Day 4 - December 14, 2013

Chambo strongly advised us to drink 3 liters of water per day. So I have. I also had to get up in the night 2X to pee. The most wonderful sight gave me hope. The stars were out, the sky was clear and the almost full moon was shining on HER - there she was in all her glory. Bloody magnificent, both times!

We awoke to clearer weather but today, I was prepared. I had dry socks, my ankle supports, gaiters, Gortex rain pants and three layers on top including my Gortex rain jacket. I am NOT getting wet today! We are going for lunch to Lava tower for acclimization to 15,000 feet. Thank God I dressed because we needed it. As we approached the tower and our hot lunch tent, it started to snow. Quite frankly, it made me happy. I know what to do with snow, just not rain.

I felt fine, small headache but I believe it was from my day pack that Alfred lent me. There were no chest or hip straps so the full weight of the pack was on my shoulders and my head was too far forward. I fixed that later with a small bungee cord and it worked! After lunch we made our way through a beautiful gorge, I felt at home in the rocks although the others seemed to have a bit of problem

It took us 2 ½ hours to get down to Barafu Camp where we meet up with other groups on different routes. The camp is busy but after having a snack of popcorn, nuts and hot tea, it was all good - the little things! I napped before supper, getting used to the rain and other crap. Cat and I get along very well, in fact everyone is getting along much better - three more sleeps. I can do this!