The night was a little disturbed by our companions in the adjacent room (we had 4 beds per room) talking well into the night.
As usual Sue and I were up relatively early, - unfortunately the rest were not, and breakfast was also waiting on the guys getting fire and boiling water, which did not start until we were all up.
This would become a bone of contention for me during the trip, as I prefer an early start and long rest at the end of the day, in the normal alpine tradition.
Eventually towards 10 am we started off.. the day would be a long rising traverse to the upper plateau, ending under the ridge of Mwenzi. the first section was through the grass lands and very much like an English heathland.
We moved further ahead of the rest as they dawdled along and spent most of the day on our own with the occasional meet up with the porters.
Gradually the grass started to bleach of and look more dried. the track widened and became more dusty.
Lunch would be some sandwiches with an evil green looking filling like Avocado, which I soon gave up on, however a local mouse enjoyed the unexpected feast!
The afternoon was spent as the route got into more mountainous territory with endlessly crossing ridges and troughs all the time working towards the Mwenzi peak.
As the day progressed the cloud came down and now we could be anywhere in the English lake district, apart from the giant Groundsel plants.
Arriving at the Horombo huts, we were the last party of the day and there was definitely a feeling of being "fitted" in as they had to clear some spaces for us. This also backed up my preference to leave early, but I did not rock the boat by rubbing it in.
The huts were long thin bunk rooms with the usual over stayed mattresses.
Dinner was another "smoky" delight, but certainly edible.
As the sun went down there was a last chance to look at the view, and fill the water containers from the last supply before the summit (also before the supply frozen overnight).
This night was much better as our companions were very tired after their exertions.
As usual Sue and I were up relatively early, - unfortunately the rest were not, and breakfast was also waiting on the guys getting fire and boiling water, which did not start until we were all up.
This would become a bone of contention for me during the trip, as I prefer an early start and long rest at the end of the day, in the normal alpine tradition.
Gradually the grass started to bleach of and look more dried. the track widened and became more dusty.
The afternoon was spent as the route got into more mountainous territory with endlessly crossing ridges and troughs all the time working towards the Mwenzi peak.
Arriving at the Horombo huts, we were the last party of the day and there was definitely a feeling of being "fitted" in as they had to clear some spaces for us. This also backed up my preference to leave early, but I did not rock the boat by rubbing it in.The huts were long thin bunk rooms with the usual over stayed mattresses.
Dinner was another "smoky" delight, but certainly edible.
As the sun went down there was a last chance to look at the view, and fill the water containers from the last supply before the summit (also before the supply frozen overnight).
This night was much better as our companions were very tired after their exertions.