Day 5 28th April  

We were supposed to summit the ‘piton des neiges’ in two stages. The first would take us to the mountain lodge just below the summit. (About 6 kms with 1200m ascent).
The second would start, after a half night's sleep at the lodge, at around 4am. The aim was to top the highest peak of the island (a little over 3k elevation) just before sunrise. Then all the way down to cilaos (16 kms with 500m ascent, 1700m descent). Since the weather had been a bit unstable, there was a discussion as to whether we should summit the peak twice, first time during the day, and the second before sunrise. This way, we would increase our odds of enjoying a clear view from the mountain. Besides, it would mean enjoying the summit views at two different times of the day, assuming clear skies for both attempts.
The latter option would mean a hike of about 14 kms and around 1700m ascent and 500m descent in 1 go (about 8 hours hike). The other guys were not thrilled at all by this prospect, and I ended up being the only one pushing for it. I managed to convince juls to accompany me. The 3 others would stick to the original plan, and rejoin us later in the evening.

After stocking up with tons of food, we started the hike just before 10, in near ideal conditions, slightly overcast but dry. The ascent is just brutal, and this coupled with the fact that juls is in super shape, means that I was left lagging wayyyy behind, huffing and puffing away, one painful step at a time.
Few water breaks on the way, and a few photo stops, we make good progress, reaching the mountain hut just shy of the 2 hours 40 mins mark. (This section was supposed to take 4 hours). Jules made it some 20 mins earlier than me!!!! The monster! ! There was not really scope for extended rest periods, since the chilly temperatures would send your teeth clashing uncontrollably if you did try to stop for too long. Plus the views on the way up were mostly obstructed by trees lining the relatively well maintained pathway.

Lunch time, in the company of two French ladies who had been on a multi day trek, culminating with the piton des neiges. French baguette with pepper cheese spread and raw smoked ham. Just a belly filler!

We thought we would wait for it to clear up a bit before attempting the summit.Unfortunately, the weather got progressively worse, turning into a heavy downpour that just would not relent.
I waited at least 2 hours for the skies to clear, before giving up. No summit attempt for today. :( shame :(

As juls points out though, we might have chosen the right approach, albeit for the wrong reasons. We were now dry and relatively ‘warm’ in the mountain hut, whilst the 3 others would definitely have been caught off guard by the chilly downpour, and would have to hike all the way up in miserable conditions.

I had stupidly forgotten my rain jacket, and was hoping rhony, who didn't have one, thought of using it, especially under the circumstances.

5.30 pm, and the guys are still not at the hut. With the thick fog, the visibility is far from ideal, and the light levels feel like it's much later than it actually is. Have they decided to skip the piton altogether? Did they backtrack to Cilaos because of the downpour? Could it be one of them got hurt on the way? With no means of checking their status, we start to get a bit restless.

6 pm..and just as I peep outside to check for any sign of life(as if that would make any difference! ) they finally turn up, completely drenched and freezing. Rhony had used a bin bag as waterproofing, and he was actually in better shape than the 2 others who were dressed in the more ‘ appropriate’ gear. Go figure, we spend so much money on expensive gear that sometimes are plain outperformed by a diy contraption!!!

With no signs of the weather improving, we go to bed at around 8.
Let's hope we can make it to the top tomorrow!!!