Steve Gray - 130898

Starting on the 27th December we took the Machame route to Kibo. The weather was particularly challenging with heavy cold rain below 4500m and heavy snow showers above 4500m
Day one ascent from Machame Gate to Machame Camp through forest and moorland. Wide easy path made slippery by rain. Total height gain 1200m arriving at 3000m
Day two Machame Camp to Shira Caves 9km and 800m vertical. Steep path over greasy rocks through stands of Protea and heathers. Final ridge required negotiating some rocky steps before arriving at the edge of the Shira Plateau.
Day Three Shira Camp to Barranco Camp. Very long day, 12km with highest point achieved before summit night upon reaching the Lava Tower at 4600m. There follows a descent through Giant Groundsell to the Barranco Camp at 3950m.
Day 4 Barranco to Barafu Camp over the infamous Barranco Wall. Much up and down today on a long walk 15km and 550m of total ascent. Very early start to beat Porters up the Barranco wall. Arrived in camp at 5pm. Time for light meal and briefing for the summit attempt.
Day 5 (New Years Day) Summit day. Planned start for midnight delayed until 01:00 due to forecast heavy snow showers. up steep slopes through Kosovo camp. Slope pretty relentless through rocks on well worn snow slopes. Good views upon sunrise of Mawenzi. Arrival at Stella Point 5739m and then a short meander up to Uhuru Peak 5895m. Despite heavy snow showers solar radiation very strong. Descent then made back to Barafu for a quick meal and then descent continued to Millenium camp 3900m. A very long tiring day involving 1395m of ascent (Ben Nevis placed at 5000m).
Day 6 Millenium Camp to Mweka Gate. Challenge not over as today involves 16km and 2,150m of descent. The weather did not give up on us and soon after mid morning the heavens opened up to pour down the usual heavy rain. Descent through Protea and back into rain forest.