July 13, 2013

Looking down on Mawenzi (photo: Ken Maclaurin)

Sheldon call at 1 a.m. Pacific time this morning to tell that 100% of the team were standing on the summit of Kilimanjaro.  And, that included her mom!

Still lots of works remains.  About 3 hours for the descent to Barafu camp, some repacking, clothes changing and lunch, and then it’s time to begin the descent to Mweka Camp.  Not easy to rally at that point.  It’s hard to put the packs back on and continue the hike.  But it’s important.  Each foot down means thicker air, more strength and less possibility of altitude related issues.  Everything’s better down low.  Mweka is at 10,000 ft. and the Park sells beer and Coke.  Believe me, it’s worth the effort to get down.

Phil Ershler

Kili at night. (Photo by Andrew Carafelli)

June 12, 2013

“At Barafu.  Weather’s fine and everyone doing well, and my mom’s killing it.  Leaving for the summit at midnight.”

I love Sheldon’s calls – right to the point and everything we need to know.

Phil Ershler

July 11, 2013

Kili in the clouds (photo: Ken Maclaurin)

“Team doing great.  Nice day going into Karanga camp.  Chicken with fries for dinner.  Weather still nice.”  This was the conversation I just had with IMG Senior Guide, Sheldon Kerr, from Karanga Camp at around 13,500’ on the slopes of Kilimanjaro.  That’s pretty much all we need to know.  Oh yah, Sheldon’s mom yelled from the background saying that she was doing great, too!

Phil Ershler

July 10, 2013

Climbing the Barranco Wall (Eben Reckord)

Short and to the point sat phone call from Sheldon today.  The team completed their climb up to 14,500’ and then headed down to the Baranco Camp at 13K.  Weather good, everyone feeling well so no issues.  That’s all we needed to hear.

Tomorrow is Karanga Camp.  The morning starts off with the Baranco Wall.  It’s a 2 hour hike/scramble up good rock with sensational views.  Looks intimidating from camp but only fun once people are on it.  Karanga Camp is close to 13K feet, too.  Some folks skip this camp and head straight to high camp at Barafu.  Why do that?  Adding an extra day gives our teams an extra day of acclimatization, breaks up an otherwise long day and allows us to arrive at high camp quite early in the day and not be unduly tired.

I’d call tomorrow ‘hump day’ as far as the climb’s concerned.  Once they reach Karanga, attention will be focused on that summit and no longer on the approach.  So far, so good.

Phil Ershler

July 9, 2013

How's this for a view from camp? (photo: Ken Maclaurin)

12,500 ft at Shira Camp on the Shira Plateau.  Good day had by all.  They’re getting higher now but everyone seems to be handling the altitude well.  Sheldon’s voice message was short and sweet – Shira with everyone and everyone doing fine.  That works for us.

Tomorrow is up, around and down.  They’ll reach 14,500’ and end up at 13,000’ – Baranco Camp.  As much as you hate losing altitude, it’s just what the doctor ordered – climb high, sleep low.

Phil Ershler

July 8, 2013

The trail to Machame Camp (Ken Maclaurin)

First day is done.  4000 vertical feet completed and the team is at Machame Camp, elevation about 10,000 ft.  They are right at the tree line tonight.  Views of the stars and the mountain should be fairly spectacular tonight, with an impressive sunset and sunrise in the morning.  And, tomorrow’s a little easier day.  Nice!

Phil Ershler

July 8, 2013

Sheldon emailed last night to let us know her second team has arrived.  They’re packed, gear has been checked and they’re ready to go.  There was time yesterday to visit the market in Moshi.

Next check in should be after Sheldon and crew have reached Machame Camp at 10,000 ft.  This first day is a bit long – 4000 vertical feet.  But, the crew has been training/prepping for this day for months.  Can you imagine the excitement the team was feeling when they started the hike?

Phil Ershler