July 7, 2016 Another great day. Right out of camp is the Barranco Wall – a couple of hours of fun scrambling and trying to figure out how the Chagga porters do it with a load balanced on their heads. Then, it’s down, up, down and up and you’re at Karanga Camp (13,500 ft). One […]
Kilimanjaro
Kili Team At Barranco Camp
July 6, 2016 Barranco Camp (13,000 ft) is by far and away the most scenic camp on Kilimanjaro. That’s where our team is sleeping now. They had another day of great weather and no problems. Group remains healthy, strong and totally psyched. Phil Ershler
A Belly Full Of Fried Chicken
July 5, 2016 “Great weather, a belly full of fried chicken and everyone feeling great†– the infamous words of IMG guide Charlotte Austin as she checked in via sat phone this morning (Seattle time here and bed time there). They are at Shira Camp, approx. 12,500ft. and it’s the first night with completely unobstructed […]
Kili Team To Machame Camp In Good Style
July 4, 2016 Charlotte was on the sat phone with me at about 8 am (Seattle time) to let me know the team reached Machame Camp (10,000’) in great style. Good everything – team and weather. Nothing to do but simply enjoy. We wished each other a happy 4th of July and she got back […]
Kilimanjaro…Getting Ready
July 3, 2016 We heard from Charlotte this morning (Seattle time) and sounds like her second trip is off to another good start. Her morning email is below. As Charlotte begins the Kilimanjaro Expedition with her second group, IMG and she would like to congratulate and thank all the members of her first team one […]
Tired & Happy
July 1, 2016 Charlotte touched base this morning to say simply – “All’s good here”! The team enjoyed Olduvai Gorge and a great tour of Ngorongoro Crater. They even saw the elusive black rhino. By my count, that wraps up the Big Five (do a quick Google, if you don’t know). They are spending […]
No Elephants On The Runway
June 29, 2016 We spoke with Charlotte today from the Serengeti. The safari has begun. Biggest problem with the flight from Arusha was making sure the elephant weren’t too close to the runway as they landed. It’s a bit of extra effort to go all the way out to the Serengeti but an airplane makes […]
Safari Time
June 28, 2016 Charlotte checked in this morning, Pacific time. Word was that the team is back at their hotel in Moshi and they’re actually clean again. No small feat! All the climbing gear is now stuffed into one duffel bag that they won’t bother opening again until they’re home. It’s time for their celebratory dinner, […]
Kilimanjaro Team Summits!
June 27, 2016 Charlotte checked in from the summit and then again from Mweka Camp this morning. “Gorgeous climb, no wind, we arrived at Stella Point just as the sun was rising.â€Â The team went on the Uhuru Peak (19,340’). They are now back down to Mweka Camp and can take a nice deep breath […]
Summit Night on Kilimanjaro
June 26, 2016 Charlotte checked in from Barafu Camp (15,000’) this evening. The Team had a great day moving up the mountain today and with our itinerary, they had all afternoon to rest and prepare for the night ahead of them. A good dinner with the summit talk, weather looks fantastic and Charlotte is excited […]