July 30, 2012
First glimpse of sunrise (photo: Ken MacLaurin)
Max Bunce called in last evening (early the next morning, Africa time), to say that the team was standing on the summit of Kilimanjaro. The WHOLE team. And, he said weather for the climb and while they were on top had been perfect. Way to go, team.
As exciting as it is to stand on top, they have a lot of work left. Down to high camp at Barafu where they’ll make a clothing change and repack. The Chagga staff will have lunch waiting for them. Refill the water bottles and then it’s time to begin the hike down to Mweka Camp. Not always the easiest thing to rally but it’s so nice to get out of the cold and get down to that thicker air. At 10,000’, everything is better. Safer, too. We should hear from Max before long, letting us know they’re at Mweka – tired but happy.
Phil Ershler