Deep Behind Enemy Lines, page 10
The going was far more laborious and steep, with the mercury still dropping even with the sun at its height. It was more demanding than the previous climb to Arthur Firmin Hut, becoming rockier and decidedly more problematic to navigate some sections, not to mention many dangerously deep gullies, but the men assisted one another and together they successfully overcame the obstacles. Bill, with safety foremost in his mind, was a tower of encouragement and they eventually reached Shipton’s Camp before dark although, once again, exhausted.
The usual domestic chores took precedence, and two of the men organised hot food, which was washed down with a noggin of brandy having been included in the airdrop. The temperature continued to plummet but, after settling down around a campfire made from logs left in one of the cabins, Bill gave them a rundown of what he proposed for the next day.
‘We’ll stay here tomorrow and the extra night and use the day to climb around a few of the local peaks to hone our climbing and navigation skills. These won’t be technical climbs because as you know we aren’t carrying specialist-climbing equipment in view of the extra weight. We’ll split into groups of four and be back here by midday. In the afternoon we can do a few more treks and finish in time for some hot grub, which I’m sure you’ll be ready for.
Two men have volunteered to stay behind in the afternoon to prepare chow for when we’re all back. I think that a bit of wandering will make the afternoon pleasant for you, particularly those of you interested in botany because there’s interesting plant life at this height, as well as some wildlife including an abundance of insects. Don’t forget binoculars because the birds, not the two-legged species, are amazing.
Or, you can just wander aimlessly, so long as you don’t fall down any crevices or get lost. It’s your choice. We’ll get ourselves an early night preparatory to a crack of dawn departure for Top Hut.’
This would be a welcome break and allow enough time to reboot and become acclimatised. No one asked any questions or made any comments and they gratefully turned in, finally going quiet as sleep took over.
Prior to leaving Shira Camp next morning, Josh felt confident enough to call AAC Air Wing for the drop change to be around 1100 hours on the morrow. The change of airdrop meant there would be less to carry from Lava Tower Camp up to Crater Camp, and he wouldn’t have to push the men too hard. The last trek from Lava to Crater Camp should take no more than five hours so start time of 1000 hours would get them there by, say, 1500 hours. They had just enough rations left to see them through until the drop and, if it didn’t rain again, the clothes they had on should suffice; they were combat soldiers after all! Josh didn’t push for an early start from Shira in view of the harrowing previous day.
They set out from Shira at 1000 hours at a steady pace, stopped for food around the lunch hour, and finally arrived at Lava Tower Camp in daylight. As luck would have it there’d been no rain, although the temperature had dropped even further so they’d all donned whatever dry clothing they had left.
Josh felt under the circumstances they’d all held up well. As far as he was concerned they’d proved their mettle in punishing conditions; a few hours’ extra rest wouldn’t go amiss. He told the men they could have a lie-in the next morning prior, to leaving for Crater Camp.
Comparatively speaking, it would be a relatively short last trek up to Crater; around five hours was his estimate. The ritual domestic chores done with, a bottle of brandy materialised and the mood lightened considerably, after all the entire end was in sight! Sleeping bags were hauled out and they all turned in once darkness had fallen.
As Josh had promised, 1000 hours was start time and once they’d arrived at Crater the whole team, including Josh, scouted around for wood to make the fire, sort their kit and pitch the pup tents. Water was boiled; they attempted half decent shaves and a wash and then sat around in the warmth from the fire, chatting about their mate with the injured leg, their families and anything else the conversation turned to. At around 2100 hours they turned in. It was essential to be up and sorted to receive the airdrop before the ultimate leg of the exercise, to Uhuru Peak. Hopefully they’d made up some of the lost time.
Chapter 18
After reveille, Bill’s four-man teams set off in different directions heading for the local peaks. The main challenge for them was accurate navigation. Although the trekking paths were not clearly marked and cloud cover was low, with concentration and care they wouldn’t encounter too many problems, if any.
Ice ridges were steep and covered with loose shale, so concentration was paramount. The chosen routes were normally peppered with ice patches giving traction, but since they were exploring during the warmth of the day there was a degree of partial melt, the hazard being solid ice beneath a top layer of mush. The paths were tough underfoot but the reward of solitude in the wilderness was hard to beat. Below and around them was a profusion of rare Alpine plant life that would be something to examine more closely during the afternoon.
Having enjoyed their morning climb, the groups returned to camp for lunch at 1300 hours. This took a scant hour to despatch and they set off again for afternoon foraging, leaving the two NCO volunteers to prepare the evening meal.
It was fascinating to watch the different species of birds of prey, including Mountain Buzzards, soaring above. Giant groundsel was the dominant flora and, for those with the interest, spied what they thought were probably rare Alpine specimens, and many other plants they’d never seen before so for them it was a field day, metaphorically speaking. On the higher elevations, they caught glimpses of rock hyraxes scurrying around amongst the plant life.
Because the temperature continued to drop and the cloud ceiling was rapidly lowering, the men decided to return to camp earlier than anticipated. What they’d seen and discovered during the whole day of trekking was totally awesome. As with the previous night, an early heads-down was the final order of the day to be refreshed and alert for a dawn start to tackle the route up to Top Hut.
As Josh drifted off to sleep he thought of how gruelling the event had been thus far; a couple more hours’ kip wouldn’t make much difference to the overall time loss. At 0800 hours the team woke to a bright, clear and bitterly cold day, and as such busy activity kept them moving in preparation for the last leg of their trek up to Crater Camp. After an uneventful few hours of steady trekking they reached Crater mid-afternoon, made camp, ate a late lunch and explored the surrounding area. They finally settled down around the campfire for the evening meal and climbed into their sleeping bags at 2200 hours. Again, he’d let them sleep in tomorrow morning until about 0800 hours.
Next morning Bill and the B-Team made early reveille and packed everything necessary for the penultimate climb to Top Hut. Some of the heavier equipment would be left at this location to lighten their loads and to be collected on their descent. Prior to setting off, Bill got the men together to give them a pep talk about this penultimate ascent.
‘Our next to last climb to Top Hut requires negotiation of a very long and precarious loose scree slope up the side of the Teleki Valley. However, we should reach the bottom of Point Lenana by mid-afternoon.’
True to his word, they achieved Top Hut, at the base of Point Lenana, by 1500 hours, fortunately without incident. The rest of their day was uneventful and, once they’d sorted their gear, they did their best to freshen themselves up. It would be a few more days before they could wash and shave properly again. The last job of the day was again very early and welcome shut-eye. Each leg of the whole climb had been a challenge to their stamina, but this last part had proved the most arduous due to lack of sturdy bush to grab onto and the extra support of rock protrusions for foot holds at nearly every step of this last leg.
When Bill settled himself into his sleeping bag he felt satisfied. During the preceding five days he’d taken pains to get to know the men by walking alongside and chatting quietly with each of them. Although it was not of great consequence in terms of a popularity contest, he considered if nothing else, he’d gained a measure of respect. He maintained a companionable but authoritative attitude whilst not expecting the men to do anything he himself wouldn’t do. He’d mucked in with everything.
At their stopovers Bill had been quite impressed with the facilities. Although very basic, the interior of each hut had a small wood stove, platforms for sleeping, a rough wooden table and an assortment of chairs and stools. Also, thankfully, the interiors were dry. There was further evidence of recent repairs. He wasn’t clued up about whose authority maintenance came under; maybe the Parks Authority or even climbers themselves. Each hut could sleep about eight so in their case, some men used the pup tents on a voluntary basis. Bill himself slept in one.
Josh was woken next morning by the sound of raucous laughter coming from one of the pup tents. He lay there for a few moments thinking what a great sound that was. There hadn’t been too much of that during their gruelling expedition and it was marvellous to hear. This was their last day and then would come the blessed descent.
Awake and alert, they sorted out their backpacks, tidied up the surrounding camp site (leaving it as other trekkers would wish to find it) and then, once they’d received their airdrop, with Ken Noakes’s parting shot of See you back at Kahawa, boys ringing in their ears, the supplies were distributed between them. Josh instructed the men to leave all unnecessary items at Crater Camp to be retrieved when they returned. It was time to set out on the final ascent.
They eventually achieved their goal; Uhuru Peak. Thank God! Josh thought as the men whooped and punched the air. The first order of the day was food and, with alacrity and all good table manners abandoned, they tucked in. Josh got his radio out and called Bill, assuming he would already have arrived at Point Lenana.
‘Hi, Josh, how’re you doing?
‘We’re doing OK. We’ve just reached Uhuru Peak.’
‘Great, said Bill. ‘We expect to make Point Lenana in about fifteen minutes or so. As soon as we get there I’ll contact Major Brown - it shouldn’t be a problem since the radio path to Nairobi from me is only around 150 miles and although we are some 200 miles apart, when I’ve made my call, you do likewise, you’ve got a significant height advantage providing a better radio path. Call me back with a heads up when you’ve made your call.’
‘Will do,’ replied Josh.
‘Affirmative. I’m assuming no news is good news because I’ve not heard from you again, so I take it you’ve had no more incidents. What’s your weather like?’
‘Thankfully we’re all good and in one piece. You’ve heard the term brass monkeys, eh? Well, I think that says it all so we’ll be more than pleased to get down to lower and warmer levels.’
‘Yep, it’s decidedly parky here too although I don’t doubt it’s worse for you being at that extra 667ft,’ Bill commiserated.
‘That’s for sure. Mind you I have to say, chilly or not, the view is totally stunning. Anyway, our task up to this point has been effectively achieved if somewhat marred. So, I’ll leave you to make your call and hear back when it’s done?’
Josh was thinking, having just reached their goal and during the ascent to Uhuru Peak, A-team had become transfixed with the majesty unfolding before them. It was as if they were heading for the top of the world. The giant peak surrounding them, a single peak unusually not in a range of other mountains with its snow-covered cap, dominated the whole vista and the silence was deafening. The wind was bitter, and each man’s breath was like the steam from a locomotive or the exhalations of heavy smokers. It was like being on another planet – or what they envisaged another planet might look like.
Bill had been talking to Josh as he walked and was puffing slightly as he and his men completed their final steps up to Point Lenana, at which moment they all halted in amazement. Bill had often seen pictures of continental ski resorts and Swiss village scenes but never in his life had he the personal experience of what his eyes were encountering right now. How to even begin to put it into words other than totally stunning! With an effort he brought his mind back to his continuing conversation with Josh.
‘Incidentally, I’ve taken loads of good shots on our way up and I plan to do the same on the descent. OK, I’ll make my call and speak shortly,’ he finished.
‘Maybe we could put a joint album together! I’ve taken some pics although not as many as you, I suspect; time and circumstance you know! Speak soon. Kwa heri, boyo.’
‘You shouldn’t talk dirty over an open line. And a very British goodbye to you too mate.’ Bill laughed, ended the conversation and then contacted Major Brown.
‘Good afternoon, Sir. Staff Scraggs reporting in from the summit of Point Lenana on Mount Kenya.’
‘Good afternoon, Staff. Good to hear from you. I trust you’ve had a good exercise so far?’
‘Yes, Sir. Staff Baines will contact you to report in very shortly from the summit of Uhuru Peak,’ Bill replied.
‘Thank you, Staff. I believe Staff Baines put you in the picture about the unfortunate accident one of his men had, resulting in a broken leg?’
‘Sir.’
‘On the plus side it could have been worse. There’ve been several fatalities on that route in the past.’
‘Yes, Staff Baines radioed me. Any news on the patient?’
‘He should be out of hospital in a couple of days, but he’ll be out of action for a number of weeks. When do you anticipate arriving back at Kahawa?’
‘I should think in about three days, Sir.’
‘Excellent. I look forward to your report in due course.’ Major Brown was keeping the call tight, although Bill intuited that he had something more to say.
‘Just as a brief heads up, we’ve received information, albeit belated, of a recent Shifta atrocity involving more killings. In this case it was of high-level personages which incident impacts on our forward plans. I’ll brief you and the men fully on your return.’
‘Understood, Sir.’
‘See you back at Kahawa. Over and out.’
Bill radioed Josh. ‘Hi, Josh. Contact with the OC was successful and he’s waiting to hear from you. He told me your man is out of hospital and doing OK.’
‘Roger that, and thanks. I’ll get right on the blower now. Over and out.’
Josh made his call without delay, although a mite anxious of connection success. In fact, his first attempt didn’t connect so it was a relief when his second attempt connected and Major Brown was waiting.
Josh’s update was brief, and he confirmed he and his team should also be back at Kahawa in three days, barring any unforeseen problems, signed out and made a quick connect back to Bill to inform him that he’d spoken to the OC.
‘Great. We’ll be starting our descent to Top Hut shortly,’ Bill replied.
‘We’ll be making tracks down to Crater in about ten minutes. We ought to keep the radios open just in case but all being well, we’ll meet up back at barracks in a couple of days or so. OK?’
‘OK. I’ll talk to you later. Go safe. Over and out.’
Chapter 19
The B-team descended to top hut and before they commenced their next stage of the exercise Bill gave his men details of the Naro Moru route between Arthur Firmin and Judmeier huts.
‘FYI, when I spoke to the OC he informed me he had received information from UKFO intelligence of recent high-level assassinations. It’s a reasonable assumption it’ll most likely have an operational impact for us at GWS.
‘So, is it likely we’ll be put on active duty imminently, Staff?’
‘That’s all the information I have now.
Let’s eat and get packed up. Shipton’s camp is next on the list where we’ll bed down for the night and make an early start in the morning. As we go down I’ll call up to confirm the muleteers will meet us at Judmeier for assistance to Sirimon Gate and the truck will meet us there for our return to Nairobi.’
Following the Naro Moro route from Arthur Firmin Hut it started to rain, so by the time they reached Judmeier Hut they were all soaked through. A fire was lit to dry them and a meal prepared and eaten sitting around the welcome warmth of the fire.
When the muleteers arrived next morning, activity in camp was swift and efficient as they loaded panniers with all the heavy equipment, leaving the team with the lighter kit for the last trek to the Sirimon Gate where they loaded their kit into the truck, tipped the muleteers generously, bid them kwaheri, climbed aboard and headed back to Nairobi.
They were back at Kahawa by early afternoon and looking forward to hot showers, a change of clothing and a hearty canteen meal once they’d offloaded and stowed all the equipment.
Josh led his team down from Uhuru Peak to Crater Camp where they collected the supplies they’d left there and then carried on down the trail. They were heading for the Barafu Hut at 3,000 feet, and whilst the air quality had been extremely thin at the start, it improved considerably as they trekked downwards. They stopped for a couple of hours at the Barafu Hut to acclimatise after which they continued down to Mweka Hut at 2,020 feet. When they arrived pup tents were erected and a meal was eaten, after which the men gratefully turned in.
Next morning, the muleteers arrived. As soon as the panniers had been loaded with the much heavier kit, the descent to the Mweka Gate at 1,213 feet continued, where the truck had thankfully arrived minutes before them. Once again they set to and loaded up.
Having given their entire spare rations and a generous tip to the muleteers, there was much smiling and hand-shaking with a rousing chorus of goodbye from the men and kwaheri from the muleteers
The loaded truck finally rumbled through the camp gates and headed to the equipment store mid-afternoon on 6th November where once again, and for the last time, they unloaded. Satisfied that the job was complete, Josh dismissed the men who headed off for showers, shaves, clean clothing and more substantial food.
