September 22nd, 2023–
Barranco Camp with the Breach Wall and Icicle above (Eric Simonson)
IMG leader Audrey Simonson called in on the sat phone this morning (at IMG in WA, it was dinner time for them) to report that everyone on the team was doing well. Today they departed the Shira Camp at about 12,500 ft and climbed up to Lava Tower at about 14,500 ft, then dropped down to the Barranco Camp at 13,000 ft. This is great acclimatization!  The weather has been predominantly fair, with some afternoon clouds and a short period of sprinkles today. Now it has cleared up and they have nice views. Tomorrow the team will ascend the steep trail over the Barranco Wall, before traversing around to Karanga Camp. All’s well on Kilimanjaro!
On the way to Lava Tower (Eric Simonson)
Porters approaching the Barranco Camp with the giant groundsel plants (Eric Simonson)