Hugh and I carried an extra camera so we would be certain to capture this momentous experience. At the summit, we used the backup camera. Without thinking, we took the flash card out of the camera and inserted it into our everyday camera. Sadly, this wiped out all the images we took at the top. We were left with this one—and our memories.

The hike, until we got to Lava Tower, is somewhat of a blur for me. The campsites are not distinct in my mind’s eye. Fear ruled the early days of the hike: “Would I make it?” I told myself the first few mornings, “This is just one foot in front of the other. You can do this.” I entertained myself along the way with the sights and sounds of Kilimanjaro.

I loved listening to our porters and guides chattering at night in Swahili. I remember stopping and listening to the sound of the mountain one day—realizing it had been days since I had heard a mechanical sound. On arriving home, the sound of the refrigerator initially woke me at night.

On the last day of the hike, we were treated to a song by our porters as a way of thanking us for their tips—their way of expressing gratitude for the mountain that provided them with income. Tanzania is a very poor African country, and the guides are considered among the better off.

When I left, I gave my hiking boots to the porter who carried my backpack off the mountain as I dealt with uncooperative knees. I told Hugh to take note—there was a strong message in my giving away my hiking boots.

He ignored the broad hint, so although I’m still not a hiker, I hear Hugh wants to do a hike in New Zealand and around part of Mont Blanc. Sounds like I’ll be visiting REI again… I did tell my daughter not to marry an Eagle Scout. No one had warned me, so now I know about hiking boots and how to fit a backpack to your body. (Julianna is clearly a five-star hotel girl.)

To anyone thinking of doing this—GO. Go for the experience. Unlike me, I clearly went for the certificate. Anyone going who has questions can email me; please put Kilimanjaro in the subject line.

After the hike we went on safari. Of the two, it would be the hike I would repeat.