September 12, 2016

Sunrise on Mawenzi

Congratulations are in order for Dustin and his team on Kilimanjaro.  100% on the true summit.  Perfect weather and the team could not have performed better.  No issues with the descent and everyone is now all the way down to Mweka Camp.  The air is a lot thicker and a bunch warmer at 10,000’.  They’ve had their last dinner on the trail and all are grabbing some serious zzzz’s.  Just a super job by all – our climbers, the entire Chagga guide staff and crew and Dustin.  Everyone did their part and the weather cooperated.

They’ll walk the last few hours tomorrow morning to the Mweka Gate, where they’ll check out with the Park Service, grab certificates and head back to the hotel.  Showers, a final dinner together and a little celebrating will be in order.  Dustin will be heading off the next morning for a climb of Mt. Meru and our members will be doing their own safari to Serengeti and Ngorongoro after the climb.  This has been a seriously good trip.  We’ll try to get Dustin to write up a short description of his Meru climb for those who might be considering it in the future.  Well done, team.

Phil Ershler

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