The One Where We Hiked Kili – Day 4 (1/15/2013)

Summit day began at 11:00pm the previous day.  After some tea and biscuits we began climbing at midnight, headlamps fixed firmly to each of our foreheads.  The ascent was sickeningly steep rights from the start.  For hours we zigzagged up the steepest loose gravel slope that physics would permit.  As we shuffled higher and higher, our steps were reduced to 6 inch movements and each was accompanied by a gasping breath of impossibly thin air.  Things as simple as getting a sit of water required advanced planning since it required 3 minutes of recovery time after we stopped breathing long enough to swallow before we could begin walking again.  As we crested the crater rim the icy wind and potent sulfur smell assailed out senses.  We continued on around the rim for the final hour and a half to the summit.  Thanks to our incredibly capable guide we all made it.  He only let us enjoy the sunrise views of Kenya and Tanzania from the top for 15 minutes or so and then he began leading us down.  He said it was too dangerous for armature climbers like us to remain at that elevation any longer.  We were back at case camp by 9:30 for an hour and a half nap and a quick bowl of soup.  Then we continued down for another 3 or 4 hours.  All slept well that night!