Apparently December is the rainy season in Tanzania, at least it was that year. We got rained on a bit every day and had snow on Christmas which was fun. Taking weather in stride is part of the deal and we rolled with it for the most part. The interesting vegetation combined with the volcanic makeup of the mountain created an almost primeval setting for our climb.
Once we got higher up on Kili, we entered the familiar alpine zone. Here the air gets quite a bit thinner and sleeping is somewhat tougher. Maintaining your health is extremely important and it takes diligence, especially in an environment as alien as this one. Sanitation and protecting your lungs from illness is a priority.
Our "summit day" started at about 11pm and we climbed through the night. I always find this a magical time where your mind wanders even though your body is focused on the work of climbing higher and higher into the thin air. There's little talk as we each are lost in our own thoughts and battling our own demons. At about 2am or so, a tremendous thunderstorm approached the mountain as we climbed higher still. While it posed no threat to us, the show of lightning was unmatched and left an indelible memory which added to the magic of the night.
With fresh snow to aid our vision during the climb and the thunderstorm to keep us company, we reached the summit in good form and good spirits.
The trail back down from the summit of Kilimanjaro was direct and uneventful. As we neared civilization once again after being in such an inhospitable place, I felt a little sad to leave it all behind. There's a special feeling at the top of a big mountain and I was now sure that I liked it very much. Of course I was looking forward to a hot shower after being rained on for a week!
After Kilimanjaro we climbed Denali in Alaska (20,320'). That climb in 2010 brought things to a whole new level.
Safe travels Dave, fun to watch your story from a distance!
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