Friday, February 7, 2025

Kili Day 4




 At dinner the night before our head guide pointed out that since most groups head up the Barranco Wall at the same time it would be congested.  With tight quarters it makes it slow for everyone.  He proposed we could either leave early or late as opposed to typical 830 start.  We chose late with a start of 10.  It was only about 3-4 mile hike and though going up the wall took significant time without significant distance, it would be a short hike.  The sun was up and had some nice views over Moshi in the morning.  The wall was intimidating, but I think we know it wouldn't stand in our way.  Once we got underway it was actually a fun climb.  Nothing felt dangerous, and the guides were there to watch us on tricky areas.  I figure that if the porters can get up in carrying our stuff we should be fine.

Towards the top of the wall I started to have difficulty taking a deep breath.  I had difficulty taking deep breaths.  I had asthma as a child. Eventually it got better, and I had no concerns for at least 20 years. A few years ago I had mild symptoms and got an inhaler.  I only used it rarely for wheezing- once my daughter made me a thin mint cookie and Nutella sandwich.  I ate it after cutting the grass.  I haven't had nutella since.  Anyway- coughing after exercise (and less during) is pretty normal for me.  Trouble breathing is not.  I'm not sure why I didn't use the inhaler during, but I didn't.  I was a bit nervous when we got to the top.  It took awhile after I did the inhaler to feel better, but I eventually did. The rest of the day was mostly downhill.  That didn't hurt either.  

The scenery was very strange, but cool.  We stopped for tea like usual.  I ducked behind a bush to relieve myself.  I was a disgusted by how many wipes were left on the ground behind the bush.  I guess it wasn't something I saw so blatantly elsewhere.  We came across a area that had previously suffered a fire.  It must have been quite the challenge to put it out.



Being a short day we were soon into camp, and had lunch.  On our schedules there were talks about acclimatization hikes.  Since the second day we didn't end up doing these.  I'm not sure why exactly- but we did fine without them.  We were nearing summit night.  Nerves and excitement were rising.  I think most people were doing ok, but we weren't eating like we had previously.  Some suffered more than others.  One more short hike ahead before the big night.


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