Entries from Kilimanjaro
Our five hour trek to the Shira Plateau and our beautiful camp here began steeply out of Machame Camp and was quite relentless for a good three or so hours. Along the way we learned some walking and breathing techniques that will be key to our success on this expedition.
While I was busy coaching the team on these skills, one of our local guides, Peter, did a fantastic job with the pace and allowed us to move easily while still getting to camp at a reasonable hour. In this case, that would be at 1:30, just in time to sit down for the incredible lunch spread prepared by our chef Tosha. How does fried chicken, French fries and a refreshing salad, followed by watermelon sound, especially at 12,570'.
Climbing Kilimanjaro is nothing if not over the top luxury, and I'll take every last bit of it. Our staff on the mountain, the guide, porters, cooks, waiters etc. allow the team to concentrate on the important matter of acclimatizing and just taking care of ourselves. We'll need that help to be able to climb this 19,000' behemoth in a week.
Following lunch we've all gone into major relax mode, letting the altitude seep into our bodies and the calories just consumed reenergize us in preparation for a big day getting to Barranco Camp. And of course, we need to be rested for 'tea time' in a few minutes.
Yeah, life is tough here in Tanzania, but the team is reaping the benefits of our support crew and everyone is doing really well.
All for now from the Shira Plateau.
RMI Guide Brent Okita
On The Map
Posted by: Brent Okita
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Kilimanjaro
The team all got to breakfast early this morning allowing us to get a head start on the day. This was nice as we were able to get to the Machame Gate and start our day before a lot of other teams. The National Park Service keeps Kilimanjaro national Park in great shape and it's been inspiring to see them take a strong stand promoting Leave No Trace policies. Our immaculately maintained trail led us easily thru the rain forests of the lower flanks and to the beginning of the giant heather,which can grow to thirty feet high. All are doing fantastic, especially after fantastic three course dinner our cool Toshi prepared for us.Sleep is tugging at our sleeves pretty hard, so we retired to our tents where this old cowboy is also ready to crash.
Talk with you tomorrow.
RMI Guide Brent Okita & Team
Posted by: Brent Okita
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Kilimanjaro
A long day was had as we reviewed our climb to come and covered some important ideas that will make our big adventure as safe, successful and fun as possible.
Kilimanjaro is a great mountain to get ones feet wet on given its non technical nature, but the fact that it's seven days long does present a bit of a steep learning curve for us in many ways.
We're all ready now for the climb to begin tomorrow! The hard work of today was nicely softened by massages for all coordinated by brother Brad. Such a great idea!
We're looking forward to a big day tomorrow and finally getting underway.
All for now from the comforts of the Arumera River Lodge. Next stop, the flanks of Kilimanjaro.
RMI Guide Brent Okita
The Parella family wish you all a great climb and a wonderful 50th birthday to Anne!
Posted by: Carin Parella on 7/20/2017 at 4:16 am
June 18, 2017
Thick air and mild temps surround the team at this moment. A different story just a few hours ago when we were standing on the summit of Kilimanjaro. We are all settled in here at the 10,000' Mweka camp the last stop before we leave Kilimanjaro National Park tomorrow. We started the climb around midnight under clear skies and a mild breeze . It was pretty cold the last couple of stretches and a few of the team climbed with their down parkas on which we usually put on at our breaks and take off when climbing. Seven hours later we were on the summit of Kilimanjaro, the Roof of Africa, with beautiful weather and a very elated team. It's a big climb and a long descend. We didn't arrive to this camp till after 3 pm with a tired team. Everyone did great and the stories are already starting to fly. I am going to roust the napping guys soon so we can all enjoy another great meal which is currently getting set up in the dining tent. All is well on the hill.
RMI Guide Mark Tucker
Please listen to the audio link below from the team calling from the summit of Kilimanjaro.
RMI Guide Mark Tucker and team call from the summit of Kilimanjaro with Father's day greetings.
On The Map
AWESOME GUYS!! So proud of you for making it to roof top of Africa!!
Wish we were there!
XOXO
teri and Mike
Posted by: teri Steichen on 6/18/2017 at 7:52 pm
way to go all of you. Happy Father’s Day ! have a safe descend and come home soon. love to you all!
Mom and Dad Free
Mimi and Granddad
Posted by: Mom and Dad Free on 6/18/2017 at 1:15 pm
The clouds disappeared last night and stars were out in full force. We left the Karanga Camp a bit after 9 and landed here at high camp right at noon. Lunch went well at 15,000ft and we have been busy preparing for the summit push tonight. Preparations, which seem to be a long time ago back in the states, are paying off here with the team in fine shape along with a great attitude. Some down time in the tents for now before an early dinner then a good nap right into early wake up call around midnight. Weather is nice- fingers crossed. I will try and give a call from the summit tomorrow.
RMI Guide Mark Tucker
On The Map
So proud of you all. please stay well and safe.
xxoo
Posted by: Mimi on 6/17/2017 at 11:24 am
We are experiencing a bit of wet weather, a cloud mist almost rain here at Karanga camp 13,000' on Kilimanjaro. We did not let the weather spoil the climb today for it held off until we arrived at camp. The infamous Barranco Wall would not have been as much fun this morning had it been wet but with perfect conditions and a strong team we cruised up the wall in about 30 minutes first thing this morning. After a couple more stretches on the trail, we arrived to a great lunch as usual with camp all set upon arrival. What a nice way to rough it! The team is resting now in our tents until the next meal. All is well here on Kilimanjaro.
RMI Guide Mark Tucker
On The Map
We enjoyed yet another perfect day of climbing. After a nice four course breakfast at the Shira Camp the team shoulder their packs and ascended to over 14,500', a high point for all team members. After a nice break and taking in some great views above and below we then had to descend into our new camp, Barranco. Situated in an amazing valley at just under 13,000' we are here enjoying more fantastic vistas. As usual our fabulous local outfitter had camp and snacks all set upon arrival. We have had a few intermittent showers of a mixture of snow and rain but overall it's not too bad. Everyone is doing well and we are enjoying our time on the mountain.
RMI Guide Mark Tucker
On The Map
A great day in the mountains . We had a nice breakfast then a two-hour ride to the Kilimanjaro Park entrance. The check in process went smooth as can be and off we went to start uphill. Clouds but no rain made for perfect conditions. The team crushed it and here we are at 10,000ft in our very comfortable dining tent. A big shout out to all the moms out there. Your boys are a-ok.
RMI Guide Mark Tucker
On The Map
Thanks Mark! Boys, take good care of your dad up there…he is old.
Love you!!
Posted by: Molly/Mom on 6/14/2017 at 1:24 pm
Hi 3 Toms and Meyer!! Good Job and wish we were there with you guys!
Looks fantastic!
Love
Teri
Posted by: teri Steichen on 6/13/2017 at 7:18 pm
Posted by: Mark Tucker
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Kilimanjaro
Jambo!
Our team has gathered in Tanzania and everyone is looking good and is ready for our adventure. We took it easy today but we did spend time organizing and packing our gear for our climb of Kilimanjaro. We may have also enjoyed a nice afternoon nap to help recover from our international flights.
It has been a pleasant first day for our crew, the sunshine has peeked through the clouds a bit and we did have a little rain, but that's to be expected. We are being well taken care of here at the very nice Arumeru River Lodge. It is tranquility at the foot of Kilimanjaro but we are looking forward to getting onto the mountain tomorrow.
RMI Guide Mark Tucker
Hi 3 Toms and Meyer ,
look out each day to see how you all are doing. so fun to receive Mark’s posts. hang in there, stay well, have fun :) so proud of you all!
Love you,
Mom ( Mimi )
Dad sends his thoughts and prayer too.
Posted by: Mimi on 6/14/2017 at 12:06 pm
Hey 3 Toms and a Meyer!
I am looking forward to following you up the hill…in spirit! In the wise words of Cele S., with whom I climbed my first mountain, just put one foot in front of the other and you will be at the top before you know it!
Love you guys!
Nancy
Posted by: Nancy on 6/13/2017 at 9:55 pm
Posted by: Casey Grom
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Kilimanjaro
Hello everyone -
We spent yesterday touring Tarangire National Park which is known for its abundant elephants, in fact, it normally has more per square mile than any place on earth. However, with all of the rain Tanzania has been receiving lately, there weren't nearly as many gathered around the river that flows through Tarangire, but we still saw a few. They have had the luxury of having many watering holes to chose from. There were plenty of other animals as usual, and we got really close to a few big Giraffe, which was amazing. We end our day at a remote and off grid camp called Kikoti. It's a tented camp that boarders the park with elevated structures that are screened in and allow the night sounds of Africa in.
After yesterday we decided to make an early departure today to increase our chances of seeing Cheetahs and Leopards, they still eluded us.
It's been a memorable experience for everyone and great friendships forged. But finally it's time to return home to our families.
Missing all of our family and most of our friends -
RMI Guide Casey Grom
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Brent - I am always so proud of you. It is always amazing to see how much you enjoy this chosen profession AND how professionally skilled you are. You are also quite an inspiration to your siblings. AND Dr. Carey sends his regards. You certainly impressed him not only with your expertise but for your being such an intelligent caring person. Love you - take care - be safe. mom
Posted by: Marjorie Okita-Johnson on 7/21/2017 at 10:50 am
Brent - I can’t believe you’re on Kilimanjaro! My buddy Billy and I hiked with you a few years ago and Rainier and we’re going to miss you by one week!! We leave this weekend for Arusha. Perhaps we’ll cross paths!
Hope your adventure is going well!
Dennis Welsh
Posted by: Dennis Welsh on 7/20/2017 at 5:39 pm
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