Entries from Kilimanjaro

Kilimanjaro: Martin & Team Greetings from Shira Camp

January 29, 2014

Posted by: Jeff Martin

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Kilimanjaro

Elevation: 12,500'

Hello from Shira Camp, When we woke up this morning, it was crystal clear and the mountain was completely visible. The group wasted no time packing up camp and we were walking by 8:00. With the early start we completely avoided all the trail traffic and pretty much had it to ourselves for most of the day. We gained about 2,500' total, reaching our high point at 12,500'. Everyone did extremely well today with both the terrain and the altitude. We stopped en route for a nice lunch before traversing up to the west to gain the Shira Plateau. We were in camp by 1:00 and had the whole afternoon to enjoy our new camp. We mostly sat around the dining tent talking about past adventures and tried our best to keep up with the tea and snacks that were being delivered non-stop. We'll head back to the dining tent around 6:00 for dinner and then settle into our tents for the evening. Tomorrow is going to be a big day for us as we are trekking to almost 15,000'. Lava Tower will be the high point for tomorrow, and then we will begin our descent to Barranco Camp. Even though we are gaining almost 2,500' in the morning, we will be back to almost the same altitude that we are right now. And this is exactly what our bodies need and is key for proper acclimatization. We are ready for the challenge! Best regards, RMI Guide Jeff Martin

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Keep it up Daddy!

Posted by: Samantha Golomb on 1/30/2014 at 3:47 pm

Pole Pole Barrie and good luck to the whole team from Team KuWaz. And best regards to Jeff Martin from all KuWaz’s!

Posted by: Wheat McDowell on 1/29/2014 at 2:02 pm

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Kilimanjaro: Martin & Team Settled in at Machame Camp

January 28, 2014

Posted by: Jeff Martin

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Kilimanjaro

Elevation: 9,800'

Greetings from Machame Camp, We could not have had a better day today! This was the first day on the trail and the group did great. We had the trail to ourselves and perfect weather. We heard some very distant thunder but made it to camp without any rain. It was barely an hour later when some light rain started to fall, but fortunately we were already warm and dry in our dining tent, snacking on some tea and popcorn. We started the day at 6,000' and made it up to camp in just under 4 1/2 hours, a solid pace. We are now settled in at camp and the mountain is teasing us with grand views as the clouds roll in and out. The team is feeling really strong and happy to finally be on the mountain. Best regards, RMI Guide Jeff Martin

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I am so excited to relive my Kilo moments through you and Jeff. Behind every successful team is a very successful woman! Cheers to all the team. Elsie Bemiss

Posted by: Elsie Bemiss on 1/29/2014 at 6:58 pm

Cheers to Barrie on hanging with what looks to be like a lot of testosterone. Wish you all the best and enjoy each day of the hike as they are all so different.

Posted by: Kathryn LeBey on 1/29/2014 at 5:58 am

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Kilimanjaro: Martin & Team’s Gear is Packed and Ready for the Trek

January 27, 2014

Posted by: Jeff Martin

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Kilimanjaro

Jambo, We are now a full team. Our last climber was delayed in getting here last night but was able to re-route through Nairobi and arrived here by mid-day. This morning we focused on getting ready to leave for the mountain tomorrow. Everybody went through their gear one last time to ensure that nothing was missed and more importantly, to make sure that the kitchen sink was not thrown in by accident. We enjoyed the rest of the day hanging out at the pool and exploring the area around our hotel. We just finished an incredible five-course meal, and are frantically writing a few last emails before going to bed. We head to the Machame Gate (6,000') in the morning and will be checking in from Machame Camp (10,000') tomorrow night. Now with the months of training and planning behind us, we are just a few hours from starting our climb. Everybody is excited to get on the trail tomorrow and ready for the challenge that lies ahead. Best regards, RMI Guide Jeff Martin

Leave a Comment For the Team (2)

Good luck Daddy!!! You’re gonna have such a blast!
Love, Samantha

Posted by: Samantha Golomb on 1/28/2014 at 2:31 pm

Go Barre!!!!! Fantastic first day. Stay strong and have a great hike. Gook luck to you and all of your team members.

Lynne Jeffrey

Posted by: Lynne Jeffrey on 1/28/2014 at 1:35 pm

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Kilimanjaro: Jeff Martin & Team Arrive in Tanzania

January 26, 2014

Posted by: Jeff Martin

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Kilimanjaro

Greetings from Arusha, Tanzania, Our Kilimanjaro climb has officially started! After some quick introductions and a champagne toast, it was time to complete the very last leg of our long travels - a short drive to our hotel. We had a nice three-course meal waiting for us when we arrived and we sat out on the patio enjoying the fine dining and the sights and sounds of a new destination. We are waiting for one more climber to join the team later tonight, and then we will start tomorrow with a team meeting after breakfast, discussing all the details of our climb. La la salama (good night), RMI Guide Jeff Martin

Leave a Comment For the Team (2)

Robert, So excited for you and your team. Missing you and looking forward to more updates!
Love Shelley

Posted by: Shelley on 1/27/2014 at 9:11 am

LOVE seeing this photo of the beloved Dik Dik. Best wishes to Barrie on this wonderful adventure ahead. Jeff is the man! Am so excited to read your blog and think of you all.

Posted by: Kathryn LeBey on 1/27/2014 at 5:40 am

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Kilimanjaro: The Family Climb Spends the Day in The Garden of the Elephants

October 17, 2013

Posted by: Peter Whittaker, Seth Waterfall

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Kilimanjaro

It's another great day on safari! Right now we're in Tarangire National Park and the animals are out in full force. There have been tons of elephants of course as this is 'the garden of the elephants'. In addition to the animals there are tons if really cool Baobab trees. We're all having a blast on the penultimate day of our trip. RMI Guides Seth Waterfall and Peter Whittaker

Kilimanjaro: Enjoying The Safari at Ngorongoro Crater

October 16, 2013

Posted by: Peter Whittaker, Seth Waterfall

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Kilimanjaro

This is Seth checking in from Ngorongoro Crater. We've been having a spectacular day of game viewing. The main event was getting to see two lions, one male, one female, right next to the road. We have also seen tons of other stuff. Tonight we're staying at the Plantation Lodge and tomorrow we will visit Tarangire National Park. RMI Guides Seth Waterfall and Peter Whittaker

Kilimanjaro: The Kilimanjaro Family Climb Begins Their Safari

October 15, 2013

Posted by: Peter Whittaker, Seth Waterfall

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Kilimanjaro

Jambo from Lake Manyara! We've just finished a great afternoon game drive. The elephants were out in full force today. We got extremely close to several of the amazon creatures. Another highlight of the day was seeing several baboon and monkey babies. All in all it was a great first day on safari. RMI Guides Peter Whittaker and Seth Waterfall

Kilimanjaro: The Kilimanjaro Family Climb Returns From The Mountain

October 14, 2013

Posted by: Peter Whittaker, Seth Waterfall

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Kilimanjaro

Hello from the Dik Dik. This is Seth with a quick check in letting you know this we are all off the mountain safe and sound. We had a nice walk down from our last camp this morning and we're back at the hotel before 1pm. After some well deserved showers we had a great celebratory dinner. Now were all psyched up for our safari. That's starts tomorrow with a visit to Lake Manyara. We'll check in after our game drive. - RMI Guide Seth Waterfall

Kilimanjaro: The Kilimanjaro Family Climb Reaches The Summit!

October 13, 2013

Posted by: Peter Whittaker, Seth Waterfall

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Kilimanjaro

Elevation: 19,348'

The Kilimanjaro Family Climb reached Uhuru Peak this morning, the summit of Kilimanjaro and the highest point in Africa! Watch their video dispatch from today's climb:

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Congratulations team Kilimanjaro Family Climb!!! It was very fun watching your progress on facebook. I especially enjoyed the caption contest and winning the trekking poles-thank you! My new poles will be going along on my hiking and climbing adventures!!! Wonderful memories for both dads and daughters, as I have when I hiked and climbed with my father many years ago!!!

Posted by: Lynette Alber on 11/4/2013 at 2:30 pm

You’ve conquered Kilimanjaro!!! Everest next??? Congratulations to the team especially the Golden ones!

Posted by: Lori Derr on 10/14/2013 at 7:59 am

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