4th – Camp Cambio (5350m)

We departed BC at around 1030 as planned after having taken down our tents, had breakfast and packing the last small things into our bags. Apart from our own equipment we were also asked to take 3kg each of food necessary for the days we are above BC.

There isn’t much to say about today’s ascent; it was fairly long and steep (and it like felt longer and steeper than it actually was). At camp Canada we had our lunch break at it was easy to see why we decided to not stay here – no water to be seen anywhere. Departing Juan Carlos took hold of me and put me into the slower group together with one other which I didn’t mind at all, and app 5:15 after departing BC we arrived at Cambio.

Looking down on Base Camp after an hour into the walk. Our tent is easily spotted.

A couple of porters had been hired to bring up our tents to the camp which they had done at an experienced speed which meant that at our arrival they were mostly already set up for us.

It is getting windier after departing the secure conditions that is BC. Without the wind it is quite warm (relatively, of course, but there are no clouds and plenty of sun) but the wind is cold which puts a damper on it. Lying in the tent is comfortable when ignoring the noise from the wind and the wind’s effect on the tents’ fabric. But there is no wind in the tent which easily compensates.

I was surprised by realizing how much I was struggling today. We have been acclimatized to 5400m though we are now carrying 20+ kg each – but still; today’s walk felt really difficult, much more than expected even though I did expect it not to be an easy day. On top of that I realize that the next couple of days will only get much, much harder. I am mentally stressing myself with these thoughts and that is obviously not helping matters at all, it’s quite exhausting. Bo has said, though, that compared to the group he brought up back in 2008 we are almost racing up the mountain. Despite it feels good being told that, it doesn’t really help my current condition.

As a difference from the other camps dinner was today served in our tents instead of having to come out and gather around having our meal. The guides are aware of the pressure we are under, this is amazing service!

View from Camp Cambio.

Our camp. Not as impressive as BC.

One could almost forget the struggle to get here by just enjoying the view.