Back in Amsterdam

We arrived back in Amsterdam this morning from Arusha, Tanzania.  A long flight but it feels great to be back to the amenities we are accustomed to.  We now realize we take some simple pleasures like running water, and sit-down toilets for granted!

We leave tomorrow for Rome to meet up with Joan for a five-day tour of the Eternal City.  We plan to be typical tourists and see all the highlights as it is the first visit for Ally, Connor and Joan.  Looking forward to some pasta and vino!

We made it! Not an easy task. We are back here at the Arusha Coffee Lodge sharing some stories with Dean about the last 7 days...lots of laughs. We head off tomorrow for a 4-day safari to the Serengheti and the Ngorongoro Crater. Hopefully we see some "real"African animals because so far it's been chickens, goats, dogs and cows roaming the streets of their local towns and roadsides. "Asante" (thank you) for following our adventure,

Top of Africa!

Just a quick note that all of us summited Mount Kilimanjaro at 7:15 am local time. It was a VERY long day getting back to Barafu camp for a quick lunch and another 4 hour hike to tonight camp. We just figured ot we hiked 14 hrs since midnight. We are just getting ready for a spaghetti dinner in the mess tent, early to bed and a 3 hour hike out to the gates in the morning. Oh yes, forgot to mention that cold Coca-cola and Kilimanjaro lager is sold at this camp, so we are easing our way back to the real world.
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Morning Before Summit

We are just getting ready for a very long day. Breakfast then a 3 hour hike to Barafu camp which will serve as our base before we summit tonight (approx 5pm EST). We arrive at Barafu and organize all our summit gear. We will try and get a few hours rest before they wake us at 11pm (local) to have a "breakfast" before we begin the 6 hour hike to summit. We are all very excited for the next 24 hours.
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Lava tower with summit behind

Heading to Barranco Camp tonight.
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Made it to top of Barranco Wall

Not your average morning stroll! Two hours of clinging to rocks...fun! We have great guides. Thanks Dean, Godlove, "G", and Penda for keeping us safe.
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Resting at 3145 m on Day 2

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