Kilimanjaro 4. Baranco Cave

Today is unexplainable, and like most unexplainable things Im going to try to narrate the last few hours. I woke up in the dark valley of Shira Cave. The altitude 3767 meters. The temperature freezing. So far my ascent to the roof of Africa has been easier than camping with NOLS in the Wind River Wilderness, but the one thing I miss is the tent at night. The tent is a place to go when its dark or frigid and you want to relax. This is only applicable to camping with friends though. The other bodies up and against you act as insulation or company. But with no body in my tent it is dreary. We left at 8:15 today. Gradually hiking up Shiras Valley to 4500 meters altitude. There I caught my first glimpse of Lava Tower. The tower itself is surreal. It sits in a flat valley separated from the mountain by a deep, and rocky gorge. The boulders that conjoin to create this magnanimous structure are abstract. When Kilimanjaro erupted a slow leak of lava rose trapping all flying debris in its hot viscous body. We drank water and prepared to climb. The lava tower is slightly higher that the top of Meru but because I was acclimated the challenge become infantile.  The ice covered ledges reminded me of the cliffs in the pass to Bridger Bowl, however, this ice stays all year long. Down, then into a river bed on the way to Baranco cave. This moorland/tundra contains thousands of different fauna. Cactus that grow 30 feet high. Lichen that grows red, yellow, and green. And to think that tomorrow it will be all gone The change of 100 meters could me a new environment. I was the first to camp again. Its nice because while others complain about not being able to do anything entertaining, I know that what we are doing is climbing a mountain and if Im not writing, sleeping, or eating then Im wasting time and Energy.


Tomorrow I will post the last day and summit