Entries from Kilimanjaro
Beautiful moon rise last night and a perfect morning. Slow roll out of camp, to tackle the infamous Barranco wall. About a half hour section of rock scramble that is more fun than fear, and we got some great photos. We did have to deal with some rain en route to Karanga Camp but we just had a solid hour of sunshine and most of the gear is back in good shape.
Some comments from the team:
Nate- Climb, Hike, Win...Aim High-Kili High
Will- Climb is going well, talk soon
Gary- Hi Vicky and girls, all having fun at wet Kili
Steve- Hi from Kili. Everything is POA {cool} ! On top Sunday !
Jan- Endlich mal Schnee auf dem Kili
Dave W.- Great adventure, fun people ! I hope there is beer at the top otherwise why are we doing this ?
Bob- Enjoy everyday on Mt. Areebaaa ! Missing everybody and you to Indy.
Tuck- thanks for all the support
Cheers,
RMI Guide Mark Tucker and the RMI KILI Team
On The Map
Jambo!
We set new altitude records for many team members today when reaching 14,750' on Kilimanjaro!
Too often climbers seem to decide how they are going to feel at a certain altitude in advance. Today the team climbed steady and before we knew it we were standing at 14,750' and everyone was feeling great.
From about 13,000' to the high point there was about 4 to 6 inches of snow. We were fortunate to stay dry as we hiked up the Shira Platuea to our new camp at Barranco but once in camp the rains began. The rain has stopped now, we are all in good shape and getting ready for a hot dinner.
Cheers,
RMI Guide Mark Tucker
On The Map
Jambo!
RAIN, rain, rain. Then we began to get ready in our nice dry tents, and emerged to a cool cloudy beautiful day. If you didn't have ear plugs in you may have missed a little shut eye but the whole team had a great night and a wonderful hike up here to the Shira Camp. Not often can you enjoy the awesome waterfalls that only run during storm time. We were fortunate to enjoy perfect conditions into camp and arrive to a great hot lunch and sunshine.
We are looking at the white, white, summit of Kilimanjaro above so plenty of excitement ahead. We are planning to have the team throw an extra layer in our kit based upon current conditions.
So many trips in the past with team members having some challenges at this point and some calling this their high point but no issues with this team of mountaineers so far. Such a pleasure for a guide to have a team that has done their home work. Mid term tomorrow, final exam just around the corner. Here I go to study up, dispatch ya later.
Cheers
RMI Guide Mark Tucker
On The Map
Jambo!
Kaboom went the thunder, down came the rain. Thank goodness we were in our very comfortable rooms at the Dik Dik hotel.
After breakfast our vehicles were loaded and ready, we climbed aboard and began the drive to Kilimanjaro's Machame gate (5,900') where our climb began.
We had perfect conditions for the climb today. With the beginning of the climb located in the rainforest it can be a tough start with high heat and humidity. Not for this group of lucky folk, light clouds, mild temps is what we had to deal with. Happy is this guide with the performance of his team today, everyone is looking strong and feeling great.
We are now at the Machame camp, the first of many.
Lots to do, dispatch with ya all tomorrow.
Cheers,
RMI Guide Mark Tucker
On The Map
Jambo!
Everyone arrived safely to the Dik Dik Hotel in Tanzania. We spent the day organizing gear and packing our bags. The Team looks in great shape and everybody spot on with a positive attitude.
We have just finished a five course meal and are looking forward to some much needed sleep after all our travels. We will be up early tomorrow to start the climb.
Word from the mountain is that a pretty big snow storm rolled through today up high, so it is nice to be down here for that one.
We will be sending updates on our progress, so stay tuned.
.
Wishing you all a Happy Valentine’s day from the RMI Kili Team in Arusha!
RMI Guide Mark Tucker
Jambo
We are now back at the Dik Dik hotel for a last dinner and shower. We had a wonderful final game drive, with the great luck of a leopard sighting. It was a fantastic way to finish the Safari. It's off to the airport, where we will fly to Amsterdam and then to our respective homes.
We have had an amazing adventure, and made some new friends for life. We hope to see you on a trip with RMI in the future.
Until then,
Get out when you can! Thanks for checking in.
Here at Kikoti Camp, just outside Tarangire National Park. All is well as we enjoyed another great day of game watching. One more game drive tomorrow, en-route to the airport for a 9pm flight that will take us away from this magic land.
We are back at the Plantation Lodge after a nice day of Game viewing. A few new animals and great scenery. Off to a new lodge and park tomorrow. Believe it or not, a bit of dust on us travelers.
Wishing everyone well back home.
Jambo
We have just arrived at the Dik Dik resort.
A few hours of down climbing this morning has put us right back into hot showers and nice beds. We had a great trip and are so lucky with all the great local support that helped us achieve such great success on our climb. We head off to some of the National Parks tomorrow for a grand safari.
SUMMIT!
Under clear skies,a bright moon and breezey conditions, RMI, once again had the good fortune to have the whole team on the top of the "Roof of Africa". We are all here at Meweka camp, our final camp of the climb. A bit tired, but all in good spirits.
We are now back into the clouds that we have been looking down on for the last 5 days. We have been up since eleven last night, so it's quick nap before dinner.
Previous Page
Next Page
Bob.. Sorry spell check… Loven YOU to the top and back a trillion times.. Toot Toot ... Note to self, put glasses on before typing early in the morning. :) Jefferson says he is so excited for you.
Posted by: debbie on 2/19/2011 at 5:54 am
Bob…. Loven tou to the top and back a trillion times.. Toot Toot oh Indy to
Posted by: Debbie on 2/19/2011 at 5:40 am
View All Comments