June 26, 2014
Shira Camp with the view west across the plateau towards the Cathedral Peaks (Eric Simonson)
IMG guide Craig John reports that the team had a good hike today up to the 12,500 foot Shira plateau. They left the trees shortly above Machame Camp and worked their way up a rocky spur ridge, before finally emerging on the giant lava plateau that defines the west side of the mountain.  Again, it was cloudy and comfortable hiking conditions during the day, and now clearing up in the evening, with some great views of the mountain. Tomorrow, the team heads for Barranco Camp at 13,000 feet and Craig thinks they will then be above a persistent low altitude deck of clouds which has lingered in the area for the last several days. So far so good!
Eric Simonson