Reaching the Top #2

The climb, day 2.

From Simba camp we set out, steadily progressing up hill. After day one in the dusty forest it was time to break out the buff to keep the dust from my nose and throat, wished I'd used it on day 1.

Day 2 of the climb was one of the longest taking roughly 7 hours. The porters who carried the tents, cooking oil, cooking equipment and everything we did not need during the day were incredible. They carried all this and more on their heads while singing and greeting us at every point, "Jambo!". 

After a couple of hours we made it to one of the first stops, a fantastic cave and an epic photo opportunity. There was a hole in the roof of the cave, naturally we all had to climb up through it.

After spending some time at the caves we set out towards our next waypoint, the second set of caves for much needed lunch and rest.

It was at this point, around 3400 metres, that I started to feel the altitude. It was like someone pressing on either side of the head and receiving an unrelenting bear hug, not allowing you the breath you need.

Still feeling pretty rough, a few of us decided to visit the the second cave which was a few minutes away from our lunch point. Again, there were fantastic views to be had and photo opps to be taken advantage of.

After lunch, which was a struggle with the headaches etc, we set out for the next camp. Although our ascent was at a pretty shallow incline it was tough, seemingly neverending.

The change in the surrounding physical environments was incredible, one merging into the other seamlessly. Going from forest, to shrubland, through to moorland and then to a dark and gravelly camp.

Sleep on this second night would prove elusive.

Before bed each evening we'd have a group briefing run by one of the guides. We'd hear about the next day, how long it would be, what we might eat, what we might see. We'd also get warned that we must wear our torches if we get up in the night as there are jackals that are still around at this altitude, thus armed guards are at hand all night. Mix jackals, tiredness, altitude and imagination and it makes for a terrible nights sleep. At one point during the night I was convinced there was something trying to get into our tent. We later learned the next day that there was some sort of moose like creature roaming around camp, and that it was safer to let it be than to spook it and have it trample anyone.

Thanks thing in the night...