Entries from Kilimanjaro
Our team was up before daylight today, getting set to leave the Dik Dik Hotel. We were piling into the expedition bus at 7 AM and driving out of the garden-like grounds we'd grown comfortable in these past few days. As expected, it took about two hours to reach the Machame Gate of Kilimanjaro National Park, our starting point for the climb. We traveled through corn fields for much of the way, but worked up into banana and coffee plantations as we gained elevation. It took about two hours to register and organize porters and so we set out at 11 AM from the 5,900 ft road head. Clouds protected us from the sun as we walked through gradually steepening terrain in the lush forest. It took about six hours to reach the Machame Camp at close to 10,000 ft, about where the vegetation changed markedly from tall trees to more scrub like heather. The team demonstrated a high level of fitness, but all were relieved to come into a well built camp at the end of the day.
Best Regards,
RMI Guide Dave Hahn
On The Map
Hello!
I hope our phone call from the summit was received. We had a great climb and are now checking in 10,000' later. All is well here at the Mweka camp, our last camp of the climb. What a night for the summit. The temperatures were chilly, but there was very little no wind and lots of sunshine, you can't complain about that. The team did great up and down. Sixteen hours is a long day for anyone, so we are feeling a bit beat up right now. But we are all healthy and happy. We will wake up early tomorrow for a short three hour descent to the Mweka gate where we will meet our vehicle and driver. Once we load up, we will leave the Kilimanjaro National Park Gate and head back to the Dik Dik Hotel. The lap of luxury awaits.
On The Map
Mr. Mark Tucker here on the summit of Mt. Kilimanjaro a beautiful day and a fantastic team. Everyone wants to say hi to the family.
Hey -With Mark Tucker and “Tuck’s Tucklings” on the summit of Kilimanjaro. It’s a beautiful day up here.
Hey it’s Maryann standing on the summit of Kilimanjaro – it’s pretty awesome.
We are having some fun.
Hey it’s Laura here on top of Africa. Hello to everyone back home.
Well we are going to wrap it up and start working our way downhill in a good safe manner. And we will check in from Mweka Camp at 10,000’. That is 9,420’ below here. We are doing great. Thanks for checking in.
RMI Guide Mark Tucker and the July 21st Team call from the summit of Kilimanjaro.
On The Map
Posted by: Dave Hahn
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Kilimanjaro
We've assembled in Tanzania for an ascent of Mount Kilimanjaro. More importantly, our baggage has accompanied us. All 10 climbers and their guide arrived safely at the tranquil Dik Dik Hotel on the outskirts of Arusha. We spent today organizing gear for the climb, meeting with our expedition staff and catching up on jet-lag-lost sleep. Starting early tomorrow, we'll climb aboard the fully loaded tricked out off-road-ready expedition vehicle and head for the hills. Conditions have been partly cloudy with comfortable temperatures and team members have been granted partial views of Kilimanjaro as reward for climbing the lofty water tower on the Dik Dik grounds.
We'll need to get walking tomorrow... The quality and quantity of excellent food served up in the dining room of the hotel will have us absolutely spoiled if we don't make a break for it.
Best Regards,
RMI Guide Dave Hahn
HOPE THE ACHILLES ISSUSE WON’T SLOW THE GROUP UP! HELICOPTER IS NOT AN OPTION! HAVE FUN DK!
Posted by: RICHARD HESSEMER on 7/30/2014 at 7:05 am
Go Kevin go!! I can’t wait to hear all about it.
Posted by: sean fitzsimmons on 7/29/2014 at 7:32 pm
Hello from 15,000' on Mt. Kilimanjaro.
All our team is here at High Camp, Barafu Camp (15,000'), in great shape and ready to go. We left from Karanga Camp this morning and made it to our new camp in good time. We enjoyed another nice lunch from our mountain staff and spent time organizing and packing up to make our early morning departure quick and easy. Here at Barafu Camp life is good. There are a few clouds around but that is not unusual and we are in hopes of a clear windless night ahead. We had a relaxing afternoon with lots of tent time, putting our feet up and drying out the boots, reading, writing, and maybe a bit of cards. We are taking it easy and making sure everyone is rested and ready for our upcoming adventure.
We will try and give you a shout out from the Roof of Africa tomorrow.
RMI Guide Mark Tucker
On The Map
Hello!
We are checking in from high on Mt. Kilimanjaro. Here in the alpine desert there is a stark reminder that only the heartiest survive at this altitude. That is just what we are doing and in great style, mind you a hearty group we are. After a great climb of the famous Baranco wall early this morning led to the traverse below the southern side of the summit massive. We had intermittent clouds that made for nice climbing to the Karanga Camp. The Diamond, Balletto, Heim, Decken, and Kersten glaciers loom just above reminding us that we still have a ways to go. The team continues to do well, all is good
RMI Guide Mark Tucker
On The Map
Another very nice day on Mt. Kilimanjaro. We set out at 8 am after yet another delicious breakfast we are definitely not losing any weight on this trip. We left the moorland zone of vegetation and moved into the alpine zone meaning not much living up there. A couple of white necked ravens would visit us at our breaks thinking they may get a hand out but doing our best at the leave no trace policy they would have to rummage else where for a snack. Right at high noon we hit the high mark of just under 15,000' which was a new altitude record for most of the team. We then descend down to 13,000' where the Baranco camp is and home for the night. The whole team is feeling good and climbing with great style.
RMI Guide Mark Tucker
On The Map
Been checking on your progress everyday Brian and Christy! Safe travel my friend! Share the love of MPACT in areas that may need it.
Posted by: Klay on 7/26/2014 at 8:08 pm
The gnarled trunks of giant heather disappeared as we entered the area of the mountain called the Moorlands. We enjoyed nice weather conditions during our 5 hour climb to the Shira Camp at 12,500 ft. Situated on a plateau we are enjoying a great 360 view as we snack on peanuts and popcorn. Once again the team did fine and pulled into camp in great shape.
Our local staff continues to assist us in a seamless manor and we appreciate it very much.
RMI Guide Mark Tucker & Team
On The Map
Hi Mark- hope I got your group-a dream of a lifetime for you- we stayed at the foot of Mt. Kilimanjaro when we were in that area- great memories - we will be following you. Good luck.
Posted by: Vi on 7/26/2014 at 8:05 am
Hello from Mt. Kilimanjaro.
It was a great day for our team and a good start to our climb. We had a smooth departure from the lowlands of Arusha as we left the Dik Dik Hotel and headed to the mountain. Our local mountain staff and climbing team gathered at the Machame Gate of Kilimanjaro National Park (5,900') to register our climb and begin our ascent. We started climbing with low clouds above which remained for the majority of the day. It did not rain but we had our rain gear close just in case. We arrived at Camp One, Machame Camp, 9,800' and have finished dinner. We also had a special celebration for team member Brian's birthday. Our staff sang a fine version happy birthday and we all enjoyed a bit of cake.
It is nice to get on the trail, get our feet underneath us and start our mountain adventure. We are looking forward to more tomorrow.
RMI Guide Mark Tucker
On The Map
Posted by: Mark Tucker
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Kilimanjaro
Our team has gathered in Arusha, Tanzania and we are sorting our gear, weighing our mountain duffels and getting ready to climb Mt. Kilimanjaro! We also took a little time for golfing and goofing around. We need to get away from this lap of luxury we find ourselves in and start climbing, we are eating way to much.
Tomorrow we will wake early, enjoy our last restaurant meal for a while and then take a drive to the Machame Gate. Here we will register our team with the Kilimanjaro National Park, don our packs and begin our climb toward the Roof of Africa, Mount Kilimanjaro.
RMI Guide Mark Tucker
Way to go Brian & Christy. Anxious to see pictures.
Posted by: Jeff & Anita Sheridan on 7/25/2014 at 3:59 pm
Happy belated birthday, Brian! Enjoy it all!
Posted by: Karen Easterday on 7/24/2014 at 8:13 pm
Storm that mountain, Kevin! Good luck and take some good selfies! These are the types of achievement pictures that end up on a board for everyone to see at your surprise 90th birthday party. Make ‘em good!
- John
Posted by: John C Duncan on 7/31/2014 at 1:04 pm
Hey Kevin,
I know your spirits are down with David’s injury…but you got this. This is your dream! Complete it and you will have stories to tell your kids…stories to tell the rest of life as a life’s lesson. You are a trooper!
Love Mom
Posted by: Janna Davis on 7/30/2014 at 8:53 am
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