As the sun came up over the tent again, I woke up to a surprisingly subsided pain. The joint pain was near gone. The miracle cream had done its magic. I felt good about the day right from the get go and we packed up after breakfast. As we did each day upto now, we started at 8:30. We started behind most groups, but we started strong. The trek today was finally gradual and comfortable. No boulders, not climbing rocks. It was the best day so far.

With only 2 breaks, an hour and a half apart after starting, we slowly but steadily passed all the groups that had started earlier than us. It was no competition, but just knowing that we were ahead of the pack made me feel comfortable about my pace. It gave the feeling of being able to slow down if need be without worrying about falling behind in the day.

In 3 hours and 20 minutes we were finally up at lava tower. At 4600m it was the highest we had been thus far. 

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The 2 fellows from Holland and the paramedic from Australia were already on the tower to keep me company. And having spent close to an hour at this height with a packed lunch to munch on, not feeling any effects of mountain sickness eased my mind to a certain degree. Diamox was definitely not on the cards. 

Having spent enough time, and few more photographs, Daniel hinted we descend and going down from this rather arid landscape and height gain. As we started downward, the descent for the next 20 minutes turned out to be quite steep. Hopping over rocks and carefully stepping down, we came across these rather large interesting palm-like cacti (I forget the name). But just as i got comfortable on the path, with light layer of moss in a couple of areas, I slipped and fell. It was to be my first cut on my palm, and it was to be one that would irritate me right through to the exit gate.

On the positive side, at lava tower I had actually felt more at peace than I had in a while. It was amazing how quiet it gets at that height. With not even the sound of air, once you have rested a bit, without even your own breath to catch and hear, it is a surreal experience if you notice it.

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That elusive Uhuru peak now actually seems to be getting closer and my blister ‘preventers’ for my toes seems to be working like a charm (more on that on the tips page). And i was literally second to sign in at Barranco Hut, only behind Ian the paramedic after starting right at the back when we started the day.

Once in my tent by 1:30 pm, my belongings spread out, I got back in the open, was fed some more by Michael (cook) and settled down on a rock with some hot chocolate and under the sun, for the next 4 hours saw people trickle into the camp slowly and steadily with various different mindsets. It is always interesting.

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We had dinner even earlier than usual today - at 7 pm. As we get closer to the top, so do the dinners. In a way it was better. More time to rest as well as more time for the food to digest.

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Tomorrow I was climb the rather daunting wall I saw in front of me – that imposing Barranco Wall.