July 12, 2012

The gang at the lava tower

They’ve been up from Shira Camp, past the Lava Tower and got to Baranco Camp yesterday.  Weather is great, team is great.  Today’s morning is fun with a climb of the Baranco Wall and then a quick jaunt over to Karanga Camp.  Sleeping altitude will be about the same – 13,000’.  Trip couldn’t be going smoother, reports IMG guide Eben Reckord.  Let’s hope nothing changes.  Everyone’s happy and healthy.  The photos Eben’s been able to get out sort of reflect that.

Phil Ershler

July 10, 2012

Kili Team at Shira Camp

I was tempted to title this blog post “fat, dumb and happy” but I’ll refrain.  Regardless of what I was thinking, the team is well and now at the Shira Camp around 12,500’.  A bit misty early but perfect sunshine for most of the day.  Warm, too.  The day to Shira is fairly short so the crew will have plenty of time to soak up the rays.  They’ll have to work a bit hard tomorrow as they head up past the Lava Tower and drop into Baranco Camp.  No worries – they’ll be well-rested after today.

Phil Ershler

July 9, 2012

Trail to Machame Camp (Ken Maclaurin)

Eben was able to get out a short email today from the Machame Camp at 10,000’ on the slopes of Kilimanjaro.  Here were his ‘bullet points’:

• Team great
• All healthy
• Six hours to camp
• Relaxed pace
• Good guys
• Super dinner
• Taking pictures of the milky way
• Rainy in the morning
• Glorious sun for the last hour into camp

I think this works.

Phil Ershler

July 8, 2012

Machame Gate (Ken Maclaurin)

Eben’s ready for round two.  His second group for the season has arrived and with all gear in tow.  Sunday was spent packing and touring Moshi.  A visit to and an opportunity to support the Porter Assistance Program based in Moshi, some milk shakes and a bit of shopping were all in order.

Duffels are packed and day packs loaded with the essentials.  They’ll be putting boots on the trail and heading to Machame Camp and will check in again from there.  Hopefully, Eben will be able to get a photo of the gang headed our way.  They’re off!!

Phil Ershler