Thursday October 2nd - Day 9 Millennium Camp to Mweka Gate 1,660m

So happy to be coming down and going home but another 6 hrs of walking - downhill this time! I felt surprisingly well recovered but I had had enough !! I learned last night that all but one of us had made the summit - what an achievement - we were very happy campers today. A lovely lunch in Moshi and sitting on plastic chairs felt like a luxury. Back at the hotel and a very welcome shower, starting to feel human again - dinner and then wonderful, wonderful bed.

 

 

 

 

Wednesday October 1st - Day 8 The Summit - Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak to Millennium Camp 3,730m

How to describe the enormity of exhaustion and endeavour on summit night is going to be difficult. I will never know how I did it but I did! We left camp at 11pm. Beginning our ascent in a long procession, following in each other's footsteps, It was a sight to behold as a long snaked formation of  trekkers wound their way up the mountain lit only by head torches. I kept up with everyone for a while but began falling back as my pace slowed. It got colder and colder. I was so cold that all of the water I was carrying froze and when I spoke my words were unclear and my face and eyes hurt so much from the freezing wind. The sun rose in the morning without much attention from me as I was so exhausted and cold but it was some help being able to remove the head torch and see the summit ahead. Jess and the doctor were behind me so I knew I was the last in our group. Jess was really suffering from the altitude. I looked up wondering how on earth I was going to summon the energy to climb the final stretch, but Marrow our guide was determined to get me there, telling me over and over again 'poley - poley' taking my arm and hauling me over large rocks and waiting patiently when I faltered and needed to rest. I was running on empty and the final ascent seemed to go on forever. I felt desperate and totally exhausted and was convinced I wouldn't make it -  but I did, I think Marrow must have dragged me over the last few yards. Jess declared 'you've done it' and I just collapsed on the ground and burst into tears. I was pleased to catch sight of Phil, but that was a brief encounter as he was very disorientated and collapsed in front of me.  A decision was made to get him down to a lower altitude as quickly as possible.  It was 9am when I finally summited, the sun was shining and the views over the glaciers were absolutely stunning. It had taken me 10 hrs. This meant that I was considerably behind everyone else and a decision was taken that two guides would take me down via a short-cut. I had no idea just what this would entail but I soon found out. They each took me by the arm and supporting me they began to run down the scree slope and just kept on going with me between them. I didn't think I had any energy left but we kept on descending for 2.1/2 hrs. Jess had gone on ahead and I had the doctor for company. It was a very hairy experience especially as it started to snow half way down. When we finally reached camp we had to immediately continue to the next camp. By the time we reached Millennium Camp I had been walking for 15 hours. Needless to say I staggered into camp and collapsed into my tent, wet through from the snow and exhausted, but happy in the knowledge that I had achieved my goal and I only had one more night to endure in the tent and the cold!

 

 

 

 

 

Tuesday September 30th - Day 7 Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp 4,600m

This morning we awoke to brilliant sunshine and breakfast out in the open air with the mountain in the background - stunning!! A short 4 hr trek to basecamp where we had lunch and then rested in our tents in preparation for the ascent to the summit at 11pm tonight. It is absolutely freezing! We have been briefed to be prepared for snow and temperatures of  minus 11 degrees. I am most worried that I have the right clothing to keep me warm. It is about 7 hrs to the summit and then we turn straight round and come back down as it is not good to stay for more than 5/8 minutes at such high altitude.

 

 

 

Monday September 29th - Day 6 Baranco Camp to Karanga Camp 4,100m

It is freezing and damp and my back is aching from all the stooping in the tent. I keep having to lie flat on my back for a few minutes for relief.  Today's walking was for a shorter time compared to the past few days but very, very hard again. Each day's difficulties are different. Today we climbed the Baranco Wall. It was really steep and a scramble all the way. I cannot believe that I actually did it. Today's highlight was chips for lunch!! We had rain this afternoon for the first time and those of us that were slowest got caught in it and arrived wet through with no means to dry our things out. Most of my gear was waterproof but my rucksack and gloves were soaked.  Fortunately Adam had a spare pair of gloves and even though they are massive on me they are dry. Climbing Kilimanjaro is one challenge but the freezing cramped conditions and basic facilities are an additional challenge all on their own - and I have a tent to myself!!

 

 

 

Sunday September 28th - Day5 Shira Camp to Baranco Camp 3950m

Up at 5.30 this morning for an early start. Slept reasonably well. No sun this morning, very overcast and cold with frost. ll hours walking today. If I thought yesterday was tough I don't know how to describe today. I just had no power in my legs and was soon lagging behind. Alain, one of the guides walked right in front of me setting a regular pace that I could manage. I couldn't have done it without him. We had lunch at the highest point today at Lava Tower where many were feeling the altitude, then dropped down to 15,000ft to camp. Jess and Bryson told us tonight that on their observations over the past two days there is no reason why we shouldn't all make it to the summit. I really don't know how I will after the last two days!! It was Dan's 50th birthday today and the cook made a birthday cake for him - amazing up here in the wild... ( A couple of quite poorly people tonight!!).

 

 

 

 

 

Saturday September 27th - Day 4 Machame Camp to Shira Camp 3840m

Up at 6am this morning, breakfast at 7. There was carnage in my tent sorting my bags!! A beautiful sunny morning with our first sight of Mount Kilimanjaro. Straight up and out of the rain forest - what a killer of a day! really difficult, climbing up rocks and boulders all the way. It was a scramble on all fours in many parts. I was soon lagging at the back with three others. The guides were fantastic pacing us and re-affirming  'poley-poley' and 'sippy-sippy to keep up our fluid intake. We climbed for 8 hours to 13,500 ft. I have never done anything as difficult in all of my life. Although I really struggled fortunately my headache and nausea didn't re-appear today and I did manage to eat a hearty meal on reaching camp. It has been beautiful and sunny and very hot today, with ever more spectacular views of Kilimanjaro. Tonight we were treated to songs and dancing by our crew and invited to join in - wonderful.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Friday September 26th - Day 3 Machame Gate to Machame Camp

Today was not tough terrain, it was a well worn path through fascinating rain forest where we were observed by Blue Monkeys. It was a long pull to our camp at 3,010m. I struggled at one point but a timely rest and a Snickers bar perked me up - 'poley-poley' thank goodness! We arrived at camp to popcorn, biscuits and ginger tea. Our tents are very small two man tents which you can't stand up in so I am feeling a little happier about having a tent to myself. It is very cold (and tonight is supposed to be our warmest) and I am feeling a bit rough with a headache and nausea. I struggled to eat dinner but I've taken some paracetamol and at 8.30pm we are all tucked up for the night. We have been warned that the altitude may make it difficult to sleep so it could be a long night! All you could hear during the night was the sound of tent zips as everyone made their way to the toilet tent at some point. It is freezing but the stars are amazing.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Thursday - September 25th - Day 2

Arrived Weru Weru Lodge just outside Moshi where we were greeted with a refreshing drink of Hibiscus juice just in time for lunch, followed by a briefing. There are 20 of us now in our group plus Jess our leader from the UK. It is a friendly group aged between late 20's to early 70's. Fred is the oldest and I think myself, Juliet and Jean are the next oldest! They all seem super fit! I'm a bit nervous about my fitness level, although I couldn't have done more preparation. I'm somewhat encouraged by the fact that our guide has emphasised that the way to conquer the mountain is to go 'poley-poley' (slowly slowly). They say they have a 98% success rate on their treks on this route. Everyone has been paired off but as there is an odd number and I am in a room of my own and will have a tent of my own. I'm a bit unsure about this I will miss the close camaraderie and bonding that developed between my and my previous trekking buddies Doris and Sandie!! Check out the photo of the door to my room below - I think there must be some very hungry termites around here !!

 

 

 

 

September 24th - On our way!

No more preparation - this is it - we are on our way at last. Pictured here at Wakefield Westgate are, from left to right are Adam, Fred, me, Juliet, Jean and Phil, all taking on this challenge to raise funds for Wakefield Hospice. A super group who were friendly and easy to get on with right from the off. Also pictured passing time in transit at Addis Ababa airport where they provided these great recliners for weary travellers!

 

 

 

Todmorden Edge

My final training walk with James and Frances and of course Bear. It was strenuous and the weather wasn't brilliant but we had a very enjoyable special day together. We misread the directions a couple of times so a 6.1/2 hr walk turned into 8 hrs!

 

Ladybower Reservoir and Win Hill

Only two weeks to go and John took me on an 8 hour trek around Ladybower and up Win Hill - A great day's walking with Bear too. He had a good time in the woods on the early part of the walk but had to be kept on the lead for most of the day because of the sheep. I've walked around here a few times and it never disappoints - this is my longest and toughest day though!

 

 

Yorkshire Sculpture Park

I am so fortunate that Yorkshire Sculpture Park is practically on my doorstep and Bear and I have walked to and around the park several times during this summer to keep up the training. Friends Sue and Carol came along in support too.

 

 

 

 

 

September - Conistone Pie

An 11 mile walk with Huddersfield Ramblers, who set a very fast pace. A perfect day for a walk in the Yorkshire Dales but not much time to enjoy the surroundings keeping up with this fit crowd - but again good preparation!

 

 

Open Air Theatre - George's Marvellous Medicine

A first for Woolley - A children's open air theatre performing Roald Dahl's George's Marvellous Medicine which was supported by the village and friends and family for an amazing event which raised £2,000 towards my challenge, and a brilliant time was had by all.