Kilimanjaro: Hahn & Team Return to Arumeru River Lodge
Posted by: Dave Hahn
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Kilimanjaro
Our last morning on the mountain was an easy and enjoyable one. Everyone reported getting some real sleep for a change -a great thing about 10,000 feet as opposed to 15,000 feet- and when we woke, the weather was perfect. After a relaxed breakfast, we gathered outside to meet with our entire staff. They gave us a wonderful send off, singing and dancing with much laughter as "Bongo" -a porter and talented performer- came out in costume and led the team through a few favorite ballads. We then distributed tips and tried to verbalize just how grateful we were to the entire staff. We began walking downhill at 8:30 and soon went from a forest of heather to a jungle of giant trees. Trail conditions were nice and dry and the walking went well. We caught sight of velvet monkeys and even a family of colobus monkeys playing in branches overhead. Making fine progress, we left the park at 11:30. Our staff hosted a last picnic lunch for the team at a venue just a few minutes down the road from the Mweka Gate, and then our bus took us on the long road back to the Arumeru River Lodge. We were hoisting "welcome" drinks at 2:30 and heading for showers soon after. The gang that showed up at dinner bore little resemblance to the mob that had checked in. Hair was clean and beards were gone... clothes were free of dust and grime. But the team was still recognizable by their smiles. Earlier we'd been smiling because the hard work had been completed, now we were smiling because of indoor plumbing and electricity and internet and the way things feel so easy after you've gone without for a time. We aren't done adventuring though... safari begins tomorrow, but we'll miss Joe, who is flying out tomorrow as planned.
Best Regards,
RMI Guide Dave Hahn
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Comments (1)
It’s pure joy to see that look of sweet success on everyone’s face!
Posted by: Steph on