Kilimanjaro Day 2

August 4, 2024

We were gently woken at 06:00 by the crew, who kindly brought coffee right to our tent—a clever strategy to get us moving quicker, we suspect. There's nothing quite like a hot cup of coffee to shake off the chill of the early morning and the lingering fatigue from the previous day's hike. Weather: Clear, 75°F High / 38°F Low, with a slight breeze

Breakfast soon followed: hearty porridge, a Spanish omelette, toast, papaya, and two sausage links. A solid meal to fuel what promised to be a challenging day. The weather report gave us a 75% chance of rain, but the skies were clear as we started, and we hoped our luck would hold.

By 08:30, we were back on the trail, ready to tackle Day 2 of our trek. The crisp air was refreshing, and the trail ahead looked promising, though we all knew it would be a tough climb.

The terrain today was relentless, with what felt like 99% of the trail being uphill. It was a constant test of endurance, with every step challenging our hip flexors and glutes. We felt good overall, energized by the scenery and the rhythm of the hike. Bob's sock liners (highly recommend as essential equipment) were performing well—no blisters, no discomfort, just steady progress. That said, by the last mile, we could definitely feel the fatigue setting in. 

Doug hit his wall about half a mile from camp. With sheer determination, he took the lead and set a steady, unwavering pace that pulled the rest of us along. It was the final push we needed, and by 14:30, we arrived at Shira 1 Camp. As if on cue, just before we reached the camp, the trail curved, and there it was—our first breathtaking glimpse of Mt. Kilimanjaro. Seeing the majestic peak against the blue sky was a surreal moment, one we had all been waiting for.

Shira 1 Camp is perched at a prime vantage point, offering stunning views of Kilimanjaro. As we settled in, the excitement about the night ahead grew. With absolutely zero light pollution, the stars tonight were spectacular—a glittering canopy stretching endlessly overhead.

Lunch was a well-deserved feast: a hot bowl of vegetable soup, followed by a hamburger with a side of Arrabbiata pasta mixed with carrots, onions, and peppers. For dessert, we enjoyed fresh slices of pineapple, juicy and sweet. After the meal, we all agreed that a nap was in order. A two-hour rest was the perfect way to recharge after the tough ascent.

STATS:

• Steps: 19,516

• Miles: 5.56 miles

• Time: 5 hours 53 minutes

• Ascent: 2,169 ft

• Cadence: 44 steps/min

By 19:00, it was time for dinner. Tonight, the chef prepared an African stew—a comforting mix of beef, carrots, potatoes, and bananas, served with grilled toast and an African fried cake. The cake was like a cross between cornbread and a donut, made with white flour, eggs, salt, and sugar, then fried to perfection. It was a warm, slightly sweet treat that paired perfectly with the savory stew.

The dinner conversation turned humorous as we discussed the success (or lack thereof) of our daily “movements.” David, Koby, and Bob had no trouble, proudly announcing their success, while Doug was still waiting for what he joked might be twins. It’s safe to say the altitude, diet, and exertion were having very different effects on all of us!

As the temperature dropped, the cold became undeniable. Even bundled up, the chill was biting. Koby, ever the forgetful one, didn’t admit to any major forgotten items today, but he did confess that he had left his extra hand warmers back at the hotel in Arusha—another item added to his growing list of forgotten essentials.

As night fell, we braced ourselves for what would surely be a cold sleep, but the anticipation of the clear, star-filled sky kept our spirits high. Despite the day’s challenges, we were in good spirits, ready for whatever Day 3 would bring.

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