We were about to set off on our own for Little Meru when a cloud blew over camp, obscuring our intended target, we delayed our hike by 30mins to allow for the cloud to clear and dinner to be better digested. The cloud across camp was neither particularly cold, nor damp; merely just an obstruction to the view, but it was enough to make us wait until we had better visibility, rather than just heading off to at summit of nearly 3800m in 5 meter visibility
The cloud lifted and we set foot on the little hill, the journey was measurably easier having left our packs back on our beds, however due to the cold at the base camp we were wrapped up warmly. Wrapped up for all of 5 minutes, we quickly stopped to disrobe our very insulating coats, hiding them under a bush just of the track – we were the only people climbing the mountain that weekend, and to be honest, apart from the group left at the camp, we were the only humans within about a 10km radius, so the risk of having our coats pilfered was practically zero.
Released from our jackets, we made a speedy ascent, reaching the summit in a very pleasing time of until 30:51mins, not that we were trying or anything!
Saddle camp below us disappearing into the clouds
During our short climb, one issue which continued to puzzle us - why did it need 5 hrs for the final ascent, sure Meru looked steep, but five hours was certainly over cautious. As we crested Little Meru, the cloud cleared completely across both peaks, and we realised why 5 hours would be required. We had mistaken Meru’s peak, and in fact a lot of the route as well which had also been hidden in the cloud. With the peak obscured in the mists, the ascent had originally looked only as hard as hiking Ben Nevis, admittedly approaching from the North Face valley but never-the-less it did not look like it was going to be the “gruelling, challenging climb” other members of the house had described it as. However, when the cloud was cleared by the wind blown up from the lower slopes, a sharp jagged peak stood starkly against the blue sky, showing the route to the top passing along several knife like arêtes. Tomorrow looks like a climb NOT a hike, hmm.
The route up Mt. Meru, as seen from Little Meru, although still slightly obscured with cloud
Back in camp now and on the final few meters descent Nana and Pa managed to call in – score one point for the Nokia E90 – I have found almost NOWHERE that it is not possible to get signal with this phone. For myself it was great to be able to quickly go over the days activities, while actually coming down from one of the peaks. After having completed the hike, the inactivity of the camp was helped a chill settle in, and so I have retired to shiver in my sleeping bag and type this missive, while I wait for dinner – only an hour, time passes really slowly when you’re hungry that’s for sure!
Our guide has just come into my room to say that dinner has been moved and will be ready in 10 mins, 40mins earlier than expected. So I’d better rouse myself, and will continue later.
3800m – 18:00
Just climbed back into my sleeping bag. While it is still light outside, the sun has just passed behind the mountain, casting out collection of huts in its shadow. Now we know why the chaps we saw on entering the camp had thick coats AND balaclavas on, the temperature drops quickly. It wasn’t long until I'd fished out my cousins Down Jacket - i certainly was grateful for that. We passed a good hour, everybody wrapped up tightly, sitting at a hewn rough wooden table playing cards - the fact that one of the young Americans refused to shut the window of the small room in which we were playing provided the only minor annoyance.
I've just got interrupt the narrative - it’s started raining. Hopefully this won’t affect our summit attempt tomorrow. All though the rat-rat drumming on the tin roof might affect sleep.
After giving the impression that it might be about to stop, the lull in the rain only seemed to be due to the storm having to catch its breath before ramping up the intensity, and with that in terms of sleep, i really don’t think that it will be affected, as it’s simply not going to be possible to sleep. The rain has largely changed to become hail now.
If you can imagine being inside a washing machine, filled with ball bearings, while on a spin cycle, you’ve probably got good ideas as what it is like.
18:15 - I’ve just been filming out of the window at the storm swirling around our little wooden huts, I'm not sure if the camera will have been able to pick up the thunder, but it certainly picked up the hail bouncing off the earth – the hail has now been falling so thick and fast that the floor is actually turning white! At this rate I’m actually really worried that our ascent of Meru will be affected.
Thankfully the rain and hail have stopped now, but I’ve realised i cant pack my bag for tomorrow yet – as I’m wearing most of it, and have no idea what the weather will be like tomorrow! I’ll have to wait and see what the morning brings - i think starting with waterproof trousers is a good idea, hopefully not too hot for walking in
Dinner was fairly simple fair, but no one really touched any of it. Not sure if it’s the altitude, but all three of the Americans were also complaining of headaches. Hopefully it’s just dehydration, and will pass as they take on fluids. So far I’ve not had a problem with the altitude in any respect - but i am beginning to feel a little bloated if you follow my meaning.
Ok I’ve to be up in 5:30hrs now. Must try and get SOME sleep!
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