Kilimanjaro Expedition Dispatch

July 23, 2008 – Larry and Brad Scramble up the Barranco Wall

Glorious view of the glacier, Kibo

This is Larry and Brad transmitting from Mt. Kilimanjaro. Hello to friends and family and a special day to my wife, Barbara Anne. Happy Birthday! I miss you and hope that you are having a great birthday!

One of our porters carrying bags

up the Barranco Wall

Last night we spent at Lava Tower. It was special for me since I was able to climb to the top. It was about 200 meters and a lot of rock climbing. We took some great photos on the top and it was a really great experience for me since I’ve never done any rock climbing. Today we trekked about 10km over some very difficult terrain. We are camping at 3,900 meters and I’m feeling good! The trip continues to be wonderful. The guides and the porters are doing a great job. The sun is out and we have a great view of Kilimanjaro. I’m going to make it to the top!

Hi this is Brad. Yesterday was a great day at Lava Tower. We climbed up using hand holds and foot holds and it was really fun and challenging. Today we hiked through the Barranco Valley and climbed the Barranco Wall. The Wall was also some rock climbing. Larry really gave Simon a hard look when he brought out the helmets for us to wear. We are higher up and the sun is really intense here. “Babba” (Dad) and I are “nimeungua na jua”, that’s Swahili for my dad and I are sunburned. Since we are lower in elevation tonight it is easier to do things without losing your breath.

Julius, the guide, calls me “Walimu” which means teacher in Swahili. He and I have had great talks about the Rwanda genocide, politics and lots of other things. He has even given me a good book to read about Rwanda. We are currently looking out at the whole sky full of clouds, the top of the clouds and at our back is the south face of Kibo. I miss my girls very much and can’t wait to see them again. Love you Brad.