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We awoke early today and left behind the comforts of our beautiful lodge and have headed to the mountain towards the start of the climb. Starting shortly before 8am we drove along the rural country side for about an hour and half to reach the park entrance. Most of the area surrounding Kilimanjaro has been cultivated and primarily used for coffee production and for a variety of other agriculture needs, but there are still some areas that have been untouched and resemble more of a savannah that Tanzania is known for. The base of Kilimanjaro is more forested and resembles a jungle or cloud forest. Traditionally it supports a large part of the banana production for this area.
Once at the gate we had all of our gear weighed and divided into loads for our porters to carry before hitting the trail. Once everything was in order we started our climb slowly making our way up the winding trail. The team hiked for a little over five hours to reach our camp for the night. Everyone did great and enjoyed finally getting some much needed exercise.
Unfortunately there was some more rain, but thankfully not as much as last weeks climb had to deal with.
After settling in the team was served a nice warm meal and then headed off to bed for a nice full night of rest.
RMI Guide Casey Grom and the # 2 Kili crew.
New Post Alerts:
Kilimanjaro Climb & Safari, January 20, 2024
Posted by: Hannah Smith, Avery Parrinello
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Aconcagua
Elevation: 9,000'
The day that seemed like it would never come. The day the team has been training for for months. The day that starts it all, has finally arrived! We checked in with the rangers at the Parque Provincial Aconcagua, took a team photo, and started walking. It definitely felt good to get the legs moving after days of travel and sitting. The desert valley is beautiful. We walked along the riverside following the contours of the valley. After a few breaks and a juicy melon we arrived at Pampa de Lenas where we were greeted with snacks and juice. After our refreshments we put up camp as the wind picked up. The dust swirled around us. One day in and we are covered in dirt and look as if we have been here longer. With tents up and filled with sleeping bags, we took an afternoon siesta before dinner. Dinner was magnificent! Tomato avocado salad, potatoes, bread, and carne asado. The salt burns the sun-kissed lips but it tastes so good. Bellies full, once again, we head off to bed happy.
Tomorrow brings another day walking in the Vacas Valley.
Buenos noches,
RMI Guide Hannah Smith and team
Love seeing these photos & getting updates! We are living vicariously! Enjoy every moment!
Love you Beej!
Mom & Dad
Posted by: Judy & Dale, Byron’s parents on 1/9/2020 at 11:11 am
Thank you for posting these awesome updates and photos so we can follow along. Wishing you all the best! Hi to Byron :)
Posted by: Heather Collins on 1/9/2020 at 10:02 am
We woke to the same thick blanket of cloud concealing the mountaintops and the sun and the blue sky. The good thing was that blanket held in a little more heat than normal, so getting started wasn’t particularly mean and cold. We ate breakfast, caught the forecast passed on from the meteorological folks at Union Glacier, and debated what to do about it. Our decision, since we had no sign or signal that the wind was blowing, was to push up into the cloud and make our move to high camp. It took until 1:00 PM to bust camp and be packed, but that worked just fine. There were occasional snowflakes falling, and we were certainly on the lookout for deteriorating weather, but all-in-all, conditions were stable and we pressed on. We took a short break at yesterday’s high point and then moved higher up the steep snow slope without much at all for views. It was a little like climbing inside a milk bottle. Our boldness was rewarded when we topped out the ropes to find calm and easy conditions (although still cloudy) on the plateau. We pulled into high camp at 6:30, for a respectable five and a half hour push to 12,500 ft. The gang found it tough going... it worked us in about 12 different and mean ways, but everybody set to building camp with good energy and enthusiasm. By that point we’d put on all the big and puffy clothing -down coats and down pants- which seemed just right for our cold new home. We filed into ALE’s good, strong cooking and dining tent and had a deluxe session of hot drinks, dinner, and strategizing for tomorrow. We hope the calm holds and that we can take a good shot at the top to start 2020 off right.
All of us want to wish our friends and loved ones the very warmest and best wishes for their own celebrations. Happy New Year!
RMI Guide Dave Hahn
On The Map
Vinson Massif on New Years Day! Wow.
Good luck everyone!!!
Cheers
Posted by: Ernie Mennes on 1/2/2020 at 1:00 am
Very excited for you guys. Good luck tomorrow, we are rooting for you. Happy summit!
Posted by: Suzanne Davis on 1/1/2020 at 6:28 pm
Congratulations Barry, you made it to the top! SO Exciting!!!
You are an inspiration to so many! -K
Posted by: Kathryn McRitchie on 6/21/2018 at 8:28 am
So exciting !!!!!!!!!!! Way to go Chad !!!!!!!!! You are an inspiration to all !!!!!!!! Kelly
Posted by: Kelly Jakes on 6/12/2018 at 12:03 pm
Posted by: Casey Grom, Elias de Andres Martos
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mount Rainier
Elevation: 14,410'
Congrats to the team! Especially for my husband , Mark!
Very excited for you all!
Posted by: Mary Ann Miller on 9/11/2014 at 3:19 pm
That is just fantastic! What an accomplishment!!! AMAZED!!!!!
Posted by: Susan Wright on 8/20/2014 at 11:16 am
Awesome job guys!! Proud of you Keith!!
Posted by: Kelley Bright on 8/12/2014 at 4:19 am
On The Map
Hi Dan! Bummer about Cayambe, but I am glad to hear you are playing it safe. The exact same thing happened to us! We got up at 9am and had big plans to spend the day on the beach. Just as I was getting really settled into my lounge chair with a tasty beverage, a big storm cloud rolled in! The temps dropped to like 75F and the winds were blowing beach toys everywhere. Overweight beach goers were waddling about the sand in a panic. It was pandemonium. We had to ride out the storm sipping our cocktails on the balcony. It was really rough, but I intend to press on. We plan to attempt more lounging today. I am with you in spirit, my brother! I will have an extra margarita in your honor and keep my fingers crossed for better weather in Cotopaxi! Love, your big sister.
Posted by: Tera on 6/25/2014 at 11:04 am
Gook luck with Cotopaxi. Thinking of you. Love Mom and Dad
Posted by: Magda on 6/25/2014 at 7:48 am
Posted by: Pete Van Deventer, Robby Young
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mt. McKinley
Elevation: 14,200'
On The Map
Chuck and Steve hang tough. Everyone sending there love
Posted by: Charles Floyd on 5/22/2014 at 5:57 pm
Sent O2 this morning. It will be there on June 9th :)
Love you Chuck!
Posted by: Joellen Floyd on 5/22/2014 at 4:56 pm
Posted by: Dave Hahn
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Kilimanjaro
Ian and Erin,
We are obsessively stalking your updates, locations and photos and everything looks so cool. Keep it up!!!! You’re doing amazing! We love you.
Jackie and Kate
Posted by: Kathryn R Smith on 1/24/2024 at 2:19 pm
Thinking of you all and cheering you on from the other side of the world! Hope you’re having fun and enjoying yourselves. It takes a special kind of person to be able to do what you are doing and you are all so very special! Especially to me! ❤️
Posted by: Suzanne Jaeger on 1/24/2024 at 7:43 am
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