September 11, 2016

High Camp at Barafu

It’s just about ‘game day’ for our team on Kilimanjaro.  Dustin called in to let us know that they had another very good day getting in to high camp.  Doing climbs in 7 days makes the day hiking to high camp shorter and less strenuous.  And, it gets the team to camp early in the day, allowing for time to rest, hydrate, eat and prep.  They’ve done all those thing now and are trying to catch a couple of hours sleep before getting up around midnight and heading uphill.  We’ll get word up on the blog as soon as we hear from the team.  Weather’s good and folks are healthy and strong and all are ready to head towards the summit soon.

Phil Ershler

September 10, 2016

Porters on the Baranco Wall

Another morning call from Dustin on Kilimanjaro, reporting another great day on the trail.  Up the Baranco wall without issue, then across to Karanga Camp (13,500’) for a hot lunch, afternoon nap and early dinner.  Weather continues to be pretty much perfect and everyone’s doing well.

Tomorrow’s goal is a nice, early arrival in high camp at Barafu.  Then, it will be ‘game day’.

Phil Ershler

September 9, 2016

Senecio and Lobelia plants on the way to Baranco Camp

Another pretty much perfect day on Kilimanjaro.  With a health and strong team, Dustin was able not only to go up to the Lava Tower with everyone but to go UP the Lava Tower with everyone.  The continued flawless weather made for unobstructed views of Mt. Meru and Mawenzi.  It was a quick descent from there to camp at Baranco – 13,000ft.  The Baranco Wall, which they ascend in the morning, is one of the most fun sections of the route.  Lots of easy scrambling on great rock.  Totally fun.

Bottom line – all’s well in Africa.

Phil Ershler

September 8, 2016

Shira Camp

And things just keep rolling along for Dustin and crew on Kilimanjaro.  Day 2 of the climb is in the books and they’re heading to bed now at Shira Camp, approx. 12,500’.  Another just super day.  Team couldn’t be healthier or feeling stronger and weather couldn’t be any better.  Could you ask for more?  Dustin’s been checking in like clockwork.  Each morning he calls, tells me how great everything is and that they just finished another big dinner and are heading for bed.  Pretty much all we could ask for.

Big day tomorrow.  Baranco Camp.  My favorite on the mountain.  I’ll look forward to another morning call and word that everything continues to go well.

Phil Ershler