Day 5: Trek to Base Camp

I woke around 6:30 after a good nights rest.  It's amazing how often I have to pee at night as I'm getting up 2 to 3 times.  I guess it's the 3 liters we're drinking everyday plus soup we have for most meals.  I'll be glad when I'm back to normal for a full nights sleep.  I packed my bags for the day and joined the others for breakfast.  Toast and peanut butter and a mug of tea to start off and then they bring in some fresh fruit.  It's amazing how much food they have brought to feed the 6 of us plus the 24 support staff.  We also had some eggs and more sausage which went untouched after Erika and my horrible experiences with then. 

Today we have ahead of us about a 3 hr hike which will take us to Barafu Ridge Camp which is base camp for all assents to the summit.  We start out with a long trek up about 1000ft only to drop down into a valley with another long ascent to follow.  The terrain is so lifeless and reminds us of pictures from the moon with rock strewn barren land as far as the eye can see.  We actually made good time arriving in less than 3 hrs. to  base camp and are amazed at the number of other teams already there either waiting for the climbers to come back down or like us coming in for our climb tonight.  We sign in at the camp office and get our gear set up in our tents. 

Lunch was at 2:00 and was a hardy vegetable soup and pancakes.  Dan and Brian break out their packs of tuna and add that to their meal.  Dan had some extra and gave it to me which tasted great.  I should have thought of bringing some shelf stable tuna or chicken as it would have made for some welcomed sandwiches.  Anyone reading this and planning to climb Kili this would be a must to bring. 

We were told that dinner would be at 5 and then after we should try to sleep.  It was sunny and warm in our tents so I decided to take an afternoon nap and skip dinner as some times the dinner gives climbers indigestion according to August our guide. The nap was great as I slept for about 4 hrs., awaken by another pee calling.  I decided to get my gear ready for our hike to the summit which starts around midnight so we can summit at dawn for a glorious view.  I found Glenda's note which she gave me to read before the summit and it brought tears to my eyes.  I've missed her a lot on this trip and I know she'll be with me in spirit tonight as we summit.  Thanks Glenda!! I love and miss you!!