Current Location: Kibo Huts Altitude: 15,500 feet Time: 6:30 pm
Today we reached the Kibo Huts, after hiking 6 hours from the Mawenzi Tarn Camp. The Kibo Huts are the last stop for all routes trekking to the summit of Mt. Kilimanjaro.
It is now 6:30 pm and our plan is to try and sleep till 11:00 pm, wake up and have some tea and cookies, then begin our final ascent at midnight. We will be hiking in the dark with head lamps and flashlights. We have a 4,000 vertical feet climb to Gilmands Point, which is one and a half hours from the final peak of Mt. Kilimanjaro. Hopefully this will take us 6 to 7 hours to reach 19,400 feet, which is the highest point in Africa. We will only be on top for 30 minutes or so, then we will begin our descent for another 6-7 hours of hiking to the Horombo huts, which are located at 12,000 feet. We have been told that today will feel like "the longest day of our lives".
Shirley and Peter, Deb and Jim are all in good shape and ready to give it a good try tonight.
(dictated by Michelle Yeates via satellite phone communication)
Good luck making it to the summit and your descent down to 1200 feet!! Long day of trekking ahead of you, 14 hours, wow!! We are all thinking of you!
Love Michelle & Alex
Posted by: Michelle Yeates | 09/22/2009 at 08:47 AM
Shirley,Peter, Deb, and Jim,
Congratulations on achieving another enormous goal on the path to the summit!!! I have been following your steps on Google Earth and it has given me a spectacular perspective on the challenge you have taken on. I look look forward to your updates every day. Sleep well and know that we are all cheering you on and wishing you a continued safe journey.
Peace and love,
Mugs
Posted by: Mugs | 09/22/2009 at 10:37 AM
We'll be thinking of you. It's exhausting just reading about it. I'll carry the clubs today and enjoy the splendour of our 7000 ft peaks thinking about your adventure and wonderful accomplishment. Well done. We'll toast you all on the patio this evening.
Michael and Tara
Posted by: Michael and Tara d'Artois | 09/22/2009 at 10:47 AM
good luck -sounds like a tough task but we know you will give it your best. Ted and Sherry
Posted by: ted yeates | 09/22/2009 at 02:49 PM
What an amazing feat! An incredible journey to the highest point in Africa!! A special few people making it to the top! My words can't adequately describe what I feel, when reading your words. Safe travel. xoxo Merseys
Posted by: Heather Mersey | 09/22/2009 at 03:42 PM
To my loving sister Shirley (Peter too), its hard to type when you have tears in your eyes ! You are an incredible inspiration to all of us! It is amazing to be able to follow your trip. I will phone Mom and Dad and read tell them the news !
Congratulations!
Love Jane
Posted by: Jane Lustenberger | 09/22/2009 at 04:22 PM
Wow can't believe by now you've gone up and then down so much elevation! Way to go...what an incredible feat you've all overcome! I am sure you are enjoying a good meal soon at the bottom!
xo lisa and rob
Posted by: Lisa Yeates | 09/22/2009 at 05:33 PM
Congratulations to you all on reaching the summit. Your blog has been amazing to read as I had no idea you would endure so many different conditons en route. You really are an amazing group.
Best Wishes to you all and enjoy a bottle of bubbly when you get back to a hotel. Cheers to you all.
Rohays Murray
Posted by: Rohays Murray | 09/23/2009 at 01:13 PM