DAY EIGHT - THE SUMMIT (19,340 FT)

I woke up easily at 4:00 filled with excitement - today is the big day! 


Dressing for total warmth, I donned 2 long underwear, trekking pants, fleece and parka, buff, lumberjack hat, gloves and mitts and 2 pair of socks.....I was so laden down, I could barely walk...but, warm I shall be!


After a breakfast of porridge and eggs we left camp at 5:30.  It was very very cold and dark.  My porter was Ignace and he stayed behind me during the entire ascent carrying my water and backpack.  About a half an hour into the climb, my hands were freezing.  Libby went into my pack and found some hot shots, which really made a difference.  He helped me on with my mitts and with stringing my poles over my hands so that I could get a proper grip.  I was so very grateful.


We climbed steadily for about 5 hours and stopped along the way to watch an outstanding sunrise.

    STUNNING VIEW OF MT. MAWENZI AS WE CONTINUED OUR ASCENT TO THE SUMMIT

DAWN IS BREAKING

It was definitely our toughest day yet, as we slowly wound our way up over the rocky outcrops and scree.  It was very hard to catch my breath and we thankfully took many breaks along the way.






                                                       STEEP AND ROCKY TERRAIN







                A MUCH NEEDED BREAK - OUR GUIDES, PERSONAL PORTERS AND US.











                                                        AN EXCITING DAY!

By the time we reached the crater rim and Stella Point, it was very foggy and we weren't able to see much of the landscape.

                                  VINCE, NIVES, ME & FRIDTJOF AT STELLA POINT

I was pretty exhausted at this point and not that interested in the boxed lunch that was provided.....but I made an effort and ate a few items knowing that I would need the strength to continue on to the final push.  We rested for about 45 minutes and I rallied with renewed energy and inspiration.


We continued along the rim of the crater catching glimpses through the fog of the amazing "snows of Kilimanjaro" and the actual crater hole.  Proceeding ever upward, the fog finally lifted and I was awestruck at the beauty of the glaciers - I've never seen anything like it before.  The glaciers were to the left of us and the crater to the right - another incredible view and very dramatic. 




   AS WE WALK ALONG THE RIM OF THE CRATER, THE GLACIERS ARE TO OUR LEFT

                                  MORE DRAMATIC AS THE SKY BEGINS TO CLEAR

                 
                THE SNOWS OF KILIMANJARO ARE SLOWLY EVAPORATING AND IT'S
                ESTIMATED THAT THEY WILL BE GONE WITHIN THE NEXT 25 YEARS.

We trudged along ever so slowly - it began to snow again as we made our way to the summit........






                                       NIVES & VINCE LEADING THE WAY

                                       
                                                IT FELT LIKE I WAS BACK IN MANITOBA!!

                                                          ARE WE THERE YET???

After about an hour or so we  finally reached Uhuru Peak (Uhuru means "freedom" is Swahili) - the highest point in Africa .  WE MADE IT! 




                                                                       TA - DA!!!!!!

Everyone was cheering and hugging - all the crew - even Method who has been with us all the way and so very quiet gave me a big hug and congratulations.........it was so emotional.......all these months of planning and training for this very moment of achievement.....unbelievable!


                 


                                    METHOD & ME - HUGS & CONGRATULATONS

AN EMOTIONAL MOMENT WITH SOUL SISTER NIVES 









We took lots of pictures of everyone with  the AOS banner.  I found a nice spot for the Manigotogan, Bayfield and Topham rocks.  I went a little distance beyond and found a stone to place the plaques for my dad and brother.  

BANNER MADE BY THE CLIENTS AT THE MCCORMICK HOME ALZHEIMER OUTREACH SERVICES PROGRAM.  VINCE, NIVES, FRIDTJOF, ME AND LIBBY

THESE ARE THE STONES FROM MY DEAR FRIENDS JOHN & MARILYN.  ALSO STONES THAT MY NIECE SHAWN COLLECTED FROM MANIGOTOGAN, MANITOBA AND BAYFIELD, ONTARIO.

   THEY NOW HAVE A NEW HOME ON TOP OF MT. KILIMANJARO

                           FOR MY DAD AND BROTHER WHO ARE ALWAYS IN MY HEART

In 1992 I climbed Mt. Batur in Indonesia with my son Wade.  Mt. Batur, like Mt. Kilimanjaro is on the equator, although not nearly as high.  When we reached the crater rim, I took a picture of Wade from behind, standing tall with arms outstretched, embracing the world.......Wade, my son - here's right back atcha!


                                             EMBRACING THE WORLD ON KILIMANJARO!

Coming down was quick - it took about 3 hours, sliding most of the way on loose gravel.  It was hailing and snowing - my gear and clothing were soaked through (never to dry until we returned to the hotel two days later). Very very cold and wet.  My right knee was quite sore by the time we arrived back to camp.






                                                              COMING DOWN!

But......I felt really good on the summit.....no ill effects and I was happy to take the time I needed to finish my "to do" list.  When it was time to leave, I felt like a piece of the mountain belonged to me.  It was an incredible feeling.....everyone was feeling elated and joyous....we really did it!