Philmont Staff Association and Friends Kilimanjaro Climb and Safari Dispatch

June 16, 2011 – Great Company and Fantastic Sights

We are at Moir camp at 13,500ft/4115m and the late afternoon light is turning Kilimanjaro’s northern glaciers golden. In fact, we have had no shortage of visual treats starting last night at Shira camp when the full moon rose over Kilimanjaro. Sunrise this morning was great too, lighting up the frost that covered the ground of the camp. The porters brought hot coffee and tea to the tents. After we packed up, we had a great breakfast with millet porridge, toast, omelets and fresh mango slices.

The hiking was much more gradual than our climb through the forest. Without a cloud in the sky, the mountain was visible all day.

We had lunch at Fischer Camp named after Wally and Bob’s good friend Scott Fischer who died on Mount Everest in 1996. A bronze plaque honors Scott’s memory near one of his favorite campsites on Kilimanjaro.

Our slow pace has again allowed us to enjoy the day. We stopped often to examine plants and look at geographical features. The group has also come together in their enjoyment of each other’s company. There are lots of jokes, endless stories and a real interest in learning about one another. Everyone is healthy and strong. We have figured out the rhythms of traveling and camping on Kilimanjaro and we see great times ahead in the days to come.