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Categories: Expedition Dispatches Kilimanjaro
Today our group woke up in Mweka Camp after a long and well-needed night of sleep. We had our last breakfast courtesy of Barking Zebra, drank too much coffee, and then began our 4,000+ foot descent to Mweka gate.
On our way down, we experienced mud of all kinds. As we slowly navigated our way down, careful not to fall or twist an ankle, we watched deft porters sprint past us, Shania Twain blaring on their speakers.
At Mweka gate, we said our final goodbye to Kilimanjaro and took one last dirty group photo.
As we ate our final Kilimanjaro lunch, Angela/Breslin (Dave still can’t tell us apart) snuck away to feed watermelon to the rogue tortoises ambling around the grounds. Our amazing porters, who kept us well fed, housed, and alive for a week, sent us off with an a cappella dance party, which forced Jay to get his hands out of his pockets.
On the bus ride back to Usa River, we were able to see Kilimanjaro in all her glory, towering well above 19,000 feet. It was hard to imagine we were at the top 24 hours ago.
Per usual, Dave provided clear instructions about what would happen next and every one of us, especially Kaleb, incorrectly remembered the details. Somehow we all made it to dinner at the Rivertrees Country Inn in one piece, smelling better and ready for safari.
The last week on Kilimanjaro was truly memorable and our group stayed positive and laughing during the rare but difficult times. We debated the pros and cons of cutting a goat hotdog-style versus hamburger-style; reveled in Dave’s many colorful and fascinating stories (“chicks on feet!”); and competed for the final bags of lemongrass tea.
Tomorrow, our group will head out for a new adventure and we’ll say goodbye to one of our own, Walt, who definitely didn’t help the government plant microchips in our brains.
As Dave would say, “well hey guys, let’s go check out some dik-diks.”
New Post Alerts:
Kilimanjaro Climb & Safari August 10, 2024
Wednesday, May 19, 2021 - 10:15 pm PT
Last night gave us a taste of what the weather can be like on a big mountain when it doesn't want to play nice. We listened to the tents shake with gusty winds that also carried a fair bit of snow on their icy breathe, packing it into the tent vestibules and any other crevices it could reach. Our tents are stout though and we weathered it in comfort. Come morning, the skies were blue, but the wind persisted, lifting tall plumes of snow into the air above us and making it an easy decision to stay in camp and take a rest day. We'll look to cache the first opportunity we get once the wind relents. That might be tomorrow or it might take a bit longer. We're cozy in camp for now, so we'll practice patience.
RMI Guides Pete, Chase, Matias, and team
On The Map
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On The Map
That’s great to hear that the team is again moving up! Go well and Push on, Peter
Posted by: Peter Williamson on 6/29/2014 at 8:41 pm
Good to know you are on the move and the weather has improved Best of luck to all of you. Get to that summit!
Posted by: Susan Lampas on 6/29/2014 at 9:39 am
Posted by: Dustin Wittmier, Robert Whyte, Avery Stolte
Categories: Expedition Dispatches North Cascades
The Mt. Baker Easton Glacier Team led by RMI Guide Dustin Wittmier were unable to climb due to thunderstorms in the area. The team is hanging in their tents doing their best to stay dry!
Congratulations team on a real mountain adventure!
We are excited for your return & to hear all about your adventure! Love you Colin!
Posted by: Stevi on 1/7/2015 at 5:34 pm
Glad you’re back at basecamp! We’re all anxious for your return home!!
Posted by: Sandy on 1/7/2015 at 5:04 pm
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