While having breakfast this morning, Mark wondered what that moving speck was on the vertical cliff opposite the Barranco camp. Then we quickly came to the realization that it was the Barranco Wall and that we were supposed to climb it. I had never imagined it would be so steep and vertical. We quickly found out that there would be no need for trekking poles today. We would need good balance and free hands to get us to the top.
That was truly a highlight of the Kili climb so far and there will be no way for photos to do it justice or give the proper perspective. Not to worry, it will be forever etched in our minds.
The clouds moved in as we continued along the ridge aned back down into the Karanga Valley. The Karanga River runs through this well-nourished valley and continues down into the lower regions of Kilimanjaro where locals grow peanuts along the banks. Thus, the name of the river is appropriate - Karanga, which means peanut in Swahili.
Our destination for the day was the Karanga Valley camp...but what they don't tell you is that the camp is not in the valley, but rather at the top of the next ridge. Another steep climb before some much-needed food and rest.
Great views of the Kilimanjaro peak, oh, and lots of white-neck ravens - quite the camp scavengers!
Tomorrow...we're off to base camp - Barafu.
1 comment:
Hi Tammy And Mark Its always so exciting to get your message. Its seems like we are climbing to with no effort. Steve Kovax wanted to know how high you were climbing and on the blog we went. They have climbed about l4 thousand feet in Switzerland but you guys will ovwer l9 thousand. So what a feat and we have no doublt you will make it. Say hi Marissa and her husband, as you can see I just had a some timers. How is your brething holding out any cuts and bruises? I just have to ask you know me not that I can sent you a bandaid over the wire Ha Ha Have a geart time we love you both MOM and DAD
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