|
|
Saturday
- January 20, 2001 |
After
a long flight into Kilimanjaro, then a two hour drive to their first
camp, the group arrived safely on Friday evening. On Saturday, they
did some preliminary hiking and prepared for their climb. They will
leave first thing Sunday morning to start the real hike! |
|
Sunday
- January 21, 2001 |
On
the fifth day the trip, Jimmy DeVaney's luggage arrived from Amsterdam
-- just in time to pack for the 90 minute four-wheel drive trip to
the city of Londorossi where the trail starts.
We
met our 30 porters, cooks & guides. We all stood back in amazement
as the porters lifted massive loads of baggage and headed up the
trail.
We
hiked for about 1 1/2 hours through the rainforest. The trail was
muddy and overgrown -- making efficient use of poles tough. Especially
for Jimmy DeVaney & Mitchell Brannen who have a grand total
of one pole between them. Coincidentally, Mitch was the first one
to fall. Bob Goddard fell a little bit later, but he was keeping
Bill from falling.
Lunch
was served in a small trail side clearing. After ham & cheese
and peanut butter sandwiches, we continued on our way.
After
awhile, the porters & cooks passed us on the trail again.
We
started at 7,500 feet above sea level we finished the day at around
8,900 feet. We just have 10,000 more feet to go.
Billy
gets the perseverance award for having led the charge all day in
spite of a bum ankle. (Ankle is still questionable but is doing
a little better.)
The
most welcome site of the day came when we passed over the little
rise and we saw that the camp was set up for us at the end.
We've
unpacked, and we've set up, we're playing cards, listening to music
and reading.
Tomorrow
we continue our hike through the rainforest up toward the crest
of the Shira ridge -- the site of the first volcanic eruption which
formed Kilimanjaro. We are optimistic that we will pass this without
another eruption.
|
|
Monday
- January 22, 2001 |
Today
we came through the rainforest and climbed the Shira Ridge. Just before
lunch we reached our day's goal of the Shira Plateau. We had a spectacular
view of the mountain.
At
about 4:00 we arrived at Camp 2 which is about 11,500 feet. We set
up camp and the rains came in.
Everyone
is doing well, and we are excited about tomorrow's climb.
|
|
Tuesday
- January 23, 2001 |
Enjoyed
a beautiful sunrise and a delicious breakfast (French toast, sausage).
After breakfast, we hiked for about 3 hours to the Fischer Camp (elevation
12,300 feet).
After
lunch we relaxed around camp - wrote in journals, read & slept.
We
took an afternoon hike of about 200-300 feet up the mountain to
help get acclimatized for tonight. On the hike, we saw some plaques
dedicated to Scott Fisher (he helped to design this route up the
mountain and later died on Mount Everest).
After
another fantastic dinner, we were able to relax, play cards, etc.
We've also been able to enjoy a perfect view of the stars.
Late
in the evening, we had some discussions about the strange dreams
several of us have had as a result of the altitude - otherwise,
we are doing well.
|
|
Wednesday
- January 24, 2001 |
Last
night in camp, Russell set his coat on fire with a candle. Fortunately,
he was able to quickly put out the fire and he is safe and uninjured.
This
morning, it was raining on and off for much of our hike. As we got
closer to the Lava Tower camp (elevation approximately 14,500 feet)
it started to snow. There has been a dramatic change in scenery;
it looks like the surface of the moon - rocks everywhere, no greenery.
We
are now starting to realize how high we are - not only are we looking
down on the clouds, but we also appreciate oxygen a little more!
We are all feeling fine, our appetites haven't suffered, and we
are not having any physical problems. However, knowing how difficult
it can be to breathe, we carefully decide what activities we really
want to do! For that reason, some of us hiked around the Lava Tower
while the others stayed at camp and played cards.
Spirits
are high and we are looking forward to following our guide, Victor,
to the summit. Apparently Mitchell is aspiring to be a co-guide,
because he has been following so close behind Victor that he could
be arrested for tailgating!
|
|
Thursday
- January 25, 2001 |
After
a nice, short trip today we arrived at Arrow Glacier camp (approximately
16,000 feet). The weather has been good and we are all feeling well.
Tomorrow
is a huge day - we will hike for about nine hours as we attempt
to ascend to the Summit Crater camp. We are all anticipating that
we will do fine, but will spend the rest of the night resting up
for it.
|
|
Saturday
- January 27, 2001 |
We
made it! At 12:13 pm Tanzanian, we summited Mt. Kilimanjaro
after 2 failed attempts and 5 long hours. The weather has deteriorated
and we must leave the summit quickly.
We
received 2' feet of snow last night and have been through several
heavy snow storms. Everyone is well and in good spirits but very
tired.
We
will make a quick descent from Uhuru summit (19,340') to Mweka Camp
at 10,500'.
|
|
Sunday
- January 28, 2001 |
Making
it to the summit was a challenge for us all. We climbed within 200
feet summit after two attempts and realized we had to take another
route.
Our
stay at the summit was brief. It took us approximately 10 hours
to descend to camp after leaving the summit. This morning we got
an early start and hiked down the mountain to the trial head.
After
a fast paced descent and a 15,000' drop in elevation, we are completely
exhausted.
Everyone
made it safely and we are now at a safari tent lodge on the Serengeti.
It's time for a little wild game viewing!
|
|
|
|
|