on the Eastern side of the valley, across the stream, looms the Barranco Wall – a 950-foot barrier of volcanic rock. This we were informed was our first challenge of the day. The views from the wall are mag nicest. The rest of the day we spen skirting the base of Kibo peak over our left shoulders. We descend down into the Karanga valley, where we rest up for the night before the tough climb up to Barafu.
Our four wonderful guides always a smile ready to take this eight to challenges
What can I say we all have our challenging days and easy days! I looked up at this wall of rock with 2ft ledges that we were going to maneuver around, the guides ready with equipment needed….and I smiled, I felt strong, I was ready to take on this devil. Little did I know that Earl was a mountain goat, he took on that wall with ease, agility and sheer force. From the top he cheered us on. I was slow getting all my limbs, muscles and brain to react to the dopamine so, I let the six other go ahead of me with Augustine and Mike. Freddie2 stayed with me….once everything was coordinated we took to the rocks like lizards…I was in my element, muscles were great, this was the strength I knew I had. Height was not an issue, clinging to rocks by my fingertips was exhilarating. We made it to the 6 who were clumped together, hanging on for dear life, terrible fear had taken over them in having to skirt the 2 ft sheer drop ledge. Augustine’s calm reassuring voice helped them one by one overcome their fears and as Chris said….there was nowhere else to go but up. I needed no coaxing on the ledge and joined Earl cheering the other up. It was a good climb, it was a good day. Just maybe Bibi61 was the strongest!!
With Barranco wall behind us we took a lunch break and started out to Karanga camp at 16,300ft.
Strange, after such a strong morning my stomach started flip-flopping, quite soon into the afternoon full blown diarrhea had set in. Thank goodness there were plenty of rocks around but quite frankly at this stage I really did not care…..”when you got to go…..you know the rest. By the time we got to camp I was running a fever, did not want to eat and was dehydrated. This was literally a shitty turn of events.
Augustine consulted with me during the evening vitals house call. My pulse was good my oxygen was good and yes I had done #1&2 very frequently that day. My body was weak but my mind was relentless.
After a cup of hot ginger tea and the help of Eric Church “devil” I slept soundly. I do think I had the biggest smug smile on my face having conquered the feared Barranco wall. Bibi61….you rock!!!!!
Summit camp coming next…..Barafu camp.