Day three started well. We got sleep. My worries that Will would bail were mitigated. He would continue- at least for another day. With that I could focus on task at hand. We would initially continue our march upward. It would be about 6 miles today- first three would be uphill to 15,000 feet, then lunch and down to 13,000. You might ask- why go down? Actually the original route which is still used is much like that. 3 days up to elevation of 15,000, then at midnight- attack the summit. Another day down, and you have your 5 days. The success rate of doing this is approximately a dismal 50%. So by getting to 15,000, and going down it helps with acclimatization and better success later.
This was a tough day. Going up about 3000 feet in 3-4 miles is not easy at any elevation, but for us used to sea level it was a slog. We were walking in line pole pole. It helped being able to focus on the feet in front of you. We took reasonable breaks. I was ready for each of them. As we were going up we would have our daily stop for tea. I didn't have tea- just my lukewarm water. I've never tolerated hot drinks. Coffee is disgusting to me, and tea is just an excuse to have sugary water. I always felt bad saying no- but I did like the cookies. Ginger for nausea. Eventually we made the lava tower which was the high point and our lunch spot. It was in the clouds, so I didn't really see the tower until we were leaving and it cleared a little. I'm not sure anybody really ate much lunch.
We did our health check. My sat was initially a 73%. Warming hands, different meter, I was able to get to 83. My HR since the climb had been in the 110s, so that wasn't worse. I'll be honest- I wasn't sure I was going to make it. Looking around I also felt like I wasn't the only one though. However the guides seemed fine with our numbers. The rest of the walk today was downhill. I definitely felt better. Vegetation came back. A bit weird, but green is nice.
This was New Years Day- our company had a bit of a treat. A cake was brought up- and actually really good. Decorations were out. They must have been carried up, as was a Santa suit. Thankfully there was no lap sitting, but it was definitely a fun moment. We even had non alcoholic champagne to celebrate the New Year. The next morning was going to start late- the trail was narrow so we were going to leave after most groups to have more room. In theory we could sleep in, but the sun would get me up earlier than necessary.
I was happy with our guides. Our head guide would meet with us each night to go over the next days plan and do the medical check. The guides took turns setting the pace. The others would watch for signs of problems. We always felt we were in good hands. They lead us in chants to keep us going. "Nonstop" "Too the top", and such.
Our group had about 55 support staff. This morning they gathered before the hike to sing to us. We didn't share a language with most of them, but it felt like they were happy for us. If I were in a position where I was doing hard work to facilitate someone foreigners leisure I'm not sure how gracious I would be, but that's just me. Other than the guides, the ones we conversed with were the waiters and chefs. We were given the next days menu by the chef who always ended it with a charming- you are welcome.
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