Some reflections on the Kilimanjaro experience.

First, thanks to my friends who got me in good shape so this was possible. We saw so many people being rescued (which means getting them down to lower altitude asap) - this is one tough endurance test.

We had total confidence in our guides and team within the first day.  Your life is literally in their hands, so feeling good about them is essential. We struggled just to keep walking up with our day packs on.  They carried our gear plus their gear plus food, water, and more - we were constantly amazed.  Day 1 we hiked through rainforest and then it got more open with views and less vegetation and stayed at Mandara huts.  Day 2 was drier, colder, and windier and we stayed at Horombo Huts.  Day 3 had lots of wide-open expanse with a view of Kili most of the way - in the clouds and not much air up there. We stayed at Kibo Hut - about 16,000 ft. altitude.
Day 4 we got up at midnight and started hiking to the top in the dark, then daybreak, then after summit started back down to Kibo.  You then continue down to the next lower hut to recover - so 10 hours up & down to Kibo plus another 3 hours down to Horombo. My body was so confused, hungry, hurting, tired.  Then I woke up the next morning & was ready to go! Day 5 we hiked all the way down to the entry gate - about 20K or 12 miles.

Matt got sick on day 1 evening but recovered well.  Bonnie got sick on day 3 and I don't know how she made the summit but she did. Paul decided not to try - he was spent at the final hut.  Their daughter Cheri made it to the first peak.  Our guides spent a great deal of time & care getting Bonnie & Cheri off the mountain because they were so exhausted.  The guides held them while they slept a bit on the steep descent, put sunscreen on them, wiped their noses, fed them, took photos for them and took as long as they needed to get down to Kibo hut.  

The guys, Matt & John, were strong  throughout.  Altho every hike was long, slow and difficult, I never felt like I couldn't keep moving except for a couple of moments on that final ascent when I was questioning my sanity (and that of those above and below me).  And on the descent to Kibo that seemed to never end.  I just wanted food, water, warmth, and some sleep so badly.  We were all so glad to see the hotel, a hot shower and a warm bed.  The guides and some porters came for dinner & our certificate party and we were one happy bunch of campers!

I learned a lot about Tanzania and the lack of jobs and why the porters are willing to do strenuous hiking carrying many pounds for years and years, sometimes 3 or 4 times per month. It's the only job in northern Tanzania so they are grateful to have the jobs and never seem grumpy.  I practiced a lot of Swahili with them and it seems to be fun for them (laughing at me) as well as for me. 

Next adventure for me:  Safari with Overseas Adventure Travel group.  I meet them on Wednesday here in Nairobi. Hakuna matata  (no worries).