March 2 @ 4:00 pm
My bag is still damp from the last night's rain instigating a wet cold night of sleep. Day five started fairly exciting. At the foot of base camp began an 800 foot climb up a shear wall, the "Barranco Wall" or as the locals call it the "Breakfast Wall"; due to the fact that it's the first thing you do after breakfast. This wall is as close to technical climbing that we will have anywhere on the mountain. After today I realized that Charles likes to be one of the first ones to camp. Climbing the wall we passed 50 or so climbers. Charles' reasoning is that with the number of climbers on the wall, climbers will begin to gridlock at specific areas. Charles and I overtook the other climbers like Billy Goats with the obligatory "excuse me" as we passed. Being the first group to the top was the first time during the trek that I began to undergo a sensation that I just might succeed. Charles remarked that the fast climb up the wall was beneficial for my stamina which will help on summit day.
My alleged confidence began to show when late in the morning Chuck and I took a break. During our hiatus, two Japanese fellows passed us - instantly turning my day into a competition. This may sound juvenile, but their innocent passing really troubled me until hitting my head alongside a neighboring rock adjusting my bearings.
The water bladder in my day pack broke today, saturating my pack and the back of my pants about the same time the Japanese overtook me; but like I said, I've already forgot about those two. I have replacement bottles to supplement my water supply.
Karanga Camp is nothing spectacular. At this altitude (13,500') only a few plants survive. The crap in the outhouses at this camp is so high it amazes me that glaciers have yet to materialize on the vile heap.
I've had soup every night, and actually it hasn't been that bad. The consommé has been on a rotating basis between carrot, mushroom and chicken noodle soup minus the carrots, mushrooms, and chicken and noodles, respectively. Every meal has the complimentary sausage (a.k.a. hot dog). No comments on the hot dogs due to the fact that the American standards for processing wieners are probably just as deplorable. It's a good thing that I brought the beef jerky. I'm sure that Jack Link uses the finest cattle accessible in America to produce their jerky…ha ha.
Thus far AMS has only been lurking within the background. There have been times where the hike has been very demanding but I don't have the misery that AMS can bring on. Because of the minimal effects to my body and mind I can enjoy the mountain, but oddly enough I feel fairly guilty that I have been this fortunate. I'm sure this will change as I approach the summit.
This bad ass infantile beard that I've been sprouting has to go. But being true to the spirit of "Mountain Man", I'm keeping it attached until I get down. Paul Fleetwood, the British
lad with whom I started the climb, will embark on is summit attempt tonight - I wish him luck.
And by the way, I did catch up to the Japanese guy at the foothill prior to the final steep climb up to Karanga Camp. A few miles back Charles weaned me from his guidance while he went to the bathroom. Yes, I caught up to the green jacketed trekkers but let them go, took a break and waited for Charlie. You know…it's all about the mountain.
March 3 @ 6:30 am
I spoke a little early on the misery thing last night. Last night I dealt with some "digestive issues" compelling me to take Pepto Bismol, Imodium and Cipro. Not sure if I needed the Cipro but at this point I'm not taking any chances.
