Sunday, February 9, 2025

Uhuru peak




 Once we had our rest and put microspikes on, we began the final push.  This was going to be an hour or so with a gain of 600 feet.  This is relatively flat compared from what we had done, but coming from Wisconsin this would be be a significant exertion.  Especially at 19,000 feet.  They path cut through the snow- sometimes on ice, sometimes rock.  It was ok, but I was at my limit.  My mood did not improve, but we pushed on.  I kept expecting the end, and I kept on being disappointed.  I did not appreciate the sights.  I did talk with my son, but otherwise kept to myself.  

My son on the other hand was unfazed.  He is like me- a bit reserved.  He was ahead of me. He did a bit of a wiggle. Perhaps a dance, as we walked.  He was along for the safari.  The climb was something to do, but was never a goal.  I wondered if this meant he was appreciating the moment.  It may have helped me break out of my funk.  I could too sense we were almost there.  When I asked him- he denied it was joy.  He attributed it to a show of how easy the hike had been.  Whatever, showoff.  He too had his backpack carried.  I still don't understand that.  I was second oldest, and with asthma (I used my inhaler, but on summit night it wasn't an issue) I understood why they took it.  I did feel insulted though.  We didn't complain about the bag issue.  

Eventually the people in front let us know they saw it.  basically the area looked like the rest of the mountaintop, but there was a sign. My mood didn't immediately turn, but it improved.  I think I was initially too tired to appreciate it.  We took pics.  I didn't even get my phone out for them- I told him to give them his to take pics.  I stepped away to let him get pics alone- I chose not to get solo pics.

Our guides brought out non alcoholic champagne, and we took group pics.  I think I started to appreciate I achieved something I had worked hard to do.  Spent a fair amount of money, and hoped I could do it.  What I mostly felt was relief.  From now on gravity was my ally.  from previous hikes I've always said I can hike flat or downhill as well as anyone.  It is uphill I struggle with. 

That being said, we were going down about 7,000 feet. From my training I knew I had about 3,000 in me before my knees would protest.  I had 2 poles, no backpack, so I was hopeful I'd be ok, but even if my knees hurt it would be over soon.  

I think I became more aware of my surroundings and my group at this point.  Being late, no one took the guides offer to go to the glacier.  It was interesting to see what the top of a 19,000 foot mountain is like.  I know I will never again.  Also, knowing the glaciers will be gone soon was a bit sad. We descended to Stella Point where we took spikes off.  We never took pics with the Stella Point sign.  Not a disappointment- if you don't have the energy you just don't.

I think this is where cracks in our group really showed.  We were no longer walking tight single file from here.  The climber who was acting goofy earlier was put on O2 and walked down urgently.  Guides seemed to pair up with those who needed help and we filtered down.  The guide carrying my bag paired up with another climber.  I thought nothing of it until I wanted water.  I was a bit dry the rest of the trip, but compared to how I felt earlier I was on top of the world.  I kept up with the faster people for awhile ahead of the slower, but I fell off the pace.  I was in visual contact with members of the group, but I was walking alone. Once we got near camp I started to worry perhaps I'd get lost and pass our camp.  The idea of backtracking and needing to go uphill was terrifying, but I spotted someone to follow.  We got in at the same time, and the porters sang to us as we arrived.  I listened for a polite amount of time, got some water, and crashed in the tent until it was time to eat.


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