Kilimanjaro, Third day on the mountain at Baranco Camp

 Kilianjaro. Lava Towers and Baranco Camp

I had breakfast in the open so that I could see the sun rise above Mount Kibo. My tent is in the centre with the porters tent just behind it.

Some Lobelia Deckenii, the crowns are the sie of water melons and close at night to protect the crown against frost, cold and snow. 

More uniqur flora.

A view of the plateau looking east towards Mount Kibo and its partially snow covered flanks.

More views of the plateau....

...and its Alpine Desert landscape...

...before reaching a distant view of the Lava Towers, a solidified volcanic neck.

A bridge over the now dried up river bed of a spring that rises and provides water for the Lava Towers Camp.

The welcoming board for the Lava Towers Camp at 4,550 metres.

 A closer view of the Lava Tower.

                                        

A favoured nest site for birds.

The greeting board for Baranco CAmp at 3.900 metres.

A view down the mountain from the camp.

A view up the mountain as the clouds continued to build and climb up the valley.

A view of teh Baranco Camp.

My hot lunch time meal in camp. 

At last, a clear view of tomorrow's challenge...

...and a snow covered flank of Mount Kibo.

A general view of the camp.

My first course of my evening meal... soup and French Bread.

Kilimanjaro Second Day on the mountain at Shira Camp

 Kilimanjaro and the second day on the mountain.

I asked my team to line up so that I could get to know them. Left to right they are William my guide and translator, Samson. God Bless my waiter, another William, Sammy and Ellie, the kitchen porter and Eduardo, the chef.

Just some f the varied flora en route.

The greeting board announcing your arrival to Shira Camp at 3,750 metres.

Shira Cave, formed by a lava flow filling a hollow and a crust formed. When the lava level rose and found an escape, it flowed in a tunnel and when the lava emptied, a cave was left. People used to sleep in there and it could easily house more than a dozen but cracks have appeared in the ceiling and it isn't considered safe now.

Some of the lava formations on the plateau including a dyke.

Another view of the plateau.

My tent at Shira Camp in the centre with the porters tent in blue behind it.

A warm lunch time meal of soup, salad and mixed vegetables.

One of the pigeons that scavenge about the camp.

Another scavenger, a White Necked Raven.

My evening meal of soup and French Bread...

...and the main course rice and Swahili Stew followed by fruit for dessert.

A view down the valley and the clouds that carpeted the lower slopes.

A view across the plateau with a long drop on the edge of the plateau.

And the sun setting behind Mount Shira...going...

...going...

                                       

...and finally gone.

Kilimanjaro First Day on the mountain Machame Gate

 Kilimanjaro Machame Gate and Camp

A minivan piled high with bags on the roof collected me from the Bristol cottagesf ot the onre hour tansfer from the city to the Machame Gate. Poker fro the office was in the front chatting to the driver, William my guide and Eduardo the chef were in front of mr and behind were six grinning faces, my porters, but it was too dark to see the clearly

It was hayhem at the gate as there were dozens of minivans and groups of porters, all getting ready to set off up the mountain.

Bags were packed and repacked... 

                                        

...and then everything was carried to the weigh-in.

The weigh-in scales and each pack s carefully weighed as porters are only allowed to carry 20kgs plus their own rucksack

Items were added or removed to ensure the orrect volume and weight.

The guide than had to sign in with his group of porters.

The queue behind us, all one big party in identical corporate ski gear of yellow and black.

The Machame Gate at 1,800 metres.

The bags were weighed again and inside the hut is an airport type scnner to ensure tht you aren't carrying weapons into the national park.

One of the varied plants along the route.

The greeting board at Machame Camp at 2.835 metres.

The rangers hut at the camp.

My tent with the porters tent in the background. The cloud had rolled in and it was starting to rain.

My first hot meal on the mountain, crispy tilapia fish. roast potatoes and a selection of vegetables.

Kilimanjaro, Bristol Cottages in Moshi

 Kilimanjaro Bristol Cottages in Moshi

After a long flight via Doha, I arrived at Kilimanjaro International Airport and met my transfer driver to take me to my hotel.

It is a fascinating place with its own guarded compound with well manicures gardens with familiar plants. 

...many of which I recognise but don't know the name...

...some are distinctivve....

...others are plain...

...plus a walking palm. The main stem can throw out support roots towards more favourable surroundings, either better soil, water or sun and the support stems on the least favourable side die back and so the palm acan 'walk' to a more favourable position.

Carnival

Carnival

After a long delay due to COVID, my next book (the 11th for those that are counting) is due to be published at the end of the month. See the photo of the front and back cover. It is an exciting trip up the east coast of South America. 

To celebrate publication, the publishers have a special 25% off discount code off paperback versions on their website. This code will expire on the 31st October 2022 so don't delay, buy today! Use code AUTHOR0822 at checkout using the link: 

"https://www.austinmacauley.com/book/carnival "
 

Copies wll be available on Amazon, Waterstones and are available to order from your favourite book retailer but not with the discount.

Enjoy the read!