Climb Day 5: December 31 Karangu (13,200 ft.) to Barafu Camp (14,950 ft.)

 

Machame Route Day 5, Karanga to Barafu High Camp.

Day 5, the penultimate day before the summit attempt, was also the shortest day of the week. As we climbed to the East side of the mountain, the climate cooled and became drier. The route also exposed us to the northerly Monsoonal flow, and the wind also picked up significantly. The final camp was a hard-scrabble boulder field; and finding a decently flat spot out of the wind was very difficult. Most of the climbing teams arrived by mid-afternoon; and the climbers had time to mingle, exchange contact information, and discuss ascent strategies for the brutal day that to come tomorrow. 

Eastern Flank of Kilimanjaro from Karanga Camp.

  For the porters Camp 5 was the last stop along the way; and since it was new year's eve -- they were ready party. Many sat up singing; and I'm guessing, imbibing, well into the night. Many of the climbers complained of not being able to sleep due to the ruckus; I had no such issues, I wasn't going to sleep anyhow!. We sorted out gear early, and hunkered down for a long, cold windy night. I tried not to think about the challenges yet to come early the next morning. I was unsuccessful!

Wind-Blown Snow from Rebmann Glacier at Barafu Camp.

 

 

Barafu Camp Signpost.

 

Setting Up Camp Above the Clouds at 15,000 ft.