February 28 @ 4:00 pm
Compared to yesterday, today's climb was much welcomed. The landscape is evolving into a Martian/Moon like terrain. Piercing through the higher altitude the billowing clouds encompass the barren landscape creating an eerie feel.
For the first time the Diamox that I have been taking to counter the effects of AMS has caused
my fingers to tingle…not something that I like, but much better than the consequence of possessing a horrific headache from not taking the drug. To date, the only effects owing to altitude are mild headaches and shortness of breath. Tomorrow will be a long day; starting at 12,500 feet, going as high as 14,500 feet then backing down to 12,500 feet as we enter the Barranco Valley. This day will help acclimate to the increasing altitude.
The hike, up to now, has been serene. The only other people I've come acrossed at camp are a couple from the Netherlands, being assisted by seventeen porters and guides. Charles doesn't understand the need for this many porters and thinks it's amusing. The female is struggling; she was suffering a splitting headache late in the day. While eavesdropping on the porters conversing in the Swahili, I occasionally singled out the sound "American" followed by laughter; I'm sure that they were not referring to me.
Last night, departing for the outhouse, the view of the Milky Way was so intense it was like seeing it for the first time. The chalky path of stars sliced through the sky, blending seamlessly with the city nightlife of Moshi. I should have hired an extra porter to haul my baby (18" telescope) up the mountain; or maybe, two porters.
Regarding my cold - screw it. As long as I have one nostril to breathe out of…hakuna matata.
As we get closer to Kibo and the view grows more menacing; I struggle with my capabilities of climbing that monstrous entity. But, I will give it the ol' college try…"You Damn Right"!
March 1 @ 5:30 am
It rained from midnight to 5:00 am dampening a few items, including my sleeping bag. Let's see what the day brings.
