Kilimanjaro Expedition Dispatch

March 9, 2008 – Crater Camp and Summit Success in Sight

I have some amazing news to report to you; I am standing on Stella Point 19,000 feet on the very top of the crater rim of Kilimanjaro. As you may know, there is ‘Freedom Point’ Uhuru Peak, which is just a few hundred feet above us, this is our ultimate goal. Don’t kid yourselves folks, this team has climbed Kilimanjaro to the top and we are looking down into the crater now.

About 11:45 am, Mark, Steve and Trevor and two BAI (Berg Adventures) guides stepped onto the top, Stella Point. A little bit later John and two more BAI guides made it to the top, and I was looking down and not far behind them was Paul, Diane and yet again two more BAI guides. It was very emotional as people reached the top.

I need to mention that two team members Brenda and Jim’s new names are Babu and Bibi, which means Grandmother and Grandfather in Swahili. They were named by a couple of our BAI guides.

I have already looked across and seen the first team standing out on Uhuru Peak! The famous sign which marks the very roof top of Africa. At this point, Mark, Trevor and Steve have all reached the top and are descending into the crater camp not far below. The rest of us are working along the crater rim, that final mile to the very top.

I will call you from Uhuru peak, at this point to share with you the celebration of the entire Climb for Kids team reaching the summit of Kilimanjaro.