To Shira 2: 7 July - plants get shorter
The air is getting thinner and it's harder to breathe. Time to start taking the Diamox for altitude sickness. At this point Robert, our lead guide started to take our oxygen and pulse readings each night, plus a casual inquiry how we are feeling. So far so good. No chronic headaches. All climbers must register at each camp. I was thumbing through the register to get a feel for the demographics. A large portion of the hikers are from the USA, with Europe 2nd. About 45% were women, average age late 20's to early 40's. Very few 60 or over. I was the oldest climber in the register over recent weeks. This is me and my personal porter Leocadia. She carries my duffel bag and gets my tent ready. She isn't 5 ft, about 42 y/o, and a single mother of 2. She gets no special treatment at camp, and doesn't speak any English. She is incredible. The guy with the orange pack is Gideon. He is the assistant guide. A seasoned guide he sometimes leads us climbers or take up the...