December 30, 2018

Phunuru reports that the Kilimanjaro team had a nice hike this morning down to the Mweka Gate trailhead, followed by a mini bus ride back to the hotel in Moshi.  After lunch, showers, and some beers (not necessarily in that order) everyone was cleaned up and feeling good.  They kept the party going into the evening with their local Chagga guides at a celebration dinner.  Well done team!

Tomorrow morning the team will drive to the airport in Arusha, then fly by airplane about an hour to the west to the Seronera airport in the middle of the Serengeti National Park.  Upon landing they will be met by their drivers and start their 3 night / 4 day wildlife safari.  If you are going to go all the way to East Africa, spending a few days on safari is the perfect way to put a bow on the trip!

Eric Simonson

December 29, 2018

Received two texts early this morning.  The first was from Phunuru saying that the team and he were on the summit.  A few hours later we received a second, this one saying that everyone was back down in high camp.  Just the news we wanted to hear!

The team will be taking a short rest at high camp but mostly they’ll be eating, drinking, packing and getting ‘prepped’ mentally for their remaining hike down to Mweka Camp at 10,000’.  That’s where the air is ‘thick’ and warm and chances of serious altitude-related health issues have decreased dramatically.  That’s the place, also, where our Chagga team will be waiting with sleeping tents up and hot food and drink in the mess tent.

The training and the focus has paid off.  Everyone performed well and they got the job done.  No injuries, a beautiful summit morning and a good time had by all.  Tomorrow’s walk is a short one and all down hill.  Now the focus will be turning to the safari.

Well done, everyone!

Phil Ershler

December 28, 2018

Reaching high camp is always exciting, regardless of the expedition.  You know that it’s now ‘Game Time’!  The months of training, the work of putting your kit of personal equipment together, the travel to East Africa and meeting the Chagga, not to mention the thrill of having one of the most active and successful IMG Sherpa guides (too many 8000 m summits to remember) at the helm when you arrive.  Phunuru flew from Kathmandu at Christmas to climb with this team, as he does often.  Christmas on the mountain, New Year’s on safari…..it’s almost too much.

And now you’re at high camp.  The grunt work is done and you’re anxious to get started for the summit.  Our 7 day climb itinerary allows us to get to high camp early and with only a short hiking day.  Lots of time to prep, pack, eat and rest (as much as is possible).  The weather is good and start time will come early.  Butterflies in your stomach? A bunch!  “Put me in, coach”.  It’s game day and you’re ready.

We won’t wish them luck,  don’t think they’ll need it.  We know they’ll finish strong, make good decisions and look after one another.  That goes for the Chagga, Phunuru and all team members.  We’ll be checking messages early for news of a safe, successful and enjoyable summit.  I’m excited for them!

Phil Ershler