Waking at 5.30, our next days trek was due to commence around 6.30. Sleeping had not been easy, mainly I think due to the close proximity of the other tents around us:
We were alreadt above the clouds, yet our target ahead still seemed far away.
A longer days trek, around 9 hours, making a steep ascent through the heather and moor land reaching the Shira Plateau, giving fantastic views over the land below. This time we didn’t increase our altitude so much, but still we will finish at a height of 3843 metres. At this altitude the montane forest gives way to the giant heathers of the moorland zone. The vegetation opens up and we have great views. We can see Kibo, Mt. Meru in the distance and also Machame way down below as we made our way up towards the Shira Plateau.
Although we had not covered much distance the increase in height did leave some people starting to feel the effects of altitude, headaches, sickness, slight dizziness.
Camp was however cold and the mist soon rolled in. Head torches were now a necessity, and staying close to camp to avoid getting lost became a priority.
After dinner, another dark night, so with a lack of sleep from the previous night it didn't take too long to settle down, and join the chorus of snoring from the other tents.
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