Ann Marie
writes... a short walk today (only four hours) - and a lazy afternoon
watching Mt Kilimanjaro disappear and re-appear behind fabulous cloud
formations. Little did we know that this was the prevailing wind which
would bring the gale-force winds in the evening. Due to the wind, we got
no sleep before our 11pm summit attempt... this then took its toll later
as we got nearer the summit.
Simon writes... We are now at Barufu camp (base camp), plan is
a quick lunch, a lie down, an early supper and bed by about 6pm
and sleep until 10pm, tea and head for the summit at 11pm.
Up until now the weather has been fantastic, no rain in the rain
forest, not too cold. Plans however are just that, nature
has a way of messing up plans. Around about 7pm the wind
comes up and there goes the sleep plans. The wind also
knocks the temperature down and then wind chill on top of that
makes the summit push a no sleep and very cold assault.
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Nigel writes... We are getting near now we can see the peak it can only be described as awesome and we are going up there ...bloody hell! But we are all feeling pretty good, Julius continues to help us and the six of us in the party are really supporting each other, which is fantastic! For a party that have only really got to know each other in the last few days I feel really privileged to be with these folks.
) Roof Top of Africa - turn left |
) In awe... |
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Lisa writes... By now I am beginning to appreciate the wonderful feeling of outdoor toilet training. Unfortunately, it is disappointing to see the amount of toilet tissue scattered along the route. Ladies (& gents) please help preserve nature - take your tissues with you.
) Settling down at base camp |
) Aroma-filled long-drops |
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Martin writes... Upon arriving
at 'base camp', we began meeting other trekkers who had summited and
were heading back down. Excitement, trepidation and joy flooded my
senses as I heard the many stories each trekker told. 'Watch the
wind', 'wear all your clothing', 'keep moving' ... were just a few of the phrases the Kili summiteers
told!
Days summary:
Ascended: 633m
Descended: 30m
Trekking time: 3 Hours 55min
