January 12, 2009

Up bright and early at Likki North, the team enjoyed a hot breakfast of eggs, crepes, toast, hot porridge and baked beans. Plenty of carbs to get them up to the next camp, Shiptons at 4200m (14,000ft).  They left camp at 9am and arrived at Shipton’s around 1:30pm.  Set in between several ridgelines, Shipton’s Camp is fairly well protected by the wind and has given the team an opportunity to see all three summits. The team described the climb as a departure from Dr. Seuss-land and an arrival into Jurassic Park. The vegetation is extremely exotic and varies from giant groundsel to lobelias.

The report from Shipton’s is that it is likely to snow, however, as of 5pm, the sun is shining and the view of the summit is beautiful. The weather begins to be less and less predictable at this altitude and the team is beginning to feel the affects of less oxygen.  Though their appetites may be less, their metabolism has likely doubled. The guides are continuing to encourage the team to eat a lot and stay hydrated. The head guide, Paul Kanja, made an early morning report that some of the women were experiencing headaches, however, by afternoon all seemed to be doing well.  Twice a day the guides monitor the team’s heart rates, breathing rates, and blood oxygen levels.  A late afternoon report from the team said that all are in good spirits still and in harmony with one another.

The team will be attempting Point Lenana, Mount Kenya’s trekking summit in less than 34 hours.