06 June 2011

Day 6 Climbing Kilimanjaro: To the summit or bust


At exactly 12am we regrouped outside, where a tiny snowfall welcomed us. Once again, this meant higher-than-average air temperature - something we were thankful for. The entire operation began with military precision. We were put in line based on strength, meaning the woman who was still suffering from gastro and feeling quite weak was up front so the rest of us could support, love, and nurture her on the way up. The guides were firm and clear in their instructions, as they should be. After all, most of them had climbed the mountain more than one hundred times.


Like a flash we were heading upward from 4,750 metres at Kibo to 5,895 metres at the summit. From Kibo to Gilman’s Point is mostly a blur. It whizzes by and the only thing on your mind is “step, step, step, right, left, right, left.” My most vivid memory is the heels of the shoes belonging to the woman in front of me. We stop at 2am for a snack and water bottle refill. These breaks must happen at lightning speed, as remaining still for too long lowers your body temperature and makes it near impossible to continue. We stop again at 4am for a similar break, only this time it is much much colder. By 5am we are no longer trekking and are now climbing up what feels like steps. It is not entirely certain, as the absolute darkness leaves visibility at roughly two metres.


Without any real warning, light begins to appear over the eastern horizon. Literally moments later the sign reading “Gilman’s Point” becomes visible. We are there - our first major milestone. Watching the African sun rise over Tanzania and Kenya from above the clouds is an out-of-body experience and by now the entire group is shedding tears of joy, pride, and a touch of relief. We are nearly there and we did it together not just for ourselves but for a great charity.

Now able to see our own footsteps, we begin the two-hour journey to Uhuru Peak - the true roof of Africa. The entire trek is lined with brilliant panoramic views. There are other peaks off in the distance, airplanes flying below where we are currently standing, massive glaciers that are tens of thousands of years old. None of it quite feels real.


Then, just as suddenly, we all reach the sign post marking the summit itself. Breathtaking is the only word that accurately describes how you feel at that moment. Somehow, I managed to rustle up enough energy to jump in the air before huddling the entire group together for a group picture, the same way we started this epic journey.

Because it is so high (5,895 metres), we are only able to stay at the summit for 20 minutes before beginning our descent back down to Kibo. This return happens at a near lightning pace as you literally ski down the loose volcanic scree rock, Mawenzi peak off in the distance. In a matter of what seems like minutes (thought it is actually still several hours) we are back at Kibo where we de-summit our wardrobe before hopping into bed for a two-hour nap. Upon waking we quickly pack our bags, gear up with our wet weather layer on the outside (a must-have item) to combat the light rain, eat another massive meal, and hit the trail.


It is three hours to Horombo, where we will camp for the night. Whether it is exhaustion, relief, or happiness that drives us down that mountain I do not know but the freedom to move as fast as you like (now we are going downhill, after all) and the solace of knowing you have done it somehow carries your beyond-tired body onward. We reach camp, set up house in our tents for the very last time, recount the entire experience over a slightly smaller dinner, toast with a glass of African red wine, and are in bed by 8pm, marking the end of our 36-hour (19 of those walking) journey to the summit with just one day of walking left ahead of us.

28 comments:

Anonymous said...

Howdy would you mind letting me know which hosting
company you're working with? I've loaded your blog in 3 different internet browsers and I must
say this blog loads a lot faster then most. Can you suggest a good hosting provider at a fair
price? Thanks, I appreciate it!

My web page ... phaser 8560dn driver

Anonymous said...

For the reason that the admin of this site is working, no uncertainty very
soon it will be famous, due to its quality contents.


Also visit my website Best Ecommerce Hosting Uk

Anonymous said...

any earing containg turquoise do personally..
.I most certainly will rock the earing come july 1st

Also visit my web page ,cheap wood earrings

Anonymous said...

I reallу like what yοu guуs aгe usually up
too. Suсh cleνeг ωorκ аnd exposure!
Keeρ up the excеllent worκs guys
I've added you guys to my blogroll.

My blog :: facebook account

Anonymous said...

For gain 7 download. thanks.

Also visit my blog someonesbadidea.Blogspot.com

Anonymous said...

Sir, pls send out that video to my email I.D.
It will be support ful 2 make pcb simple. Thankyou.


my web-site xerox phaser 8560 manual

Anonymous said...

Butterfly and Wheat Pendant They all are
beautiful!!

Feel free to visit my site - http://www.pageglimpse.com/5dsmartstore.com

Anonymous said...

If some one desires to be updated with most recent technologies afterward he
must be pay a quick visit this web site and be up to date everyday.



My webpage: Private Cloud Hosting

Anonymous said...

Lastly I found something that operated! Thanks for your article .
..

Also visit my web page hightechhigh.org

Anonymous said...

Thank you a lot for sharing this with all folks you really understand what you're speaking approximately! Bookmarked. Kindly also visit my website =). We can have a link alternate agreement among us

Feel free to surf to my weblog: hultquist sale

Anonymous said...

Do you mind if I quote a couple of your posts as long as I provide credit and sources back to your website?


My blog site is in the very same area of interest as yours and my visitors would really benefit from
a lot of the information you present here.
Please let me know if this is alright with you.
Appreciate it!

Thanks; review my website page at nail fungus

Anonymous said...

Thankfulness to my father who stated to me about this weblog, this
website is truly remarkable.

Visit my blog: xerox 8560 part numbers

Anonymous said...

i require a driver hp 1005 for os home windows 7.

My web page :: xerox phaser 8560 error codes

Anonymous said...

i hav a 42inch plasma philips tv i turned it on now it has
2 thin black lines on the top and bottom of screen can
u plz tell me wat caused it n how to fix it tanx you

Feel free to visit my page; LG 42 LS56 Series

Anonymous said...

Hello,
How can I solve my complication? That I couldn't link the LaserJet 1018 printer to my PS attempted every little thing and I then reinstalled the printer motorist and it wont do business's.

if they aren't going to support a printer, it must be on the box.

Check out my site ... xerox phaser 8560 ld

Anonymous said...

I loved as much as you'll receive carried out right here. The sketch is tasteful, your authored subject matter stylish. nonetheless, you command get bought an shakiness over that you wish be delivering the following. unwell unquestionably come further formerly again as exactly the same nearly a lot often inside case you shield this hike.

my web site ... pilgrim jewellery outlet :: ::

Anonymous said...

This is very attention-grabbing, You are an excessively skilled blogger.
I've joined your rss feed and sit up for looking for extra of your wonderful post. Also, I've shared your site
in my social networks

Visit my blog - best hosting Companies *www.Ukbesthosting.Info*

Anonymous said...

Take a look with your washing machine. I recovered a
pair of pearl stud earrings just this evening, found into
the rubber seal of my front loader. (I noticed one gleaming from the
damp rubber seal when i violently shovelled another load of laundry in.
)

my homepage: ,cheap xmas earrings - http://www.seoprofiler.com/
-

Anonymous said...

Overview Article With Toshiba Qosmio G35-AV650 Personal pc

My homepage :: euro casino

Anonymous said...

Ηi, І log οn to уour blogs lіke eveгy week.
Youг humoristic style is aweѕome, keep it up!


Check οut my ѕite: facebook unblocked

Anonymous said...

Thank you for establishing this website. The tales here cost going through many times over in
order to refresh us time and time again to do excellent
and favorable things and motivate or influence others to
do the same.

Stop by my homepage: xerox phaser 8560 toner

Anonymous said...

You rate Patty. Thanks for coming by and I hope you keep coming back for more efficient suggestions
and tech details. And don't forget to tell your pals!

My blog post - xerox phaser 8560 toner ()

Anonymous said...

I thіnk the admin of thіs website is tгuly working hard fог
his web page, ѕince here evеry data is qualitу baseԁ information.


Feel frеe to visit my ωeb site :: ?? facebook

Anonymous said...

I loved as much aas you'll receive carried out right here.
The sketch iis tasteful, your authored material stylish.
nonetheless, you command get got an impatience over that
youu wish be delivering thhe following. unwell unquestionably come further formerly again since exactly thhe same neary a
lot often inside case you sbield this increase.

My homepage m88

5689 said...

zzzzz2018.8.2
nhl jerseys
nike presto
louboutin shoes
christian louboutin shoes
off white outlet
off white nike
louboutin shoes
canada goose outlet
coach outlet online
pandora

jeje said...

Cela air jordan 5 3lab5 versace peut également être reflété sur l'étiquette de prix qui basket nike air max 95 enfant lui a été attachée. Ces air jordan en madrid pôles leur apportent le soutien nécessaire, air jordan femme argent puis ils commencent à marcher basket nike air max 2016 mieux, plus vite et à obtenir adidas zx flux pas cher 39 plus d'avantages de cette activité. asics gel lyte 3 atmos Commencez à vous prendre plus au sérieux. air jordan 5 history

https://herbsenroute.com said...

I must point out my admiration for your generosity supporting women who should have guidance on this one study. Your personal dedication to passing the message all-around turned out to be especially effective and has frequently encouraged ladies like me to achieve their endeavors. Your own useful report denotes a great deal a person like me and even further to my colleagues. Thanks a ton; from each one of us. https://herbsenroute.com

stato said...

try this out dolabuy louis vuitton great site bags replica ysl right here bags replica ysl