Kilimanjaro Expedition Dispatch
June 27, 2008 – At High Camp, Going for Summit!
View from high camp
This is John calling from high camp; Kosovo camp at 16,000 feet on Mtn. Kilimanjaro. We made it up here this afternoon at about 1pm after about two and a half hours of hiking and a nice leisurely lunch down at Barafu. It was a mixed day, sunny and cloudy and cold. We now feel like we are in an alpine environment with the cool temperatures, rocks and the harshness of life. We have got a beautiful view of Mt. Mawenzi from our campsite. We just finished dinner and we will be getting up tonight at about 1:00 am for our summit attempt. We are all excited.
Uhuru Peak, our goal!
Jambo, this is Ellyn. We went to sleep last night at 10 degrees south of the equator; 13,500 feet of altitude; under stars in numbers more than you can imagine. I have to say we are lucky to be with the best crew and guides to travel with. They rest, feed, nurture and guide us really well. They send us off in the morning and greet us when we arrive at camp with good wishes expressed in rhythmic song accompanied by clapping and dancing. Charlie boy, a real character, leads the song and today he was at his all time best even dressed up in a tie; goofy glasses and he stuffed himself with a big fat belly. We have not had any altitude sickness or soreness. We are required to go slowly, but Julius, our guide, is allowing us to go a little faster than usual. The biggest challenge, especially tonight when we have to leave for summit at 2:00 am, is the cold. Despite our cold frigid nights and oh wouldn’t it be nice to have a great shower... I know that when we get back to the luxury of our homes, we will miss the ruggedness of living in the outdoors, the rhythm of our days and the natural beauty of our surroundings. Wish us luck for tonight and we will update you tomorrow.