We recently returned from a six-day "hike" up Mt Kili! What an experience! We hiked for four days to arrive at Kibo, the last hut enroute to the top. We arrived at the hut around 3:30 pm and promptly took naps. We got up at 5 pm for a light supper and then went to bed until 11 pm. We dressed in our warmest gear and started the final climb to the summit at midnight. Unfortunately, Ellie started to experience some altitude sickness and had to descend back to the hut. Jenny and Luke blazed ahead of Tom and me. At around 3 am, our guide told us we had now ascended to 5,000 meters. Only 800 more meters to go . . . after calculating that we were climbing at the rate of 100 meters per hour, we decided 8 more hours before reaching the summit was too much for us and we returned to Ellie. Our hopes were now pinned on two little hobbits, wandering somewhere off to find the center of Mordor (or something like that . . . haven't we heard that story before??). We went to sleep feeling somewhat guilty for being warm and snug, knowing J and L were battling the elements.
At 8:30 am, we were awoken from our sleep by the return of Jenny and Luke. They had reached the summit! Congratulations to the two of them and to all of us for a great trip on the face of Mt Kilimanjaro. It was an experience we will never forget.
Jenny and Luke at the summit of Mt Kili!
We arrived back in Arusha two days ago to rest and recuperate. Tomorrow, we head off for a six-day camping safari. It is our last big African "misadventure" before we fly to Ethiopia and then home.
Blessings to all,
Sue
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