Our Amazing Tanzanian Honeymoon continued

Trip Summary continued

Day 9 - October 9 - We continued up the alpine desert and after a 1 hour 20 minute trek, we reached Arrow Glacier Camp (elev. 16,100 ft). It was a short hike which allowed us to spend the rest of the day acclimating. We spent the afternoon admiring the Western Breach and also sorting through our bags since not all the porters were continuing up. We would meet with them at a later time. Everyone started referring to Frank affectionately as "Babu" ("grandfather"). John & Kathy were kind enough to let us borrow their satellite phone so I was able to surpise my family and call home.



Us in front of the Western Breach we would soon be climbing.

Me looking out at the clouds and Mt. Meru.

Day 10 - October 10 - A definitely challenging day that started at 6 a.m. and continued for 9 hours until we reached Crater Camp (elev. 18,750 ft.) in the summit zone. It was challenging physically, mentally, and emotionally but all I had to do was remember "pole, pole." Spiritually, with every step up the steep Western Breach, I thanked God, my guides (both here on Earth and elsewhere), my body, my mind, and my Michael. When we made it over the breach and saw Furtwangler Glacier, I couldn't help but cry!!! Our group, though tired, were excited to see more and took the scenic route to camp so we could see the ash pit in Reusch Crater.





We finally reach the crater with the help of our guides.

The ash pit in Reusch Crater.




Me freezing with Furtwangler Glacier in the background.

Michael also freezing his "taco" ("butt" in Swahili) off.

Day 11 - October 11 - WE DID IT!!!! Another early start at 6 a.m. but this time much colder (14 degrees Fahrenheit). After an 1 1/2 hours trek, we made it to Uhuru Peak at 19, 340 feet!!!! It was breathtaking!!! Our whole group made it!! What a surreal moment! Soon after, we started our long descent down to Mweka Camp (elev. 11,000 ft) located once again in the heather zone. My knees were killing me! Michael, however, enjoyed skiing on the scree.




Our whole group makes it to 19,340 ft!!

Descending in the scree.

Day 12 - October 12 - Our descent continued and my knees continued to bother me, so much so that I was the slowest in the group. But after 3 hours I was quite happy to see Mweka Gate (elev. ~4,650 ft). We had our last lunch together followed by a little ceremony where we were presented with our certificates. All of us were sad to say good-bye, and a few of us got teary-eyed. We were all taken back to "the real world" and to our different hotels. Michael & I went to the Impala Hotel. I don't remember ever being so filthy and enjoying a bath as much as I did that afternoon!




Some local kids cutting the grass.

Nickson leads the others in a celebratory song.

Day 13 - October 13 - Michael and I caught an afternoon flight to the island of Zanzibar. We went to the famous resort of Ras Nungwi.

Days 14,15,& 16 - October 14 thru 16 - We spent the next few days recovering on the white sands reading and sleeping. Ras Nungwi was beautiful but didn't quite live up the the reputation we had heard. I have to admit I was a little disappointed by the experience. Though the people at the resort were all friendly, they just weren't efficient.



Soaking up the sun.

Michael looks for hermit crabs and other critters.



Toddlers in the village of Nungwi.

Time for some R&R.

Day 17 - October 17 - We checked out of Ras Nungwi and spent a few hours walking through Stonetown before catching an evening flight to Dar es Salaam. From there, we caught a late flight back to Amsterdam.

Day 18 - October 18 - We arrived into Amsterdam and caught a flight back to Seattle. Despite our wonderful adventure, it was good to be back to home sweet home!!

Some great websites that I used at the time of travel:
www.thomsontreks.com - a website by Thomsom Safaris specifically for the Kilimanjaro trek.
www.africatravelresource.com - a great resource for finding out places to stay in Tanzania, how to prepare for a Kilimanjaro climb, and even finding out some local history.
www.gardkarlsen.com - another great resource on how to prepare for the climb. A very nice guy who answered some of my questions.

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