I my front points dug deep into the snow, but superb conditions allowed me to make good time and I soon found myself at the foot of Mushroom Ridge. The climb was really getting exciting and I could feel myself smiling, I even looked around to see if anyone was watching…obviously not! Mushroom ridge is a sensational winding narrow crest which rises like a serpent connecting the Grey Couloir and camp 3. With careful haste, I made my way along the ridge, a fall along here could have catastrophic consequences.

As I climbed the final slopes to camp 3, I realized that I was now in the sunshine and beginning to feel warm for the first time since starting out nearly 6 hours ago. I radioed down to base camp to report my progress and take the opportunity to lose a layer and take on some water and food. Above camp 3, I could see 4 climbers en route to the summit who had left camp 3 only an hour before. Already they looked tiny, small dots on the gigantic white summit slopes that reared up above camp 3, an imposing face of thick ice.

Once past camp 3, the summit slopes unveil themselves and present some of the steepest and sustained climbing on the mountain. On steep snow and ice, unrelenting for nearly 4 hours, I climbed though small weaknesses in the face up and up until I got to the final snow ridge. I passed one climber who had called it a day and was descending and, then higher up, I passed another, but this one was not moving and had not done so for 4 days. I had known that I was going to encounter this body and had no idea how I would feel about it. So, focused on the summit and the ticking clock, I passed by, desperately aware that only a few days earlier he had been alive. Why had he died I kept asking myself, why?

At nearly 6800m, I took a short break to allow the climbers I had seen from lower down to pass me on their descent from the summit. I sat facing out looking across a vista of mountain giants. I could name only a few and the peaks seemed to extended to the furthest corners of the earth in every direction. Why do we do this, I thought, as I looked down the 2000ft face below me and then back to my thin 8mm cord that was my life line and back to the very long fall I would take should I come off. Why put myself in this position? Before I had time to answer my questions, the climbers were beside me and with an exchange of a nod and smile we continued in our opposite directions, I was only too aware that available time to me was running out.

Alone again at 6800m, I found my rhythm, one step and four cycles of breathing, one step and four more cycles of breathing, I had been moving for nearly 10 hours non-stop at above 6000m. I was tired, of course, and I was alone and had the entire mountain to myself. With the energy slowing seeping away from me, small elements of doubt crept into my mind but finally, at 14:40, I stood on the summit and fell to my knees. I had done it!

The views are quite simply breathtaking and, standing on the summit, I took time to take it all in. I had climbed alone to the summit and I suddenly realized I had not spoken a word all day. I gave a nod of approval towards Everest, not sure why, perhaps a sign of respect or a message that she was next! I couldn’t tell you now what emotions I felt as I stood up there alone but it was a very special moment for me. I looked out across the vast expanse of mountains that I could only dream of climbing one day and with that thought turned to go down.

Only too aware of what was still to come, I began the descent. I was tired but very much alert and focused and the words of Ed Viesturs sounded loud within my head “Getting to the top is optional, getting down is mandatory”. The descent was slow and laborious and full concentration was required as it is steep and unforgiving – a single mistake and no one would ever see me again. With a combination of arm wraps and abseils, the descent towards camp 3 did not take too long and an hour later I was starting down the final ropes of the summit face.

I endured a long cold night at camp 3 and, just after sunrise, continued on the descent, retracing the steps I had covered only 12 hours before. Almost immediately I fumbled and dropped my abseil device, and it was gone. I watched it slide down the mountain at an incredible speed. I hung on the mountain side clipped in and cursed myself. From here on, I was forced to abseil dozens of fixed lines using an Italian hitch, a more time consuming method. Nonetheless, it was amazing seeing the route I had taken only a day before from a different angle and in a new light. Abseil after abseil, I carefully descended the mountain until eventually, just before midday, I arrived back into camp 1.

Removing my crampons, helmet and harness was like taking a shower after a day in the hills. I felt refreshed, lighter and a little energy crept back into me. I knew I was safe now and the walk back to base camp would be easy. Later that evening, at base camp, I took some time out to sit and watch the mountain change as the sunlight faded to mark the end of another day and the stars slowly appeared in the sky. I looked hard at the mountain, almost willing it to talk to me and, as I turned to walk away, I smiled and nodded my head. Ama had been kind to me, she had allowed me safe passage and calm weather and the ultimate goal – the summit – and I thanked her for that.

The climb was everything I had hoped for – intricate, dedicated, committed and enthralling – I had never in my life felt so alive.

So – great news, all the team made it to the summit…and even better news – all the team have made it down and back to Moshi safely!! I believe as i write this that all the team, are enjoying their first shower in 7 days!! (I’ll be honest, i think a few of the team havent thought about anything else for most of the trip…!!)

SUMMIT DAY – aka the longest, hardest, oddest, most brilliant day of our lives! Started off at midnight  after a few hours sleep! Head torchs on and millions of layers we ventured out into the dark and cold. The sky was totally clear and a bright moon and stars lite up the mountain ahead…it was a long way to go to get to the summit.

The team made great progress making their way up the mountain and the first few hours flew by as we reached the magic 5000m mark (180m higher than Mont Blanc!). There were also others going for the summit this day and the trail of little lights was magical both ahead and behind.

Up and up we climbed, into the thin air making great progress and occasionally overtaking other groups who were taking a rest. We had 8 ‘Summit crew’  to assist our summit attempt (which is brilliant ratios!) these were; Jimmy, Eric & Jon (Guides), Bryson, Crespo, Martin, Joqim & Shaddrack (Summit crew) – these guys were phenonimal and with out them we would not have summited. Its hard to describe how amazing these guys are and were on the summit night but they have the trip so special.

We all pushed through the ‘dark hours’ (03:30 – 05:30) and finally…the first glows of the sunrise. After Jons briefing the night before we new that once we made it to this point and if we felt ok(ish!) – then we should be on for the summit. The second we could see the sky changing colour our moral was boosted hugely and 45mins later we could feel the warmth on our faces.

The climb steepens as it reaches the crater rim at ‘Stella Point’ and then traverses around another hour to the true summit ‘Uhuru’ at 5895m! All of our team reached the summit in very good time ranging between 06:50 – 07:45! We took our photos, congratulated each other, some got emotional, most were relieved – we had done it – reached the summit of Africa – a incredible feeling! The best thing of all – everyone had made it!

After the summit - the team made their way back down to high camp and by just after 11:00 everyone was back safely and crashed out after putting in 100% since midnight.

We are now back in moshi – having a shower and cleaning all the dust from every part of our bodies!! This evening we are having a celebratory meal and then a few drinks is in order…most of our local team will join us for a party which could (i did say could but really mean will) go into the morning!!

Thanks again for all your support its been fantastic – if you think you like the sounds of this expedition and want to climb Kilimanjaro for yourself please send me an email or phone and we’ll go from there!

Bbbbbrrrr chilly night! We woke with a heavy frost on our tents and cold crisp feel to the morning. Plus…we got a lye in!!! (until 7)

First challenge of the day was the mighty Baranco wall – a 300m rock face! The team made a steady ascent weaving in & out of rocks, and after a few hours we landed on top of the wall! The views out across the African planes were obscured by a vast blanket of fluffy cloud, an incredible feeling knowing that your so high your above the clouds!

We arrived into camp around lunch time & after the usual brilliant meal the team rested before the pre diner activities….Tamara’s Quiz!

In two teams we answered 4 rounds of 8 questions covering topics such as: Titanic, films, all the news & Jon (leader). After a quick fire round the scores were totalled & incredibly it was a draw – a final tie breaker determined the winner & the prise of a Mars bar was rewarded!

At 3900m we enjoyed a dinner of Chicken & Chips!!! No surprise it went down a treat with the team!

During the evening we had another small tent disco with a few of our local team joining in for a dance & took lots of long exposure night photos of Kili!

Kili looked amazing this evening with a 3/4 full bright moon there was barely any need for a torch! Also the afternoon clouds sprinkled a little dusting of snow on the high slopes so it glowed under the stars.

So in just over 24 hours we will set out into the darkness (we leave midnight on Thurs eve). For the whole team this will be one of the toughest physical challenges they have ever done but the rewards are huge – a change to achieve the ultimate goal – to stand on the summit of Africa & the worlds highest free standing mountain!!

If you want to send the team a message of support then please do! Simply leave a comment on this blog!
Thank you.

FYI: Summit attempt is Thurs midnight – Friday morning.

A big day today – but a brilliant one! The morning was a bit chilly with a light wind coming across the mountain but the path was easy going rising on a gentle gradient. The Terrain changed once again and soon there were no plants – just rocks…a very baron landscape feel.

At lunch the few clouds that had hidden kili from view parted and the team suddenly realised how far we had come – the top was getting closer!

At 4660 a few of the team were feeling the affects of the thin air, so a rest and some lunch was greatly received.

After lunch we dropped our bags & scrambled up the 60m lava tower. All the team made it and were feeling strong – a good early indication that we are acclimatising well.

The afternoon was fun as we descended into Baranco camp. This camp is set in a mini valley with Kili towering above us and the huge Baranco standing tall in front.

Today was long and tiring for all and everyone was elated when warm water was available to ‘wash’…faces, feet & hands were washed which brought smiles to the team

Tomorrow is a shorter day, we should be finished at lunch time.

Various Team Stats:

First chunder! – sshhh
New team member – Warrick T Beaver
Smiles because – Cleaning – foot bath
Bumps or bruises – Kate & Rachel

At 06:00 the team were woken to a lovely surprise – a hot drink (tea coffee hot choc) to sip in the tent!! We were then up and at it, packing away and eating breaky (porridge, omelette, sausages & toast) and headed off at 07:50.

The mornings trek was great…12ft skinny trees draped in heavy lichen cast long shadows across the winding path as the sun slowly rose higher in the sky. We made good time & enjoyed fantastic views across the African planes towards Shira & Mt Meru.

Everyone enjoyed a rest for a hot lunch, and a few little head aches in the team soon went away. We’re not sure how Aristide (our cook) does it but the food is amazing!! Hot soups & amazing pasta was the order of the day.

The afternoon flew by & we rolled into camp at 14:30. As normal we enjoyed popcorn and hot drinks and a chance to rest for a while.

The evening was the best: singing & dancing with the Ahsante team (local boys), incredible views, sunset & a disco in the dining tent!!

A lot was learnt today by everyone & the team are all in good spirits with moral sky high!

Team Stats

Total team pee count – 38
Frog of the day – Jon C
Average water drank – 4.5L
Sunburn – tiny bit
Blisters – couple little ones
Average layers worn – trousers & tshirt

Best out fit – Rosie leggings (pink stripe)
Winner of Yaniff (card game) – Rosie

Until tomorrow…