Day 3 was dubbed an "Acclimitization Day." We would hike for a few hours up to the iconic Lava Tower at over 15,000 feet of altitude. Then after a quick lunch, we would descend over 2000 feet to Baranco Camp.
The sun rising over the Western Breach as porters make their way to Baranco Camp
A reminder that mountain climbing and altitude entail risk
Prior to this day, the highest I had ever been was the summit of Pike's Peak, which is just over 14,000 feet. On Pike's Peak, I felt a mild headache and other effects of the thin air. So I was a bit nervous ascending past this point. Thankfully, my body adapts well to altitude. I did experience a few light headaches but nothing that would impede my quest for the summit.
Lava Tower Camp was the highest altitude at which I had ever been
The actual Lava Tower. It would soon be enveloped in clouds
At this altitude, this little stream was frozen over
On the descent from Lava Tower, vegetation reappeared,
as we transitioned from the the Alpine Desert back to the Moorlands.
Finally at Baranfu Camp. Facing the Baranco Wall, which we would climb the next morning.
I endured a cold and windy night. The next 48 hours would be epic!
