September 16, 2010

Phil called in at 6:35am (PST)

We had another good day today.  We’re at Shira Camp at 12,500’.  Weather was perfect again today, chapter two of Goldilocks and the Three Bears, not too hot, not to cold, it was just right!  Today was a relatively short day and tomorrow will be a little longer.  The group will go up to roughly 14,500’ and then down to 13,000’ at Barranco Camp.  Everyone is doing well.  We’ll check back in again tomorrow evening.

Phil

Shira Camp At Night

September 15, 2010

Mt. Kilimanjaro

Phil called in at 5:53am (PST)

First day on the trail for us, we are at Machame Camp.  We were up bright and early this morning and moving by 7:30, which enabled us to be the first group at the gate, the first group on the trail and we were so early we didn’t see another person on the trail the entire day.  Now we’re in camp and all 11 team members are doing great.  It was a perfect day for walking; not too hot, not too cold, like Goldilocks and the Three Bears – just right.  It was a good day.  We’re off to a rip roaring start with 4000’ vertical today and a little less tomorrow, about 2500’.  We’ll check in again tomorrow night.

Phil

September 14, 2010

Phil called in via SAT phone to report:

A nice view of the mountain.

Everyone arrived in Tanzania with all their luggage and in good health.  This is a good start to the trip.  Having everyone in one place at one time with all their luggage is one of the toughest parts of any big expedition.

Right now we are changing money and doing a little last minute shopping and packing at the Keys Hotel and generally getting ready to begin our 7 day trip up and down Kilimanjaro tomorrow morning.  The team looks good with everyone getting along well.  We have a diverse group of people from 25yrs old on up to 70 years young.

Everyone is excited about the climb.  We’ll keep you posted on how we do.

Phil

Labor Day weekend has come and gone, hope it was enjoyed by all!  Here’s a couple of updates from Kilimanjaro:

September 7, 2010

Sunrise from the summit bid

We love hearing of another 100% successful trip!!  Olivia just phoned the office and reported that all members stood today on the true summit of Kilimanjaro with Olivia and our Chagga guides.  Perfect weather was the word from O.  It’s night there now and all have already made the 9000 vertical foot descent to their final camp at Mweka, altitude 10,000 ft.  Now, the air’s warm and thick and sleep will come easy.  It’s a short hike on good trail in the morning down to the Mweka gate and pick up by our drivers.  Quick shower and lunch at the Keys Hotel and then it’s a pick up for the guys and off to their custom safari.  Another great trip, great summit and great people.  Nice!!

Phil Ershler

September 6, 2010

Olivia left a message at 7 a.m. (our time) – the team is getting up at 11 p.m. and leaving Barafu camp at midnight for the summit.  The team is doing well and she will call back tomorrow with an update!

George Dunn

September 5, 2010

Olivia called in via sat phone this morning to report that all is well at Karanga Valley Camp (13,000ft.). The weather continues to hold out for them with cool, clear morning and predictable clouds in the afternoons. They’ll move up to Barafu Camp (15,000ft.) tomorrow and head for the summit shortly thereafter!

IMG Kilimanjaro Team at Karanga Valley Camp

That’s all for now.

Tye Chapman