Summit Night - Part 1

Settling into our temporary home, our thoughts have now very clearly turned towards completing our task. Checking round the group on the whole we all seemed to be coping if a little preoccupied with the surroundings. At this altitude you find your own way to deal with the lack of oxygen. Some shut up shop altogether, others openly brave their obvious attempts to breathe more easily. Unfortunately there is always the possibility that the best medical advice demands that an individual descends, and so it was for my tent partner Steve B this evening. As we sat at dinner around 5pm, Stewart had the unwelcome task of explaining to Steve, that the fluid on his lungs required him to descend immediately. We have all dealt with the altitude in our own ways, but Steve more than most has suffered, and yet found the ability within himself to get to 4800m. He has shown immense resolve to get this far, but now even greater courage to accept the advice of our doctors. We said our emotional goodbyes almost before we realised what had happened. Hurriedly I packed away Steve's kit for him, and with a few tearful embraces he departed from our high altitude position for camp at a lower level.

Steve's departure, whilst a huge upset for all the group, has however helped us all focus clearly on just what we are about to undertake. If we needed any reminding of just how difficult this trek is, then Steve's untimely departure has said it all.

24 hrs ago I spoke with Tunzo about the strategy for getting us all to the top. Having completed the summit last year, experience led me to believe that although this is very much a personal challenge, when it comes to Summit Night, the support and encouragement of the friends around you is vital, and so it was, with Steve's departure I resolved even more to make sure Lorraine, atleast, had me aswell as her amazing guide John John to help her on her way. Knowing that the individuals in the main group itself would find ways between themselves to support each other I have seen supporting Lorraine as my main objective of the night.

Now clear in my purpose on this trip, I found sleep almost impossible, and so for the next couple of hours I pottered around my tent, preparing myself for the next installment of my Return to Kilimanjaro.