Climb 7

Due to satellite phone issues, the team was only able to check in this morning after hiking solidly for three days. Travel to Kilimanjaro was uneventful – a welcome change after the stress of Russia. The team is taking the Lemosho climbing route which is roughly 35 miles (56 km). They are camping at the Lava Tower tonight at over 15,000 feet.

The past several days have been the acclimatization portion of the climb. Today they ascended to 16,200 and returned to the campsite. Tomorrow will be another ascent then small descent with a reascent to Base Camp on Thursday.

Mike reports that everyone is doing well and are amazed with the beauty of the surroundings. The climb started in a rainforest where they were enveloped in perpetual clouds and mist. They emerged from the rainforest into a high alpine desert looking over the valleys and plains. They were so high that the land was obscured under a blanket of clouds – Mike said you could almost see the curvature of the earth. Weather on the other routes was torrential rainstorms – inevitable under all the clouds – but the team was already above them. Nice place to be!

The group is incredibly fortunate to be climbing with Tusker. Mike said that the guides are incredibly well-trained and professional. They are treated to a sit down lunch every day in the dining “hall” – a tent outfitted with tables, chairs and even white tablecloths! Everything about this company – from their pre-climb follow up to their attentiveness on the trail – speaks volumes about their expertise and experience on this mountain.

The weather looks great with clear skies, sun and temperatures in the 16-19 F range. I believe the summit attempt will start on Thursday or Friday. Mike will try and send pictures tomorrow and hopefully more news.

Tags: Mt. Kilimanjaro Expedition // 2 Comments »