Kilimanjaro Expedition Dispatch

July 14, 2008 – Entire Huffines Family on the Summit!

Looking up to the Summit

It is 3:05 in the afternoon, July 14, 2008 and I’m just about to watch a really amazing event. I’m about to watch all 12 members of the Huffines family from Dallas, Texas, walk arm in arm together right to the very top of Africa, Uhuru Peak at 19,400 ft above sea level.

It’s only been about 1 hour and 25 minutes since we left Stella Point where I last called you and the entire team is here and doing great! All six of those boys who are members of Troop 125 from Dallas are here; Colin, Devin, Terence, Hayden, Garrett and of course, young Russell (11 year old Star Scout) who is about to become the youngest BAI climbing member to ever reach the top of Kilimanjaro.

I’ve also got to mention those awesome Huffines women! Haley, who struggled with a little bit of stomach problems the last couple of days, but is always the athlete and always pushes on, is looking great here on top of Kilimanjaro. Deirdre, who had her struggles physically earlier in the trip looked absolutely at her best when I saw her on top of Stella Point and she’s looking great walking to the top.

Of course, we also have to mention those amazing Huffines moms, MC and Holly. They are the caregivers and the organizers and they whipped those treadmills hard back in Dallas so they could do this physically and here they are on top of Africa with their families. The dads, Donald and Phillip, I know the whole family thanks you for this! The BAI team is proud to be up here with this amazing family from Dallas.

Large glacier that can be viewed from Crater Camp