Wilderness Camping

I made three trips up to my highest camp (close to 10,000 feet). It is completely rustic although we "rent" a man’s hut that we use to build a fire to keep warm and the guys cook on – just like they do at their homes. The fire is made inside and the smoke goes out the grass roof. It stays pretty toasty in there. I had never been up there so early in the year and I was surprised at how cold it got at night. Before, it got into maybe the high 40s but it got to freezing this time. Each morning, the tent and everything else was covered in icy frost. The first trip, I was shivering cold during the night. The second trip I brought an extra layer of clothes. So I slept in long underwear, fleece pants and top, wool sweater and jacket. The guys just have a t-shirt and light jacket and use flip flops around the camp! In the photo, the summit and the grassland savanna can be seen in the background.

Left to right are Isaac; Lufsamba, and Joe, my indispensible field assistants. This photo was taken in front of the palace.