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Half term !!!!
It had been a long first half term, very busy with fixtures, school work and settling into Nairobi living. Half term was a God send and a chance for Sean and I to really explore and get stuck into the real reason why we moved to Kenya... Travelling Africa!
We decided to aim high immmediatley... Kilimanjaro!!!! Why not take on the highest peak in Africa within the first couple of months of being here!?
Sean and I were accompanied by Neil a collegue and good friend from Braeburn (also a newbie arriving on the same f;light as Sean and myself!) It was an early start on Saturday morning 7am, packing all our bags on the way out of the door, very prepared!!! We had managed to borrow everything that we needed last minute on the friday after work, begging, borrowing and almost stealing!!! Sean was lucky enough to have borrowed a "summer" sleeping bag, not sure that would be up for trip but better than nothing! HA!
Into Nairobi to catch the Impala Shuttle (small mini bus packed with travellers, locals, business men/women and all of our bags! A tight squeeze!) Sean and Neil went in hunt of some breakfast before we set off on our epic journey south to Tanzania and finally Moshi. They returned looking very pleased with themselves, sausage sandwiches, samosa's, drinks... I was very excited to be getting a sauage sandwich just what the doctor ordered!! Our faces were a picture when we discovered that the sausage sandwiches were in fact sausage and JAM sandwiches!!!!????!! Very bizzare and disappointing!
Not the best start to the trip but extremely funny!
9 hours later we arrived in Moshi at the Mountain Inn after a mammoth journey which took us through Kenya towards the Tanzanian border, another stamp in the passport, a photo opportunity at the 'You are now entering Tanzania' sign post, Maasai women chasing you attaching jewlery to your person (anywhere they could!) thinking you would then buy it!! From here you were treated to some spectacular sights including Maasai villages, herds of cattle, Impala, Mt Longido.... then suddenly appearing out from the clouds Mt Kilimanjaro, majestic, overlooking Africa!
The Mountain Inn was a very relaxing place, a good environment to prepare for and then recover from Kilimanjaro. A pool and DSTV!!
DAY ONE: Sunday 17th October 2010
Headed to Marangu Gate to begin the climb.
Met our guide, Rocky. Very mild mannered, friendly and knowledgeable.
Registered and then off we went.
A stroll through the Rainforest to Mandara Hut 2700m, a gentle climb, 4hr hike. A break for lunch half way up. Colobus and Blue Monkeys hang out in the tree tops.
Arrived at Mandara in time for a brew and more exploration. Blue Monkeys roam freely around the campsite, and aren't afraid of getting close. Maundi Crater offers some spectaculr views of Kenya to the left and moshi to the right.
DAY TWO: Monday 18th October 2010
An early morning wake up call, 6.30am and a cup of tea before heading out to breakfast and then day two of the climb.
Another steady stroll through the rainforest and into the moorland, heather and grasslands. Another great day, sunshine and fantastic views. We began our climb looking back above the clouds, as the day warmed up the clouds ascended around us and the mist met us at Horombo 3760m, camp two.
On the way we were treated to our first glimps of two of Kilimanjaro's peaks. Mawenzi to the left as we walked and Uhuru (Kili) to the right. An aweinspiring sight which gave us all a lift. Renewed energy levels and new belief that we werent too far away, it was within reach, there was no way we werent going to make it now.
The air is getting thinner and breathing becomes laborious.
Still feeling very strong after the first two days.
Pole Pole is the phrase of the trip. Slowly slowly!
Another fabulous dinner prepared by the chef. How he manages to cook up such great food on the side of the mountain is beyond me!!
The porters are doing all the work, carrying our belongings whilst we go for a walk!!
Not much to do in the afternoons/evenings. We arrive at camp early inorder to rest and aclimatise to the altitude, this gives us plenty if free time. We met many different people all attempting to reach the top of Africa. Some people were spending an extra day at Horombo to help aclimatise and give them the best chance of summitting. We were 'hard core' and were going for it!!
DAY THREE: Tuesday 19th October 2010
Another early morning wake up with the much needed hot tea before leaving the hut into the cold. Temperatures had dropped over night which led to a cold night inside the Horombo camp.
Breakfast and then.. Pole Pole!
Moorland turned into desert for the third day of climbing. The air is thinner and the climb is gradual. Lunch on the rocks with mice running by our feet. Not far to go now, but the last leg was a killer!
You're within 20m of Kibo camp 4725m, but it feels like 2000m! Oxygen is scarce and pole pole is certyainly the key. Kibo Hut is an eery place, the temperature has dropped again, it is freezing!! The air is thin and the mist is thick. Kilimanjaro is hidden behind the cloud.
At Kibo there is a mixed of people, some have just descended from the summit whilst others wait patiently to begin their attempt.
We were patiently waiting freezing cold in our sleeping bags after an early dinner. 6pm bed time to rest and conserve energy. I dont think anyone slept!!!
DAY FOUR: Tuesday 19th/Wednesday 20th October 2010
SUMMIT DAY!!!!
Midnight and it was time to go. The moon lit the way, Rocky set the pace- pole pole!! You were unable to see what was ahead, waiting for us (possibly a good thing!) A few breaks on the way but not too many as the temperature was so cold!! A pocket full of goodies, energy snacks, chocolate kept you going.
A steep inclined followed by a rockyclimb led to the first summit. Gillmans Point 5595m!!! WOW we were almost there. Elated that we'd come this far gave us a spirt of energy we needed to continue to Uhuru Peak 5895m, the highest in Africa!!!
5.30am peaked at Gilmans.
Continued to climb towards Uhuru.
Sunrise!! High above the clouds the sun appears casting orange rays across the skies. Then there ahead of us is an enormous glacier that seems to expand forever. Words cant describe the beauty Kilimanjaro holds. It is like a dream world.
6.40am peaked Uhuru!!!!
Photos, rest, hugs, high fives, handshakes!! Elation!!!
Then you realise you have to go down!!!
Bear Grylls style Sean and I ran down the mountain (so much fun, so much energy!!!) 8.15am back at Kibo relaxing... Exhausted!!!
Neil joined us at 9am, struggling, tired, unsure of what day it was.... An hour and a half rest then it was back to Horombo for the night.
DAY FIVE: Thursday 21st October 2010
Horombo to Mandara to Marangu... So much fun heading down and so much quicker. I was feeling great. The aches soon disappeared and we were down at the gate in lightning quick time. A few games of guest the artist, guest the song, guest the film and we were back.
The Mountain Inn shower was calling!!! Five days without a wash!!! Heaven!
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