2 August 1999

This afternoon, after crossing the last rise of many, we finally caught our first glimpse of our target, thye summit of Batian. Looking ominously down at us where we came walking through some light snow, I couldn't help but think that it was an intimidating sight. All around Minto's camp are the remains of an ancient volcanic crater and the rock spires rising up around us combine to form the most impressive setting for a camp site.

The day started as a glorious sunshine morning, promising enough to start off in just a t-shirt and even shorts. After leaving camp, it wasn't two minutes or we were stunned by the true beauty of Mt. Kenya. Bufallo grazed peacefully by a nearby stream and we could here them as they mock-charged each other. Another 100m on and we came across a waterbuck grazing in the road ahead. The natural beauty impresses you immediately and you can only wonder if you will be able to relay the truth back home.

Soon after our euphoria died down, the day dawned in more ways than one. A ridge stretching up ahead of us disappeared in the low cloud higher up. All we new was that we would be climbing around 1300m in altitude before being remotely near camp. That's a serious climb in anyone's language. After countless stops to energise our flagging systems, we were finally overcome by extreme cold and fatigue about an hour outside camp. It actually started snowing at one point and we were awestruck by the suddeness of the change in climate. Luckily we had our protective clothing handy and we could retreat under a huge rock to wait for the visibility to clear up.

Sitting here inside my sleeping bag, I'm about to go to sleep. The day has been quite long and we trekked a total distance of 16 km uphill. I should admit to being rather tired.

High on Africa is on track and we aim to make our summit bid in a few days as planned. Dawie and I are both weak and we are hoping to recover a bit tomorrow as it is a relatively short hike to Austrian Hut. Our tent is pitched with a full view of the summits and in a few minutes the moon should light up the rock amphitheatre around us. Normally I would be out there with a camera, but tonight we both need every minute rest we can get and I will be going to sleep directly after this transmission.

I was asked today if I thought I had made a good decision taking on this challenge and whether I was happy that we were doing what we're doing. We've had to trek for about an hour in sub-zero temperatures since then and our legs are somewhat weak. However, knowing that we are able to cover this expedition the way we are makes it worthwhile. This is the ultimate adventure so far and thye fact that we can share it with so many people makes trhe effort seem less.