Doc Martin 75th Birthday Kilimanjaro Expedition Dispatch
June 18, 2012 – Team Goes Over the Barranco Wall
There is a steep trail through the ledges at the bottom of the Great Barranco that we must cross to reach Karanga Camp and the ridge that leads us to our ascent route on Kilimanjaro. We spent three nights at the base of this trail at Barranco Camp. Each morning we would watch climbing teams with their porters winding their way up the ledges and wonder how we would be able to manage such terrain. Sunday morning, Father’s Day, we finally set out. These photos show our team doing remarkably well. With the assistance of the Berg Adventures guiding team and the attitude of taking the trail one step at a time the hard part was over in no time. As Rita said when we reached the top, “that was fun”.
Berg Adventures chief Tanzanian Guide, John Mtui, stops to soak up some sun at the bottom of the wall.
Doc has done this before and he is loving it.
BAI guide Emmanuel in position on the lower section of the wall.
Caroline was relaxed and having fun the entire way.
On the flat sections we would stop to regroup. Here BAI guide Polight and Doc are encouraging the others who are following.
Valentine negotiating one of the steeper sections.
Holly on the way up
Elizabeth climbing
Left: Steve enjoying a break on the trail;
Right: Susan was relaxed and focused on the steeper parts.
Rita was having a blast.
At the top we all clicked our photos
Sprian, who has been on all Doc Martins previous Kilimanjaro climbs, at the top of the wall.
Emmanuel, who we call Emma for short is always there with a reassuring smile.
Team photo on the top!