June 23 update from Barafu Camp

15,200 feet

Kevin just called with another update. The laptop battery is fried, and will not recharge.

They are on the rocky, craggy slopes of Barafu Camp. Barafu means "ice" in Swahili. Cold and windy is a big understatement. They are sleeping better at night with the help of hot water bottles stuffed into their sleeping bags. Kevin says his allergies are acting up (obvious excuse - like what the heck sort of allergens would you find there?). He also claims that his hands are bleeding (no doubt tomorrow we will hear that he had to carry a cross up the mountain). Michelle is doing "OK", but dreading tomorrow. Allison is tired and made Brian start carrying some of his own stuff this afternoon.

Tomorrow, they plan to wake at 4:30 AM. Kevin said the temperature should be around zero when they get up. They will start at around 5:00 or 5:30 and hope to climb the remaining 4,100 feet to the summit at Uhuru Peak. This is going to be a grueling day - at least 8-10 hours to the top.

After the summit, they will descend to Millennium Camp at 12,500 feet. This will be another 5-7 hours after the summit.

Rather than seeking oxygen with the family at Millennium Camp, Brian is planning to spend the night on the floor of the volcanic crater (18,370 feet) with his bricks, then catch up with the team the following day.