Day 2 trek to Shira Hut. 

We woke at 6:00 to pack up our bags so the porters could tear down the tents while we had breakfast.  The night had been cold...down to the high 20s to low 30s and most of us had some problems adjusting to sleeping in tents and sleeping bags.  After a hardy breakfast of porridge, fruit, eggs, and sausage we began our trek for the day. 

In no time at all we were in areas steeper than yesterday but much more beautiful with scenic views, lush vegetation and amazing views of the lower areas we were leaving.  It was amazing that our porters who carried probably 50 lbs. of gear continually blew by us as they were on level land and carrying no gear.  We hiked for 6 hrs. and covered about 7 miles which were much steeper than yesterday and more exhausting. Compounding the intensity of the hike I suffered from a bad case of indigestion (I think it was the sausage from breakfast) which left me unable to eat much the rest of the day.  Jonathan in our group quickly fell behind the rest of us and one of our guides stayed with him while the rest of us trekked on.  Given the terrain that we’re hiking through and what lies ahead of us, we’re concerned that Jonathan may not be able to complete the trek. 

 

We finally hit Shira Plateau at 12,500 ft. around 2:00 and proceeded to arrange our packs in our tents while lunch was being prepared. We ate around 3:00 and had the rest of the afternoon to explore the plateau or take a nap which is what I did. 

Dinner was at 7 and I couldn't eat much.  Hoping it was just a bad case of indigestion, I took some Imodium which relieved most of the symptoms.  We had a group meeting after dinner where we reviewed plans for the next day and had our O2 levels checked; this would become a daily and later twice daily occurrence..  Not surprisingly, our two youngest in the group were the highest at 98% and 99% and our oldest in the group was in the mid 90s ( he's a jogger) with the rest of us in the high 80s. They check our O2 levels and pulse to see how we are acclimating to the higher altitudes. 

The temp was significantly colder than the previous day so we had to wear multiple layers in our sleeping bags.  After figuring out how much clothes I needed to wear I also figured out how to sleep in the mummy bag.  Sleep came quickly but was frequently interrupted with bathroom calls from the 3 liters of water we are to drink each day.  .  Even with all the trips overall I slept pretty well.