Sunday, January 22, 2012

Mt Kilimanjaro—the trek to the summit—Climb High, Sleep Low

Jambo everyone

I started this adventure on January 9th in Moshi Tanzania. I met my 8 fellow treking/climbing companions who were 21-32 years old (the 53 year old guy bailed on day 2)—HA! Off we went on a 3 hour jeep ride on a bumpy narrow dirt road to the start of the 8 day Lemosho Route to the top of Mt Kilimanjaro at 19,341 ft. I learned that we would acclimate to the altitude by "climbing high and sleeping low".

Day 2—we came out of the rain forest to get our first glimpse of the mighty mountain that we would eventually summit.

The mountain loomed far away as we made our way to Shira 1 Camp at 11,500 ft. Still amazed that I am in Tanzania Africa and this is the mountain that I am going to climb, while I kept silently asking myself was I going to make it to the summit?

This is my tent where I slept for 8 nights—you can't even imagine...

This was our private bathroom that went from camp to camp with us.

Day 5—Climbing the Barranco Wall with our guides Richard and Johnson. On our way to Karanga Camp at 13,000 ft.

12 comments:

Barbara B said...

Jennifer, This sounds like such an amazing adventure, transformative in so many ways. I don't know you except through EDM, but I'm vicariously very proud of you!

Peachtreeart said...

Awesome...I'm so envious!

Dan Kent said...

WOW! Congratulations!!! I am soooo impressed.

Kay said...

Jennifer,
You should be soooooo proud of yourself! What an amazing accomplishment and grueling adventure you had. What was the elevation gain you hiked from bottom to top?
Can't wait to hear more and see your sketches. I have followed your blog for quite awhile because I love your sketching and painting style. CONGRATULATIONS!

Melliott said...

You're awesome--can't wait to see the rest.

Lynn said...

What an amazing accomplishment! Congratulations. And that was really nice of you to give away all your winter gear to the porters. Good karma is coming your way.

Cathy Holtom said...

Congratulations on reaching your goal, amazing experience!

Mari Brown and Colourblob said...

You and the team look fantastic, true inspiration and I cant wait for summer now.... I love hiking, camping and canoeing. This put me in the mood to start planning my next trips. Beautiful pictures and and tents look as comfy they can get : ) All the best to you and the team, congratulations!!!!

Deborah said...

Congrats! You're joking about eating, or rather not eating carbs, right? Muscles don't work without them.
I too have Asolos which have taken me up many mountains; they're the best. Looking forward to your sketches.
Welcome back.

Serena Lewis said...

OMG, what an amazing adventure!! Congratulations on reaching the summit! I'm so happy for you and I would love to hear more about your experience.

A Brush with Color said...

Jennifer, so incredible! Wonderful sketches and photos. My sister and brother-in-law climbed Mt Kilimanjaro years ago when they were in the Peace Corps. They have certificates hanging framed on a wall!

Margaret Ann said...

You continue to be my hero...you really do! :)