The Mwalimu Nyerere/Mt. Kilimanjaro Charity Climb 2011 (post 8 of 15)

Thursday 22 September 2011
Kibo peak bared itself in the morning, before sunrise. It was freezing cold with frost on the ground.

The trek to the next camp, Shira 2, was uneventful. This trek on the Shira Plateau is by far the easiest on the Lemosho route.

Jim Becket is trying to engage all of us in conversation. I am having difficulties catching my breath and walking at the same time.

On arrival at Shira 2 it began to rain, alternating with a mild hailstorm for over an hour.

We had French fries on our lunch menu and everyone, including Zulfa who has difficulty eating some dishes, was excited and pleased.

Some sunshine broke through before sunset and revealed a spectacular view of the Shira Hills.

The short trek uphill for acclimatization was canceled by Yahoo because of unfavourable weather. I didn't complain. A rest was in order.

Next: some cause for serious concern

Related post:
http://blogkili.blogspot.com/2012/02/the-mwalimu-nyereremt-kilimanjaro_23.html
http://blogkili.blogspot.com/2012/03/the-mwalimu-nyereremt-kilimanjaro_7.html

The Mwalimu Nyerere/Mt. Kilimanjaro Charity Climb 2011 (post 7 of 15)

Wednesday 21 September 2011
The pace was commendable and I went through the 'Seven Hills' section with much less effort compared to past climbs, but I felt a latent fatigue and some stress on my chest. Something didn't feel right. And yet, I was more worried for Jim Becket and Zulfa, who was not eating enough food and drinking enough water.

The protea flower is prevalent only on the 'Seven Hill' section on the Lemosho route

Jaffar appeared more confident and talked throughout most of the sections. Jim Whitney trailed behind to shoot scenes with his camera.

At a midway point on the 'Seven Hills' climb we stopped for lunch and I was later interviewed for Jim Becket's documentary.

As Jim Becket (left) stops to observe the valley below, Steve Kamau (right) steps up to a higher vantage point.

Everyone seemed to cope well.

Next: A glimpse of Kibo peak

Related posts:
http://blogkili.blogspot.com/2012/01/the-mwalimu-nyereremt-kilimanjaro.html
http://blogkili.blogspot.com/2012/02/the-mwalimu-nyereremt-kilimanjaro.html