Daily Journal
From Kibo Hut, Mount Kilimanjaro, Tanzania, Africa
There’s something indescribable – utterly beyond words – about standing 19,340 feet up looking out over the world, a mountain beneath your feet and nothing but the sky above.
Indescribable…but the members of the 2007 Ascent for Alzheimer’s team will each have their own way of defining their triumph.
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Standing on the slopes of Kibo peak,
looking back towards Mawenzi peak,
with the path across the Saddle stretched between the two.
This photo from the 2006 Ascent for Alzheimer’s team.
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All ten members of this year’s team made it to the summit, supporting each other every step of the way. The journey to the summit symbolically represents the journey taken by those impacted by dementia; slowly, one step at a time. Stretching towards the summit was, perhaps, a test of the team’s resolve – but one that they all faced and overcame.
"We’re all trashed," said Don Bulmer, the fatigue clear in his voice. "We’re all still in one piece, all doing well – but it’s been a pretty exhausting day."
It was 4:30 p.m. on Mount Kilimanjaro when Don called from Kibo Hut – a bit behind schedule for their marathon summit day. But despite the distance yet to travel down to their camp at Horombo Hut (12,200 feet), the team was feeling elated.
Camping at Horombo Hut,
with the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro in the distance.
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It rained all day yesterday, as the team trekked across the Saddle, from Mawenzi Tarn to Kibo Hut. Arriving at Kibo Hut mid-afternoon, the team rested there until they set out towards the summit in the darkness of midnight.
"By the time we left Kibo, it was snowing," Don described. "It kept snowing until maybe 2 a.m. But then it cleared, and we were hiking under the stars. By the time we reached the summit it was clear and sunny – we were even able to take off a layer or two!"
The team will camp at Horombo Hut tonight, before descending the rest of the way to Marangu tomorrow. We’ll hear from the team next when they’re back at the Marangu Hotel, "once we’ve showered and have a nice drink in hand," Don mused. "Man, everyone stinks!"
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(NB: Weather conditions may impact the team's schedule. All dates and times noted are given in Tanzania time unless otherwise noted.)
