Kilimanjaro: Hahn & Team Summit!
Summit Day! We had flat-out perfect weather for it, which is only what we would have expected after the past five splendid days. The pattern held... Sea of clouds far below, nothing whatsoever up high.
We were up at 11:30 and on the trail by 12:50 AM. By about 4 AM, we were wearing nearly everything we had. Although it was calm and clear, it was also COLD. Those of the team that looked up saw a snake of headlights working up Kibo, a fair number of shooting stars, the International Space Station, constellations and a crescent moon forming a smile on the horizon. Those that looked down saw a whole lot of trudging steps for the seven hours and ten minutes it took us to hit Uhuru... the highest point of Kibo, of Kilimanjaro, and of Africa. Sunrise caught us just before we reached the crater rim and was welcome for its beauty, but even more for its warmth. We spent about 25 happy minutes on top and got moving downward just before 8:30. The mountain was busy -as always- but we had no trouble with traffic jams on either the climb or descent. We were back to Barafu by 11:05 AM and sitting at the lunch table soon afterward. Then, much as we'd have enjoyed a good nap, it was time to pack and get out of Barafu. The team made good time on tricky trails and reached Mweka Camp by 4:15PM, having gotten rid of another 5,000 vertical feet in the process. We are back in tall heather after a couple of days in the alpine zone. All are figuring they've got a good chance of overcoming jet lag and altitude tonight to get a full night of well-earned sleep.
Best Regards,
RMI Guide Dave Hahn
On The Map
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Comments (7)
How much time do your clients spend getting used to the altitude, before they can handle 20,000’?
Posted by: harold hahn on
Bravo pour cette belle expédition, l’atteinte du sommet et le plaisir de le faire. Nous avons bien hâte d’entendre le récit de vive voix
Posted by: Roger Brosseau on
We can only imagine the sense of accomplishment as you sat there for those 25 minutes or so at the top of that mountain, Mary. Wow, just wow!!
You keep moving mountains, with the next one bigger than the one before…. And it’s F’ing Amazing to watch!!
We miss you and send you congratulations from all of us cheering you and the team on here in Cen-Cal!!
And a special thanks to Dave for the amazingly written update again. He truly has found a calling for the vivid pictures he paints in his writings.
Love and Blessings of continued health and strength to all!!
The Harshbargers
#Harshstrong
Posted by: Bill and Kathy Harshbarger (Mary's Parents) on
Deborah - we love it that you always take the road less traveled by ... We have never been so proud of you!! Congratulations on this huge milestone!!
Posted by: Anne and Michael (Deborah's tribe)! on
“There are those who see mountains and ask why and there are those who see mountains and ask why not.”
Sending our deepest congratulations on achieving your “why not”!!!
Kudos to each of you and our deepest appreciation to Dave for the amazing blogs. Celebrate accomplishing your dream and then work on dreaming about the next goal!
Posted by: Kathy and Denny Meyers (Jason's Mom and Dad) on
Congratulations Jason! Cheers to Dave for guiding the team to a successful summit and making everyone’s dream become a reality. The blogs have been amazing. What a spectacular experience for each of you!!!
Posted by: Jen (Jason's sister) on
I’ve been checking the blog all morning here in CO…. and now fantastic news! Elation at elevation! Congratulations to my sis Deborah and all on the team for a successful summit. Such an accomplishment. Simba, twiga, tembo and kiboko await you on the celebration safari. xo
Posted by: Susan Finzel-Aldred on