October 2, 2017

Here’s Jen grabbing a solo summit shot after the team photo. Nice!

One great call from Dustin overnight and an even better one this morning. The first was from the summit of Kilimanjaro, we love getting those calls. The second was from Mweka Camp saying that all is well and the team is safely down to camp, we love these calls even more!

Dustin said it was a tough climb but the team did extremely well were strong on the descent, a good measuring stick guides use when looking back on climbs.

Right now they’re sacked out getting some well deserved rest. Tomorrow they’ll make their way back to Moshi for showers and beers! Tomorrow night will be their celebration dinner.

The safari awaits.

Tye Chapman

September 30, 2017

A happy team on top of Barranco Wall. (Dustin Balderach)

Moving from Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp is a relatively short day, but there’s one big objective that needs to be tackled right out of camp, the Barranco Wall. When Dustin checked in he and his team had already cruised up and over the Barranco Wall. He said the team did very well on the trail and really enjoyed the scrambling. For a lot of our Kili climbers this one of the highlights of the climb.  The clouds stayed low giving his team some tremendous views.

Once at the top of Barranco Wall the trail then crosses three little valleys before arriving at Karanga Camp. At just 4 hours or so the team pulled into camp just in time for lunch.

Tomorrow is another shorter day. They’ll make their way up to Barafu Camp and get ready for summit day. If all goes as planned they’ll summit on Monday (Tanzania time).

Tye Chapman

September 29, 2017

Giant Groundsels near Barranco Camp (Dustin Balderach)

Dustin checked in from Barranco Camp on Kilimanjaro. They had another great day on the trail today. From Shira Camp to Barranco Camp is one of the longer days, but not necessarily the toughest. The trail is nice and gradual, not rocky or very steep. The views are amazing, with the south side of Kili in view all day. The route goes up to around 15,000ft at the Lava Tower before dropping down to Barranco Camp (13,000ft), one of Dustin’s favorite campsites.  The camp sits in a protected little valley with views of the winding path up the Barranco Wall, tomorrow’s objective.

For now, it’s dinner time then bedtime!

All is well at Barranco Camp.

Tye Chapman

September 28, 2017

Sunrise at Shira Camp. (Dustin Balderach)

More good news from Dustin on Kilimanjaro. The team enjoyed a great night at Machame Camp soaking in the great views of the mountain before the afternoon clouds rolled in as they typically do. Today, they hiked up out of the forest up onto the Shira Plateau to Shira Camp (12,000ft). The hike ‘through the zone of weird plants’ took them about 5 hours. When they pulled into camp they were greeted by some soup and roasted vegetable sandwiches. This team is doing things right!

All continues to go well in Africa!

Tye Chapman

September 26, 2017

Kilimanjaro team out on the town. (Dustin Balderach)

Dustin called in to report that his team is set, ready and fired up to start their climb.

Today the team knocked out their gear checks, then set out on Moshi to run some errands, stretch the legs, and explore town a bit. They exchanged money, picked up some snacks at the grocery store, and strolled through the public market.  Lunch was had at the Kilimanjaro Cafe. They’ve finished packing for the climb, and as Dustin called, they were on their way to dinner.

Tomorrow morning, after their last shower for a week, they’ll load up and drive to the Machame Gate (6000ft.) to start their climb to Machame Camp (10,000ft.).  It’s a big day but they’re ready.

Tye Chapman

September 25, 2017

Kilimanjaro from Moshi (Photo: Dustin Balderach)

Dustin checked in today with some good news; his next Kilimanjaro Team has all arrived with all of their luggage.

Tomorrow, they’ll knock out some gear checks, take a stroll around Moshi and hit all of Dustin’s favorite spots (read pizza and milkshakes for lunch). It’s an important day to get repacked and adjusted to the new time zone!

Tye Chapman