Lava Tower & Barranco

The final 300m to Lava Tower were brutal but key for acclimation — and a sharp indication of where each of us stood. For me it was all bad news. Splitting headaches and nausea came in waves as we entered camp. I got some food down between episodes but the waves hit harder and faster.

We began the descent to Barranco as heavy rain rolled in, soaking us and dropping the temperature. The final hours down were some of the hardest my boots have endured. By the time we made camp I was on the verge of throwing up, spent physically and emotionally. Bobby and Nathan came to my tent to check on me and assured me the game wasn't lost — we'd evaluate my health in the morning.

This is where I want to say something about the team. Climbing is a team endeavour. We were becoming a family, looking out for each other, and although I went to my tent with an empty stomach due to illness, I went with the support and encouragement I needed to stay positive. Morale tops the list of climbing essentials. Thanks Kelly, Chris, Nathan, Bobby, Gerry, Jacob and Godson, and the ever-present Magumu I still can't praise enough.