Entries from Kilimanjaro
Posted by: Mark Tucker
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Kilimanjaro
Early adventure through Tarangire as we made our way back to The Dik Dik Lodge. The team put a good dent In the waffle iron before we left the Kikoti property. It's those little things that really make a difference out in the bush and a good waffle can set the tone for a fine finish to an amazing Safari. How appropriate to see our little mascot, the Dik Dik, just before leaving the park, a touching send off if you ask me. Some gear shuffle, a shower and one last delicious dinner here at the lodge before the team starts making their way home. A few will visit Zanzabar, others a stop in Amsterdam. Overall a feeling of accomplishment rounded out with a nice sense of connection to the basic elements of nature are packaged nicely for the travel abroad. Sad to have it come to a close, excited to start yet another chapter in the book of life soon!
RMI Guide Mark Tucker
Posted by: Mark Tucker
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Kilimanjaro
We had a few things to accomplish today so we set out early to shop the local markets. We found masks, bowls, knives, salad forks, necklaces, paintings, carvings made of soapstone, bone, ebony and rosewood. We also shopped for Tanzanite, the beautiful blue stone found only in this country. We visited a Masai village and took a grand tour of their community. Then made a stop for treats and drinks to enjoy while we traveled along. We entered Tarangire National Park and encountered a large herd of wildebeests. We took a break and enjoyed a picnic lunch in the bush followed by a pleasant afternoon of driving the roads of this amazing park looking for more animals.
Tonight is our last night in Africa and we get to spend it at the beautiful Kikoti Tented Camp. I can hear some animals snorting just off my porch. There is a bright moon illuminating the night, I think I'll go check it out.
RMI Guide Mark Tucker
Posted by: Mark Tucker
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Kilimanjaro
Another good day of African hospitality. We ate so many crepes at breakfast I figured the Land Cruisers were going to have a tough time hauling this load of intrepid bush game viewers in and out of the Ngorongoro Crater. The clouds engulfed the crater rim all morning making for a cool game drive to start. Also creating a surreal atmospheric event of tumbling clouds down the walls and dissipating before reaching the valley floor. It looked so much like Jaws Maui Hawaii breaking on a 200 foot day. I was longing for my what surfers call a "Rhino chaser" surfboard, specially made for large swell waves. I can't believe I didn't pack some wax. How ironic, for in fact that was the main focus of today the elusive Black Rhino. During the hunt for the Rhino so many other creatures got in the way that camera batteries were getting drained quick. Thank goodness for the back up battery. We returned to the lovely Plantation Lodge in the early evening to enjoy the fabulous grounds we call home for one more night. No crepes tonight but another four courses of fine dining will have to do. Maybe waffles in the morning to mix it up before we head to our next National Park, Tarangire. All is well with the team. Having a gas, wish you were here.
RMI Guide Mark Tucker
Posted by: Mark Tucker
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Kilimanjaro
It is safari time!
Starting at about 2:00 a.m., the team went in many directions - Europe, Kenya, the Serengeti, and here to the lovely Plantation Lodge. After a delicious breakfast at the Dik Dik, we traveled to Lake Manyara National Park. What a perfect introduction to the wonderful world of game viewing?! It took a little over an hour from the town of Arusha before we popped the tops on our Land Cruisers and let nature engulf us. We only about 2,000 pictures in our four hours of exploring this magical area. Just before we left the park our mascot, the dik dik (the third smallest of the antelope family), made an appearance and brought us and brought us to our photo quota for the day.
The eighth wonder of the world is top on the list for tomorrow...Ngorongoro Crater. We are positioned just outside of the crater here at Plantation Lodge. I am sure we will have an amazing day of game viewing. It hardly seems that we were standing atop Kilimanjaro a few days go! can't wait!
RMI Guide Mark Tucker
Posted by: Mark Tucker
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Kilimanjaro
Another day of perfect weather on Kilimanjaro. A bit of a tired team to get going this morning but with the finish line in sight, rally we did. After a great breakfast, we had a nice group celebration for the local crew. We made a quick 4,000-foot descent to the exit gate and then another couple hours to lap of luxury here at the Dik Dik Hotel. Excellent celebration banquet brought us to the late hours and packing for the safari start tomorrow, which is our next adventure. All is well, full bellies, rosy-red cheeks, lots of fond memories, a bed, and a shower, what more could you want.
We are so lucky.
RMI Guide Mark Tucker
September 11, 2016 - 11:06 am PT
Summit day or I should say night was greeted with clear and breezy weather. It all begins around midnight and as we climbed for a few hours the cold had set in and we were layered in most the clothing we'd brought. When the sun rose, we were at the crater rim looking up to see the high point, Uhuru Peak, across from us and part way around the rim. Down behind us we could see the monster of a mountain we had just climbed. We made it to the summit and hung out there taking pics and enjoying the scenery. I tell all my climbers, it's not the summit, but the journey that is the reward. And I believe that to be true. But the feeling of reaching the summit is sure the cherry on top and this one was no exception. It's a gift and we were all thrilled to have the time to take in the view and our own accomplishments. It was a great effort by all, as we left the crater rim and made the descent to our last mountain camp, Mweka at 10,000'. Sleep tonight was earned. It's now 24 hours since I last closed my eyes. All is well. Good night.
RMI Guide Mark Tucker
On The Map
Hello, hello this is Mark Tucker checking in from the Roof of Africa. We have a great summit team up here, they did a great job. We are going to get a few more photos. Today is 9:11 and we wanted to reach out and dedicate this climb to all of those lost. I would also like to make a special mention. We had one of our Dik Dik Staff not be able to make this climb, Salvatory. He was on the summit with me on my last time about a month ago, and he is truly missed. We are all doing well. We're going to get a few more shots and we're going to head on down and get low. Thanks for checking in, we will be in touch.
Congratulations to the Kilimanjaro team!
RMI Guide Mark Tucker calls from the summit of Kilimanjaro.
On The Map
Here’s a message from Ginny (Paula’s sister) to the Barrs:
Hi Paula,
Just a few thoughts from the people back home that love you the most. Austin sends his congratulations and wishes you luck on your way down, and that he loves you and has been thinking about you. He is a little jealous and Kili is on his list. I am sure it is!! Brian says congratulations and good luck and he is hoping you have fun with the rest of the trip. Your oldest says you owe him $170. I (Ginny) want you to know that I love you, I am proud of you, and I miss you. I can’t wait to hear all the details over a few drinks.
Ginny
Posted by: judy christofferson on 9/11/2016 at 10:10 am
Congrats!!! So proud :)
Posted by: Mary Jo on 9/11/2016 at 10:09 am
We enjoyed another nice evening here on Kilimanjaro and the good weather continued today as we approached Barafu Camp, our High Camp. The team climbed well as we made the ascent from Karanga Camp to Barafu at 15,000'. Clouds were rolling in and out this afternoon while we were busy making lunches and double checking our kits for the summit push ahead. After dinner we will climb into our tents and hope to get a few hours of sleep before we are awaken at midnight and start our push to the summit of Kilimanjaro. Wish us luck!
RMI Guide Mark Tucker
On The Map
YayayatayayayayYayayayay
Congratulations !!!!
Well done !!!!!!!
Posted by: Joan Mike John Megan on 9/11/2016 at 7:46 am
Go Marks team
Enjoy this wonderful climb and adventure
Best
Posted by: Joan Mike Megan John on 9/11/2016 at 5:20 am
Stars at night climber's delight. Clear below brought out the city lights of Moshi, the town we will drive through on our way back to the Dik Dik after the climb. Look up and it's star gazing at its finest. A restful night for the whole team, with a later wake up call to give us the climb of the Barranco Wall without a lot of other climbers. A number of the team had a nice intro to some real rock scrambling. A fine job by one and all, not without a few gasps and grunts prior to topping out on what ended up being a highlight and lots of fun. The support team pulled off some impressive maneuvers, carrying supplies and equipment, on their heads to boot. Our local guides coached and protected on the more difficult sections. A bit more leisurely today compared to yesterday but no less beautiful. We arrived at Karanga Camp by early afternoon, and were quickly greeted by some steamy hot spaghetti to fill our tanks for the climb ahead. Carb load is on! The team continues doing very well.
RMI Guide Mark Tucker
On The Map
Go team Brooke and Trob and the wonderful group
This is a special time
Go for it and enjoy
:-)
Posted by: Joan Mike Megan John on 9/10/2016 at 9:27 am
This is amazing !!
What a beautiful view
You are on top of the world
Enjoy !
:-}
Posted by: Joan Mike Megan John on 9/9/2016 at 7:07 pm
You remember the feast of yesterday, add some sweet watermelon and that was the start of yet another clear sunny day. A bit breezy as we headed along a ridge for a good part of the day so the shorts people had to succumb to pants. The typical fantastic views all day as we climbed to well over 14,500ft before the descent into Barranco Camp. Camp is at about 13,000ft. The spectacular of tomorrow's goal, the great Barranco Wall, looms over head. We are all settled in doing well. Aware of the challenges ahead, but as we say in Swahili, "Hakuna matata" (no problem) for this team.
RMI Guide Mark Tucker
On The Map
pasta bolognese on kilamanjaro !!
way to go Brooke , TRob and Team !!
Go team :~] !!
Posted by: joan megan john katherine mike on 9/9/2016 at 11:13 am
Go team, go!!!!!!! Hugs and kisses to Brooke and TRob
Posted by: Susie on 9/9/2016 at 6:55 am
Congratulations! What a huge accomplishment Brooke, TRob and everyone on the team! We are very proud of you both!
Posted by: Margaret on 9/12/2016 at 10:18 am
Brooke and TRob: Congratulations!! We are all so excited for your ascent and summit!!
Posted by: Marilyn on 9/12/2016 at 7:56 am
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