KILIMANJARO - 2009 - DAY 11

 FEBRUARY 24

Getting up early, I am rewarded by an interesting sight. Mount Meru is on the horizon and a dense cloud cover completely engulfs the Town of Moshi. It snowed the previous night and Kilimanjaro looks beautiful all covered with a layer of fresh snow. But the Sun is already up, warming the mountain side and the low flying clouds caused by sublimating snow are already rising up the south face of the mountain.

It is time to start our trek to the Barafu Camp which is located 600 m (1,970 ft) higher. The trail follows a long ridge just below the south face of the mountain. As our elevation gradually increases our pace becomes "Pole, Pole" which means slow in Swahili.

The top of the mountain is covered by a dense layer of clouds which indicate very high winds. Tomorrow we have to descend from the summit as early as possible. A long ridge in front of us is the left border of the trail to Stella Point, the route to the summit. We continue our arduous trek towards the Barafu Camp.

A snow cover starts around 4,300 m (14,100 ft) and the trail is steeper. We stop every half hour for a drink. It is still early in the morning and we have plenty of time to reach our destination.

Barafu Camp is located on a lava ridge at 4,680 m (15,350 ft). Our high camp will be located 200 m (650 ft) higher.

The beautiful weather deteriorates rapidly and by the time we arrive in our high camp the wind is howling at 60 km/h (37 mph). The wind is so fast that two people are required to set up the tent.

It is early in the afternoon. We have several hours before the trek to the summit which is scheduled to start at midnight. We try to relax, sleep, read, but the noise and constant shaking of the tent makes it impossible.