The End Came as a Shock
The End Came as a Surprise I made it to 13,000 feet, to the Third Cave Camp where it was just about 10 km to the Kibo Camp. Kibo is at 15,000 ft elevation and is the final camp before the ascent to the summit. I couldn't make it to Kibo camp. With my oxygen levels readings in the low 80s, both the lead Guide and I agreed I needed to climb down to the Rongoro Gate and get a ride back to Lindrin Lodge. I was sick, dehydrated, and suffering from altitude sickness. It was 28 km and 6 hours down the mountain. Let's just say I was sick in many ways and beyond miserable. Gideon, my guide insisted I keep walking otherwise if I stopped I might not get up. Don't stop. PMA (positive mental attitude) was failing me. I kept going albeit more slowly than usual. I wasn't alone in the pain. Gideon, my guide was suffering as well. But he carried my day pack since I was so weak. He kept pushing me to keep walking although the trail was brutal filled with rocks an...