Day 3 - Shira to Fischer Camp (12,950 ft./3850 m)

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There's a hard frost on our tent and the ground this morning when we awake for tea at 7 a.m. It's another spectacular day, sunny but cold and windy. By the time we break camp, it has warmed up considerably. Card #3 has pictures of our three daughters (3 days/3 daughters; Louise has a daughter also). We share the card with Victor, Raymond, Kambona, and Eduardo and others, and this becomes part of our morning routine.

Today's hike is across the Shira plateau, which was formed when the Shira volcano collapsed. The walking is easy, on fairly level ground covered with sage brush and lava formations. The last hour or so is more difficult, as we ascend ~1,000 feet to reach Fischer camp, named for Scott Fischer who pioneered this particular route but was tragically killed on Everest. After lunch at camp, we spend some time exploring the area and admiring the giant groundsel (Senecio kilimanjari), which looks like a cactus.

Photos from June 14, 2003.

Day 3 begins	We're ready to start hiking	Victor, our guide	Sage brush and lava rocks
En route.	Taking a break	3Crossing the Shira plateau.	Kili's getting closer
Shira plateau - a collapsed volcanic crater.	Victor and Raymond, our assistant guide.	Louise.	Upper Heath Zone
Kibo summit in background	Groundsel cactus	Scott Fischer plaque.	Katadyn water filter
Exploring Fischer Camp	Fischer Camp at dusk