It was cold and rainy; therefore, I put my parka underneath my raincoat and resembled the 'State Puff Marshmallow Man.' I didn't care, though, as long as I was WARM. There comes a point where 'cold and wet' works its way into your bones and the opportunity to be warm cancels out everything else!
It was particularly hard on the joints on the way down; I honestly felt exactly like I do the day after a marathon, in terms of soreness, stiffness, and muscle aches. So, while it seems like the up, up, up part would be the most difficult, the fifth day was no walk in the park! Of course, we were motivated by a shower and an alcoholic beverage so our spirits were still high despite our awkward gaits.
Keri actually made up a song and it went like this: 'Shower and wine, shower and wine, it's almost time for shower and wine!'
We set off from Horombo just after 8:30am. While we took the 'lower' road to Mandara, we could still catch a glimpse of Mawenzi Peak and Kibo was not the only mountain to get dumped on the previous night!
As we were hiking down, it was our turn to see other groups on their way up and to be the 'wise and experienced' hikers. Many had thought ahead of the smart remarks that they would make if someone asked 'how it went' or 'if we made it.' My favorite was, 'in one word, it was good.' And in 'in two words, it was not good.' Awesome.
Crew members hauling up gear for another group
After a couple of hours we were out of the moorlands and back into the rain forest. Here's a shot of Keri cruising on down; just imagine her singing her song...
We made it to Mandara Camp (where we stayed our first night on the mountain) and had a hot lunch. Here we are posing on the steps of the dining hut
Another two hours or so and we were back to the entrance to the park!
Doug and Paisley about to cross over the threshold and successfully fulfill one of Paisley's dreams! Woo hoo!
We took a couple of shots with our favorite guide, Simon, as well as with Chief Kamili
And of course with our good friends Risa and Dave who traveled around the world to join us in this adventure
As we waited for other members of our group to finish hiking, I took the opportunity to take a couple of pictures of the 'Points to Remember' signs at the start of the trail. Let me just say, if you are just learning of these points for the first time at the entrance to the trail, you are screwed and should promptly turn around.
After receiving our certificates from the National Park Service all of the 'Swazi' members of our group took a shot with the King in an effort to get into the local newspaper, The Swazi Times
Then, it was back in the pick-ups and back to The Marangu Hotel for a hot shower and a celebratory drink with our crew. All 28 of 'em.
Before our showers, the girls in our group took a shot of our luscious locks after 5 days without showering...
All of our guides in prominent seats of importance and ready for the celebration to begin
Doug receiving his certificate from Chief Kamili
Keri, realizing her dream of a shower and wine
Alison and Laura, all suited up for their beach vacation in Zanzibar
Singing and dancing!
And a beautiful sunset to cap off our journey and the day's celebrations
Goodbye, Kilimanjaro. Farewell, my friend.
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