Five upper garments on my torso, two buffs, a beanie and a
hoodie on my head, four pairs leggings, two pairs of socks under my extra-thick
hiking boots; two pairs of gloves and a set of thermochemical handwarmers on my
cold-prone paws.This is how I will summit Kilimanjaro. Along with my 17 companions. This I deludedly promise myself, as if my fate were actually in my hands.
The truth is, none of us know if we have what it takes to make it to the summit. From Barafu camp to Uhuru is 1 300m – almost the altitude rise from PE to Jo'burg – and we're going to do it on foot. In five hours.
Last night's O2-sat readings have qualified us for the attempt. "The science says we should all make it," says our leader. "I know we're gonna do it."
We gather in the mess tent for a last tea or coffee, stamping our feet and breathing steam like packhorses in the marketplace.
