What an experience...

His huge smile, his insight and wisdom, and his overall love of life and laughter...that was Yusuf, our guide for the climb to the summit of Kilimanjaro. We could not have hoped for a better experience. It actually makes us a bit worried for the next stage of our trip (safari) as we just cannot think we could be this fortunate two times over. The link with Yusuf was a bit of serendipity in our mind. More on that later.

First, let me say that while Kilimanjaro is not a technical climb, it is far from easy. I can't compare what people may experience making the trek from the other routes offered, but Lemosho is incredibly scenic and that is the trade-off for sections of relentless steep climbs, clamouring over rocks jutting out from cliffs, and eight long days of hiking (as I look at my puffy feet and ankles right now - stay hydrated).

So, they wake us up at 11pm the night we head out from Barafu (base camp). As we step outside our tents to hot tea and bisquits,, it is total darkness except for the stars in the sky and little lights glowing, far off in the distance. These are the head-lamps of those who opted to get an early start. The guide tries to determine the best time to head out based on how his climbers have been adjusting over the past few days and the ever-important desire to reach the top as the sun rises.

We set out shortly after midnight and it was a poley, poley climb following the guide, asst guides, or our own group of four seeing only a few feet in front us with our head-lamps. The climb seemed to go on and on, switch-back after switch-back. We were all thankful when Mohammad, the asst guide, told us that we were more than half way...but that still meant more hours of climbing.

Some nausea and intestinal issues (that had started a day earlier) meant that I wasn't feeling as good as I might like, but Mark felt great all the way. Marisa struggled with some nausea as well, but she pushed through that and the leg problem that she has had for a few months. Like Mark, Walt had no problems. It really does make a difference with the pace...and poley, poley is the only way

We reached Stella Point and were amazed that we got there so quickly. But at this altitude, there was no time to hang out, our goal was still about 45min away - Uhuru Peak. The highest point on Kilimanjaro. The sun came up and glistened off the glaciers, the sky was clear, and we were thrilled to have made it. High fives, hugs all around, photos with our guides at the Uhuru Peak sign, and we fulfilled a dream with great friends.






After our bit of euphoric celebration, we started heading back down! Wow, quads were burning, toes were jammed to the front of our boots and we were tired. I think coming down (while fun, especially running through the scree like it was fresh powder) was just as tough as going up.

Our porters greeted each one individually as we came back to our camp with fresh mango juice. Alas, a very short nap, quick lunch and we had to be on the trail for another 4-5 hrs of hiking to get us to our next camp (Mweka camp) before it got dark. It was a long day, but so worth it.