Kilimanjaro: Hahn & Team Start the Trail Through the Machame Gate
After a night of distant thunder and periodic power outages, it was a bit of a surprise to wake to relatively calm weather and clearing skies. The team was ready for a 6:30 breakfast and had no trouble making our planned 7:30 departure from the Dik Dik. But more than one person was heard saying how comfortable the place was and what a shame that we actually had to leave such comfort. These thoughts faded quickly as we loaded into the big green Mercedes Benz expedition truck/bus and started heading East toward our mountain. The skies kept clearing as we moved down the highway, giving us some great views of Kilimanjaro. Two hours got us to the Machame Gate of the national park... the end of the road. We got out and got our permitting chores finished as our local guides figured out staffing and Porter loads. Then we got to the good part. We set out walking. We pushed upward from about 60,00 ft through jungle and tall forest. We'd found cloud cover again, but that just protected us from the sun and we didn't mind a little mist and murk. Six hours of slow, steady work took us from the zone of big trees to the land of giant heather. At almost 10,000 ft we walked into a perfectly built camp -our staff had carried more than us, walked faster, and had enough time left over to get camp all ready for our arrival. We were humbled but happy to crawl into tents. Just in time, as it turned out, since the rain began the moment we did so. Still, it was comfortable sipping tea before dinner in our dry dining tent. We had a fine meal and retired to our tents, pleasantly tired and happy to finally be on our mountain.
Best Regards,
RMI Guide Dave Hahn
On The Map
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Comments (4)
Can’t imagine what you are able to see! What an experience! Thinking of you Jason and Jasna! Love you both
Posted by: Pam Bethea on
Hey Rick and carol good luck on your expedition. Liv and I are following along! Will see you guys when you get back.
Keith
Posted by: Keith Staley on
Hey mom and dad it’s liv! I just wanted to say I miss y’all so much and love you lots! I can’t wait to move in tomorrow. Keith and I have me all packed a ready to go! Love you guys! Can’t wait to continue to follow along on your expedition :)
Xoxo
Liv
Posted by: Olivia popp on
We’re watching your progress Dr. Popp. We hope you and your wife have a great time.
Posted by: CRH xray on