The rooftop of Africa – Uhuru Peak (Uhuru means freedom)

Hugh and I carried an extra camera, so we would be certain to capture this momentous experience.

At the summit, we used the back-up camera. Without thinking, we took the flashcard out of the camera and inserted it into our everyday camera. Sadly, this wiped out all of 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 camp sites 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 the sounds of 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 hear a mechanical sound.  On arrive home the sound of the refrigerator initially woke me at night.

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 their gratitude for the mountain which provided them 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 that carried my backpack off the mountain, as I dealt with uncooperative knees. I told Hugh to take note – that 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 Mount Blanc.  Sounds like I’ll be visiting REI again…  I did tell my daughter not to marry an Eagle Scout, that 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 that 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.