I am writing this just less than 24 hours from when I crossed at Marangu gate back into “real life.” Currently I am sitting poolside at the Sal Sanero Hotel in Kilimanjaro and listening to awesome 90s ballads (currently playing “When a Man Loves a Woman” by Michael Bolton) hoping that the masseuse will show up for massages this afternoon. There is a lot to be said about my Kilimanjaro experience that will be written here in the coming weeks. For now, I wanted to let everyone who isn’t on FB and may be following along that I made it back safe and sound (and also a day earlier than I expected as I learned on day 1 that we were doing a 6 instead of 7 day trek).
The only way I can summarize the experience is to say that it was a once in a lifetime experience. Summit night is one of the hardest things I’ve ever done. EVER. Physically, emotionally, psychologically etc. In a way I am still reeling from the experience and wonder if my toes will ever look the same considering the gigantic blisters I have on both big toes. For now enjoy this image of sunrise off the glacier between Stella Point and Uhuru Peak. More to come.
You amaze me!
I’ve really enjoyed reading about your experience, I stumbled on your blog after recently setting up a kilimanjaro trip for September time with a few buddies. As you can imagine, I’m looking forward to the experience. So much so, that I don’t think I’ve stopped reading about Kilimanjaro for the past few weeks haha. There’s a lot more to it than just the climb.
After reading about how mentally and physically intensive it can be, I’ve got myself on quite the fitness routine in preparation. I just hope I’ll be fit enough when the climb comes around. I’d also love to interact with some of the locals, possibly do some charity work. I think it’s something that everyone should do while visiting Kilimanjaro.
Good luck with your climb! I’m glad you’ve enjoyed reading my accounts. The best fitness routine I can recommend is a stairmaster with a steep incline. Don’t go very fast but hold your breath for 30 seconds at a time. Okay, we made that up but I’m pretty sure it would work. đŸ˜‰
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