Entries from Kilimanjaro
Wednesday, January 8, 2020 3:56 AM PT
Hello again everyone
The team had a really nice day here on Kilimanjaro today, waking to mostly clear skies and hiking in just a light cloud layer which help keep us cool. We started the day waking at 6:30 to start packing up before moving into our dinning tent for a nice breakfast with porridge, fried eggs, toast, avocado and even some fresh fruit, and most importantly plenty of hot coffee.
We hit the trail shortly after 8am and slowly made our way up the rocky trail with good views of Kili above. The trail climbs up a ridge and eventually out of the trees and allows for some truly spectacular views of the valley below. The team hiked for a little more than 4 hours before reaching out next camp that sits on Shira plateau, which is an ancient lava flow.
Everyone is doing very well and we are currently relaxing in our tents.
RMI Guide Casey Grom and the Kili crew
On The Map
Jambo Everyone
Today the team got off to a moderately early start this morning leaving behind our beautiful lodge and have headed to the mountain towards the start of the climb. We left around 8am and drove along the rural country side and small villages for 2 hours before reaching the park entrance.
Most of the area surrounding Kilimanjaro has been cultivated and primarily used for coffee production and for a variety of other agriculture needs, but there are still some areas that have been untouched and resemble more of a savannah that Tanzania is known for. The base of Kilimanjaro is more forested and looks more jungle like and is called a cloud forest.
Once we arrived at the park gate we had all of our gear weighed and divided into loads for our porters and other staff to carry before hitting the trail. Once everything was in order we started our climb slowly making our way up the winding trail that ascends continuously through the thick forest. Thankfully the overhead canopy provided a little cover from the rain that arrive around midday.
The team hiked for a little over 5 1/2 hours and managed to not get too wet before we reached our camp for the night that sits around 10,000ft.
After settling into camp and get situated the team was served a nice warm meal for dinner.
Everyone is doing well and looking forward to a good nights rest.
RMI Guide Casey Grom and Kili crew
On The Map
Posted by: Casey Grom
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Kilimanjaro
Casey Grom here checking in with RMI's Kilimanjaro Climb!
All is well here in Tanzania and most of the team arrived late last night after some very long flights. It was a short and uneventful ride to our Lodge that is nestled in between Arusha and Moshi and not so far from the base of Kilimanjaro. The team had a quick dinner and headed for bed as the time change has us all feeling just a little off and pretty tired after all the traveling.
Today we had a leisurely morning with our official meeting at 10, where we did a round of introductions and then discussed the upcoming program for the days ahead. We spent the remainder of the day getting our gear packed up and exploring the grounds of our peaceful lodge.
We wrapped up the evening with another delicious meal and plenty of friendly conversations. Everyone is doing well and excited to hit the trail tomorrow and get a little bit of exercise.
RMI Guide Casey Grom and the Kili crew!
Posted by: Casey Grom
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Kilimanjaro
Posted by: Casey Grom
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Kilimanjaro
Posted by: Casey Grom
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Kilimanjaro
Posted by: Casey Grom
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Kilimanjaro
Olga, you did it!!! Have a restful safari and we will see you state side when you return. Hugs, Zena
Posted by: Zena Roberts on 9/24/2019 at 2:19 pm
Olga!
What an accomplishment for you and Igor! And everyone else! Can’t wait to hear all about it! :-)
Have fun the rest of your trip!
Posted by: Susan Wolfe on 9/23/2019 at 3:00 pm
On The Map
Lady you have one hell of a bucket list
Enjoy the view from the top
Posted by: Christine Atherfold on 9/23/2019 at 7:13 am
Congrats!!! What a view from the top of the world. Can’t wait to hear all about it!
Posted by: Bruce McConnell on 9/23/2019 at 6:50 am
On The Map
Good luck and wishes for clear skies/sunrise. We summited a month ago, but whiteout w snow.
Jambo
Posted by: Lin Moore on 9/22/2019 at 5:33 pm
On The Map
Molly! I’ve been sending the blog to everybody! We are all cheering you on and praying for your health and a successful summit. I know in my heart you will succeed! I love you and miss you!
Posted by: Christopher Nagy on 9/21/2019 at 4:19 am
Hi Casey, Rene and crew! We’re so excited for all of you! We wish we were there with you for this amazing trip. We look forward to more dispatches and will be following you the whole trip. Have a great hike!
Posted by: David and Angel on 1/6/2020 at 7:46 pm
View All Comments