Kilimanjaro Chronicles – Day 3: Battling the elements

Day 3 of my Kilimanjaro adventure proved to be a relentless test of both physical endurance and mental fortitude. It was a day when the mountain didn’t show much kindness. The hike from Shira Camp was gradual but demanding, with a different kind of challenge to conquer.

We set out from Shira Camp at 8:23 am, local time. While the elevation wasn’t too steep, it was a long and grueling ascent. The majority of this leg of the journey took place in the moorland zone, where the rocky terrain and altitude combined to create a taxing environment. My legs were still feeling the strain from the punishing hike of the previous days, and to make matters worse, the night before had been far from restful. I had spent the entire night shivering, unable to find respite.

By midday, at 12:58 pm, we arrived at Lava Tower, standing at an impressive altitude of 4600 meters. However, our joy was short-lived as we learned that we would be descending to 3900 meters, which would be our final camp for the day. The descent was nothing short of treacherous. Snow intensified, the ground was wet, and the weather grew bitterly cold.

My only option was to focus intently on each step, for any misstep could send me tumbling down the rocky terrain. Visibility was severely limited, and every footfall required my full attention. We reached Baranco Camp at 4:08 pm, where I was greeted by a bone-chilling cold and a mild headache.

It’s safe to say that this had been the most grueling day of the journey so far. Yet, amidst the physical discomfort and exhaustion, I found myself smiling at the sheer magnitude of the challenge I faced. I hadn’t once questioned why I was subjecting myself to such an ordeal; the answer was clear. I had made a decision, and I was determined to see it through to the end.

Tomorrow, a new challenge awaited: the infamous Kissing Wall. I knew it wouldn’t be easy, but I was resolute and undeterred.

As if the day’s hardships weren’t enough, I also struggled with food. Anything I ate triggered severe heartburn, further complicating my ability to sleep at night. Despite these setbacks, I knew I had to press on.

As the day came to a close, I reflected on the lessons Kilimanjaro had already taught me. It was more than just a physical journey; it was a test of resilience and determination, a reminder that our limits are often self-imposed, and that with unwavering resolve, we can conquer even the most formidable challenges. With this thought in mind, I called it a day, knowing that God willing, tomorrow would bring new trials and new triumphs.