Mark Tucker checking in from Camp 2, Kilimanjaro, the Shira Camp. Well over 12,000'. You can see your breath tonight, a little bit chilly. What a great day. Perfect climbing conditions. We received a little sprinkling yesterday so the dust has been settled. We had a little cloud cover so it made quite comfortable climbing up to camp today. Then it started to rain just a little bit when we arrived so we are already in the tents. We were fortunate enough that the mountain popped out right at sunset tonight. We have now seen the peak. Everybody is quite thrilled with that. Lots of pictures as you can well imagine. The team is doing very well. Everybody's healthy and we've been moving nice and smooth and we're all developing these great techniques for the summit to come. We have a clear night and we'll talk to you tomorrow after a pretty good-size day. We're all looking for it. RMI Guide Mark Tucker

On The Map

Mark Tucker checking in from 9,999'. Camp 1 on Kilimanjaro on the Machame Route in the Machame Camp reporting all is well. We just had a great day. A little bit overcast. It actually sprinkled just enough to keep the dust down. Last trip it was quite a dusty monster but boy, conditions just couldn't be better. The team is climbing very well, no issues. Great meal, no headaches. Everybody is just climbing into their tents and looking forward to a nice rest. Big day tomorrow but nothing these guys can't handle. Obviously I've got a couple of layers. I've got my heavy coat on just to stay comfortable but it is very pleasant out tonight. The clouds have now blown out and it is a very starry, starry night. We have a real nice camp, a little higher than most groups, so we have our own little private Idaho, which is sort of a bonus. As usual there are a few other teams out here but they are doing okay as well. We are having a blast and we appreciate you guys keeping tabs on us. We'll report back sooner than later. RMI Guide Mark Tucker

On The Map

So, our team is now assembled at the Dik Dik Hotel in Tanzania, getting ready for our climb of Kilimanjaro. It is a long way from the US and sometimes mother nature makes getting where we want to go (out of Chicago in a windstorm) a bit more difficult. Nonetheless, we are all here and with most of our luggage......two of the team are missing bags. Our local staff has worked hard to assist us by making additional transfers to the airport to pick up our gear. We have it pretty good in the ol' USA, just some of the places we wish to visit are not at the same level of infrastructure and support we are used to. I look at it that we are a guest in their country and appreciate any help I can get. Bottom line two more equipment checks tonight and some late night packing. Then we will be good to go in the morning. We celebrated two birthdays tonight with cake, candles, singing and presents. Not a bad place to celebrate! This is adventure travel at its best and tomorrow we start on the mountain. It doesn't stand a chance against this team! RMI Guide Mark Tucker