Tucked in at Barranco Camp

December 20th, 2017

Another great day on the trail is the report from IMG guide Phunuru over on Kilimanjaro. They were just about to sit down to a nice hot dinner when Phunuru checked in to say that everyone was happy and healthy. Thats what we like to hear! The Team had a big day today on their hike from Shira Camp, up to the base of Lava Tower, and then down to Barranco Camp where they are resting comfortably now. This day on Kili is the second longest and its always a great feeling to get into Barranco Camp after the hike. Situated in a valley at 13,000 feet, Barranco Camp enjoys some of the best up-close views of Kili and its southern glaciers. Because its in a valley the sun sets early and rises late here so the Team will be crawling into the tents right after dinner as the evening chill sets in. One of my favorite places on Kili is the grove of Giant Groundsel trees you pass through just before entering Barranco Camp. These trees are wild looking! Tomorrow is another neat day on the trail. The Team will get to tackle the Barranco Wall right out of the gate in the morning. Intimidating from afar, its not nearly as bad as it looks once you are on it. And its often mentioned as one highlights of the entire climb. An hour and a half, maybe 2, and they will be at the top of Barranco Wall with another amazing view. Another couple hours and they’ll be enjoying hot lunch at Karanga Camp. Yet another great acclimatization day as the Team will “climb high and sleep low.” We look forward to Phunuru’s report from Karanga Camp tomorrow.

Dustin Balderach