Category: Expert Insights

Jambao Dickson!! We were used to our wakeup call by now and it is now strangely missed (the tents and lack of showers less so!).

We were prepped for the walk ahead but in our head aware that this evening we would be woke to summit in the early hours….

Pushing the nervous excitement to one side and start looking for another item of Sarah’s that’s she’s misplaced in the tent in the few hours we have been in there sleeping we discuss and compare level of sleep to hours awake and what time we each went to the toilet and if anyone disturbed anyone lmao

The morning, for me, although a slight headache – was so different to the previous two days in a positive way! A few sips of water and it starts to lift already. We come out to breakfast.

Sitting at the breakfast table we learned that Cameron Spence had been ill in the very early hours- sickness and diarrhoea – not gonna lie he looked pale. Nat had another of my peppermint teabags and said they were her saviour and managed a bit of breakfast.

I was sitting next to cam and Sarah, silently thinking what if this isn’t altitude and we are all a struck down by a bug. I pushed this thought and pointless worry to the back of my head and tucked into my porridge, sure Dickson was putting more in each day and I struggled to eat the previous days amount each day. by day 5 I had ditched the peanut butter I was so excited about at the start and Laden the porridge and pancakes with lashings of brown sugar washed down with the sweetest pineapple or juiciest watermelon!!!

Mid way through, Cameron attempted to make a sharp exit out the tent – vomiting on the way out. Simon O went out to tend to him calmly- seriously nothing phases these guys. I tried to ignore what I had just seen- in the nicest way and tried to carry on eating. We noticed that Simon Kirby was looking at him food gingerly and was very quiet- he then informed us he was sick this morning …. He looked weak.

Stats done

And we all split to pack up and get on the path for the day. It still amazes me the strength of Cameron and Simon – they looked awful (sorry guys). Nat looking on the up that they all pushed on. Off we went.

The day currently in my memory is more of a blur than the others, is it because my drama etc was less or is it because in terms of walks etc it’s 2-3 days rolled into one?!? Who knows.

I just remember thinking the terrain is so different again- every day felt like we were somewhere different. The summit had been visible since we left the jungle on day 1 but never felt like we were on the mountain- if you look back at the pics, you’ll hopefully see what I mean- the pics from today I finally felt we were getting closer and it’s looked like we were so close to being on the monster mound dripping in snow we had been photographing!!!!!

The terrain today was crazy- so baron and desert like. Windy and I don’t remember being cold, but we are all so wrapped up (must have blocked that memory out lol) the wind was blowing grit and sand, swirling and you could feel it hitting your face- sharp on the sun and sunburned skin (and yet we used mountain grade factor 50!).

The pace slows

The pace was noticeably slower I felt, but natural, like it was just how we walked at this altitude without thinking. I don’t think I could have walked any quicker and was tough with the rubbish blowing across wind too.

We stopped for a short break and snacks, Cam and Simon, quiet, great that they hadn’t been ill again but just looked like they lacked lustre and just bloody pale… and they weren’t discussing Chelsea and Liverpool.

When we stopped, I felt the energy that was zapped when we were walking and fighting the altitude and sand returned and felt more like my old self. Barranco wall personally fixed me! Lol! Although altitude soon showed you who was boss if you tried to move quickly to go grab something from someone or trot a few paces to get something!! Such an odd feeling!

Back en-route we were chatting about our surroundings – it felt like we were making slow progress and I think it’s cause it was so vast, and you could see so far that there were few landmarks to reach. It felt like we had been dumped in the middle of the dessert.

This beast of a mountain was like no other- the jungle, craggy, giant lava rock formations that felt like the moon, Jurassic like crazy trees that looked like a pineapple mated with a cactus (yep!!! ) to today, the desert!!

Today, I don’t know if it’s the tiredness setting in- day 5 of walking for hours, altitude and broken sleep or the fact some of the team weren’t 100% but it felt quieter and I deffo noticed when walking it was more single file and more in your own head- yes, a team, the best team but having to push yourself and get yourself through.

Barafu Camp

We reach Barafu camp around 1.30pm. The tents felt so much closer together, placed strategically between gaps of rocks… just looked so different!

Very moon like, another strange terrain to the list! We put all our stuff in our tents and went for lunch- amazing again! Soup, a different soup each day and it all tastes so good!

Mark gutted that there’s no bread, he does love soup with his bread it’s entertaining to watch. Nat manages to eat well, and Simon and Cameron still look peaky but manage a small amount of food.

We had veg and potato type fritter/pakoras- they were amazing- although 2 bites and frustratingly I felt full!!! Simon took our stats, him and Pam calm the room without knowing.

Simon took Cameron outside and then Cam returned and then he called Simon, they were obviously discussing how they were – I felt worried for them – what if they were being told they could go no further- they returned and informed us they were going on, they had answered the critical questions appropriately and they had a plan. Sitting in the heat of the mess tent the view from either end felt like we had landed on the moon, rock and mist/dust/cloud, who knows,  were all we could see, surreal!

Unfortunately, the helipad (every camp had one) was in use – whilst eating and chatting we heard it landing and looked out and saw porters carrying who looked like another porter in a makeshift stretcher.

I turned away not wanting to see more, not wanting to know or see more, the helicopter isn’t good news on a mountain!

Pep Talk

We were asked to meet out on the rocks to discuss the night. Simon chatted briefly…. And handed it over to guys from Tanzania to explain- they begin with congratulating us- to reach Barafu camp we have all proved we are strong and able to attempt to summit tonight- this felt amazing to hear- these guys who are superhuman, who have done these droid times telling us we are strong!!!!

The 3 guys took it in turns to discuss what to expect, from temperature and kit, terrain and what happens if we aren’t well.

All of a sudden this felt very real- I had butterflies listening … this was serious. It’s all a little blur. I remember them discussing how to stop our water freezing by putting bottles in socks or blocking back into the tube of our camel packs … along with IF it was needed, we would leave the rest of the group and one of the team will bring us down and we wait back at camp.

I remember asking Simon, can we attempt again, or just one shot. That’s it in my head, this is happening. All these days of ups and downs there’s no way I’m not standing at the top and I want the whole team with me and I’m sure every single other person felt the same!

Summit ready

Porters would stay at camp and sleep with our belongings (holdalls) to keep them safe and the ones who could guide would come with us… It was more that 1:1 if I remember rightly.

About 3pm and we get sent to prep, chill, and maybe sleep. I packed my “summit “ motivation note off Eleri into my rucksack- they had become part of our morning ritual , and sharing its content with members of the team.

The tent was so hot in the mid-afternoon heat- so strange that it’s hot and cold at the same time!! I put an eye mask on and try to dose but I just couldn’t – filled with adrenaline and my mind racing and just awake as it was mid-afternoon.

I did take a few pics of Sarah – she amused me how she has fell asleep- look like a sniper had got her and then blindfolded her, Our alarm was set for 5pm for dinner- I have no pics of food or the rest of the night- think I was in serious mode!!!

Excitement or panic?

I went to the camp toilet tent, looked at my phone and saw I had signal. It’s such a moment when you realise, like excitement and panic. A message pinged through from Rob (asking for their group text of partners) if everyone was ok.

I didn’t think it fair to mention Simon, I know if it was me I wouldn’t want Rob to worry and didn’t want Simon’s wife to do the same. I messaged Rob saying we were all fine, I said I was scared, the helicopter was now on its third landing in as many hours!

I made a joke about sitting on the loo (who says romance is dead) but to be fair considering you’re on one of the biggest mountain in the world privacy is sparce as the landscape. So the loo was a handy space lol and just like that signal gone, so bloody frustrating but happy that one message had sent.

I trot off to the mess tent where we all eat, there’s an air of tension not with each other just I think nervous energy about the night to come . Cameron and Simon managed to eat a little , and just like that Dickson brought in our “hot babies” and we went off to bed.

Camp had a very different vibe as we packed ourselves off for the night. It was around 7pm and we were going to be woken at 11pm, hot drink, snack and hoping to start heading for the summit in the dead of night at 12/12.30am , the anticipation was palpable!

I remember saying to Sarah, can you believe we are here, now, summit night, we are going to do this. I asked her if she was scared, I took comfort that she said yep- me too! Bloody love this group. we have got this! 

HAKUNA MATATA!

I tossed and turned for nearly two hours getting stressed that I knew I needed to sleep, I dragged myself out the tent- not even as graceful as an eel(we had stupidly stacked all the bags in front of the door as we thought we were only in there a few hours so couldn’t possibly need the loo ).

I went out into the biting cold of the night for a token wee and settled much better and managed to drift off…

I’m not sure how much sleep we had, personally I felt like about 2 hours and the Dickson appeared. Not the usual 6am wake up- bizarrely 11pm.

The instant realisation that the night/day of what all this was for was here. It had an air of seriousness about it. Me, Sarah, and Toni sat up in the tent in our down bags, it felt cold and started getting ready. Bizarrely we could hear music, listening harder…. “Don’t worry, about a thing, cause every little thing is gonna be alright” sounds of bob Marley filled the tent.

Intrigued I poked my head out the tents where the porters slept had a little cluster of lights in the pitch black of the night with the sound of this coming from it … it made me smile, soothing in a weird way. We got ready for night and day and made our way to the mess tent for a drink, snack, and stats.

The tent was chatty but more so with nervous energy. I asked how Simon Kirby and Cameron Spence were feeling Cameron seemed perkier but not right, Simon still looked weak and was quiet.

He told me he would do his best for me and our team, I felt awful – it’s not about us – you do the best for you , no pressure but you have got this. I didn’t know whether to go hard and be like you have got this or soft and more you’ve got this far it’s an achievement (which of course it is!)

With our leaders Simon and Pamela happy, we left the tent for our rucksack and met in the corner of the campsite ready to go. I can feel the butterflies just thinking about it.

I had read Eleri’s card – dig deep, take in the sunrise and views, if I’m struggling, 20 steps and rest for 10. That sounds bizarre I know but honestly the pace! Humphrey felt my bag and said it was heavy, he took my two water bottles with my bed socks over them and put them in his bag to lighten the load, along with our charity flags for the summit.

He would keep them safe. He wrapped them around his body and zipped up his jacket. What they do is just amazing, they just want you to reach the top so much you can feel it .

Off we started

Single file, poles out, head torches on with Simon and Cameron at the front with the guide, Simon and Pam dotted in line – strategically placed, I’m sure. The other guides dotted about.

It was about 12.30am, Simon said not to look at our watches so I didn’t. I wouldn’t let myself! I didn’t want it to be soul destroying, this is it, enjoy what you can, be present and dig deep, I told myself. I felt surprisingly good, no headache, no aches, blisters , sickness. Fingers crossed it stays this way.

The first bit was a bit rockier and steeper out of camp than previous days, for obvious reasons and I’m sure the dark intensifies this.

We were told it’s steep, rocky and then after a while less so and then we zig zag up until we get to stella point, then a short walk from there around the crater rim to uhuru peak. The rooftop of Kilimanjaro, of Africa!

I WILL BE STANDING THERE! WE WILL ALL BE THERE!

The pace was slow and the group relatively quiet. You can see other groups doing the same walk at different stages as you see the little lights of clusters of headlamps moving across the black backdrop of the sky.

The nice thing was you could see nothing else, nothing to dread or fear on a way. Just one foot in front of the other and I have no timescale of how long until we reached the “zig zags”.

When we reached the zig zag path it felt like progress, tick, we have done the first bit, Simon and Cameron were doing great as were the rest of the group.

Toilet break was amazing, off me Lupe, Nat and I think Sarah trotted and almost huddled together in the dark to go it felt like it was getting colder. I suppose we are getting higher and it’s getting more into the early hours, I had all of my clothes on pretty much, I felt so bunched up and just had the waterproof in my bag. Thermal leggings, walking trousers and waterproofs and on top thermal base, long sleeve top, t shirt, fleece, down jacket and down gillet and then thermal buff and bobble had; like Joey wearing all of chandler’s clothes in friends. We did quite the line “could I

Be wearing any more clothes a few times”. The last layer outcome the big daddy gloves to go over my thinner pair- Humphrey helped me put them on. I remember looking at some of the guides – no gloves!!!!

Mood change

It’s strange, the terrain didn’t change then, nothing really was said, we just walked, paused and walked, everyone having their own battles. There are things I remember that happened but is that because not much else did, for hours!!!

I remember one of the guides whispering we were halfway, “yes, same again and we are done”, this is how I work when I train, and it totally helps to push me. I remember telling Victoria Brewster this and she was distraught, is that all, I felt bad, I thought it would help her!!! I kept it to myself after that. We paused and I needed the toilet AGAIN, you care less and less about carefully picking a spot. There will do! It was difficult with the layers and my fingers becoming useless. I managed and manage to get my thermals up, but struggled so got dressed by two porters after then like a child.

The next landmark

Breaking the slow gruelling pace- which felt like army torture, you know, something you see in SAS who dares wins, was that the mountain in front of us in the distance was turning orange.

Not long now and the sun would rise. I thought it was already beautiful, illuminating the base of the mountain. I remember Simon saying he anticipated we be at Stella point for sunrise- yes!!!! We can’t be far!

A couple more zig zags and we all halted, the sun rose in front of our eyes. I think we all got emotional. I cried, it was in amazement of what I was seeing but also what I was doing.

A realisation that I was summiting Mt Kilimanjaro and as the sun rose, like nothing I have ever seen or experienced and sadly possibly never will again. But I felt like it was rising beneath and around me, just spectacular. Like magic, as always Dickson appeared handing out mugs and filling them with hot water from flasks!

This guy! Hot water has never been so good, thawing out everything. And warming me up. Humphrey had asked for my phone when he knew the sun was rising. I’m forever grateful! For someone who takes a million pics I had no inclination to go through my million layers to find it and try and take a pic with my gloves on!!

These photos he has took are possibly my favourite of the whole trip- exclusive to us- our sun rise …. Everyone has seen the famous summit sign. He took a video, not only capturing the sky but everyone’s mood and emotion, I look like I am excited, happy, and crying – purely overwhelmed!

Digging deep

Mugs away and able to see the path a little now we continue on. We fall back in line. Mark is in front of me- he has his earphones in, quite funny but I remember his shouting “his heart was beating out of his chest” not realising he was shouting cause of the earphones he was in the zone.

His walking looked more laboured now and the slow speed taking its toll. I remember feeling great and talking to myself but equally breathing was still difficult, not able to fill your lungs properly- and was thankful for a rest every time someone paused.

I remember him stopping and trying to be sick, Pam slid in and we just passed him- I loved how there was never a panic or drama- it keeps things moving and calm- he wasn’t sick, he said it wouldn’t come he powered on, digging deep.

I remember thinking we must be near to Stella point. – the sun has come up and the zig zags kept coming, and the top never seemed to come – much worse when you can see.

Then almost in no time we approached Stella point- annoyingly the same sign as uhuru but with different words. We were there I think pretty much as a team. For a second, I thought it was uhuru and wondered if I’d missed Stella point- funny as I’ve read every kili book and I know what the drill is- but your mind plays tricks!!!

We had some photos and then started to move. The terrain was completely open and vast- you looked across the crater rim and you can see glaciers and in the distance the outline of the uhuru peak sign- it’s just there- let’s go! We seemed to disperse in this bit – each on a mission, having to dig deep and get through.

I don’t remember who was where, except Sarah was Infront of me – with a guide- I couldn’t see who. John was with me most the way I think at this point. Asking if he needed to take my bag, no I felt strong – it was just there!! And like a wave then you’d have to pause- it was exhausting but I am beyond proud of how I pushed myself mentally- almost talking and pushing myself. I imagined runs and how I felt at the end, I imagined calling everyone when I got down and saying I’d done it, imagined being at the top…. I remember him saying “pole pole (slowly slowly) you can do this you are strong. At one point I remember replying “I AM strong! .

Sarah was ahead of me still I felt lasting and like I’d catch her and be able to walk together but you feel like you’re treading water and can’t physically move any faster.

This was a solo effort- the last push and then we celebrate as a team. You’re so unaware of anything other than yourself and what’s immediately in front of you- I had no concept of where everyone else was…I saw two porters helping a man- normally that would worry me but I kind of noticed but moved on – awful really and I hope he’s ok- but

I was focusing on just getting to the top and no negativity or doubt was getting in- or I was deleterious and didn’t quite comprehend what I saw!

So I remember ranting and thinking – Simon this is NOT flat, feeling ever little incline and getting slower and having to pause more to try and get more air in. I’d love to see the elevation of that 45mins – it probably was flattish, and it was good old altitude again.

We are there!

Then almost all of a sudden, we were there- delirious and hugging each team member and porter. It didn’t feel like that was it, it was a strange feeling. I wondered off to take pictures of the glaciers to try and capture this amazing view.

I’m not religious but there’s was a heaven like, top of the world feeling for sure, but almost unable to absorb that! Sarah came over to me to take a selfie, moved me from by anyone and then gave me an envelope….

Rob had visited their house before we left and asked her to give me it at the top. My first words work I’m gonna kill him, knowing I’d blubber like mad and that I’d asked him if he was going to write me anything etc and he said no- but secondly how on earth did she

1. Remember to bring it 2. Not lose it. 3. Keep it from me and 4. remember to pack it for the summit… IMPRESSED! She wondered off and left me to read it.

That was another favourite moment, I could feel everything I read and felt like he was there looking at what I could see! It wasn’t too silly just how amazing I was and brave and he was proud of me and what I had achieved with wonderful friends and helping so many portly children at Birmingham Children’s Hospital- I felt absolute on top of the world – and I as good as was.

I took a little video capturing my emotion and surroundings- another fave- I wish I took more on the trip- they show anything much better than any beautiful picture! We were taking group pics for what felt like ages, half of them with the flags for the charity.

Humphrey handed them to me and we did some group shots. My fave pic is the one of me by myself and the group one with the porters and us – ONE TEAM – we screamed “Kilimanjaro” our faces, the relief, emotion, and passio. It’s having a place next to the sunset photo on my wall for sure!

I think we were up there half hour max and we had to go; our descent began. The views I. The daylight were spectacular other peaks glistening in the distance – beyond breath taking! It felt like no time, and we were back at Stella point- it felt like we were leaving the mountain and I remember not wanting to go!

All a blur

The next however many hours were a blur except I finally gave my bag up- which meant I along with pretty much everyone else hardly drank anything, it was soooo long- and the scree skiing… Now the latter was fun but exhausting. He came and asked me how I was feeling.

My reply “f@*$ed” but ok. He asked if my legs felt strong and I said yes. He told me to take his hand and lean into him and that we were going off the path, he pointed to the side where it looked like fine gravel and sand. I’d read about this in the books and Eleri had put it on my card- ski down it’s fun!! I wanted to try.

We were off, skiing through the mountain – a cloud of sand and dust all around us – it was exhausting. But so exhilarating and felt like we did it for an hour, it was probably minutes I know!!!

Lupe wanted to try and there was no porter close by, so he took the two of us we laughed and coughed at the dust- what an experience. When we were nearing the bottom of the slope we began to walk again, the group had split again. Different routes but also paces, I guess. There was a campsite in the horizon, I felt such an achievement – except it wasn’t ours!

Where is it!!

It felt like an eternity till we were at ours walking down so many “steps” and rocks, the sun was blistering my mouth full of dust and my skin-tight! We walked through so many camps it was like torture.

Rob Swindells had caught me up, we chatted about it. I asked about the comparison to Everest base camp which I knew he had done.

“So different to be honest – but this is nails” was his reply. We chatted and we are reminiscing and comparing the feelings of the last few hours and what we had done.

Finally

Eventually we arrived at OUR camp, looking around to see who was back and still to come. It was 12.30 in the afternoon. I felt hungry and thirsty but also beyond exhausted, we had had it drummed into us; you get to camp change your socks and your base layer minimum to stay warm and dry, but the thought of that effort was horrendous!

I crawled into the tent, Sarah and Toni already in there. We were told we had about an hour before lunch and then we would have to walk again.

I thought surely not, my toes were so sore from coming down and the heat. I wonder if we all cried, they would change their mind- was my actual thought. We tried to sleep but the tent was like a sauna! I lasted half hour and realise if I stayed in or slept, I know I would feel worse.

I climbed out for some fresh air and milled about chatting to those out. We discussed how we had never been so exhausted ever and how it was the hardest thing any of us had ever done – physically and mentally- and we had a team of all sorts of life from mountaineers, runners of all distances and paces, CrossFit, boxer etc, it really is unexplainable and uncomprehend able

We had all spoke about lunch. I was quizzing the porters – erm do you know what we are eating – everyone claimed not to. We were all sure it would be chips!!!!!

At 1.30 we all moved into the mess tent for lunch- not loud but a definite air of achievement- Simon did a little speech- a de-brief, we did it, and congratulations! He praised us, we cheered and ate…. It was not chips – Nat gutted as she’d missed them the other day- maybe at camp tonight for dinner??

The longest day in history, what felt like another day was about to start again …. Next post the ascent to camp post summit. We didn’t cry and Simon didn’t say we could stay at Barafu for the night. We had to leave and soon, it was about another 4 hours to camp.

I heard a noise in the distance, I was awake but couldn’t wake up, you know when you’ve been in such a deep sleep?! It was Dickson trying to wake us, he gently shook my feet I my sleeping bag, how was it 6am already!?!

He poured us some hot water and disappeared to the next tent. I turned to Sarah, we had both been fast asleep and for the first time since being on the mountain we had slept like logs and completely through, not even a toilet break!!

We got up for breakfast and resumed normal behaviour, changed, brushed teeth- chatting through toothpaste foam and spitting behind a rock.

Simon called us all round- we had been prepped at breakfast that it’s tradition that we thank the huge team of porters and give them their tips- was impressed that the envelopes of tips we all gave Simon and Pam before bed had been split accordingly to job roles into little brown envelopes- it highlighted how big the team was seeing all the little envelopes!

We huddled around a clearing in camp

Simon began a speech, I felt instantly emotional- team on side and porters facing, thanking them as without them this trip and our success would not have been possible. This could not be truer, and I personally will be forever grateful to every single one of them.

The process was translated for the benefit of those porters who couldn’t understand. We joked that this was because of Simon’s northern accent not because of their understanding English (not sure if Simon knows this).

Each porter in turn was called and took their envelope and came to every single member of the team and shook our hands and said thank you very much, ASANTI SANA!

It made me instantly emotional, trying to hold it together as I knew from books, I’d read what the tradition was coming next. It felt a little weird, them so grateful and polite and thanking us and I just felt like hugging each of them saying thank you.

I guess that’s what we did and showed our gratitude with the tipping process, but it felt a little uncomfortable and not enough as it went on- think that’s the British awkwardness cause it certainly wasn’t an issue.

Smiles and gratefulness

The porter who was translating did a little speech- he said that our generosity will help them feels their families- that’s it, I’d gone lol this was the reality, this was their work, the reason we all work, but it feel like they are so much more amazing, they kept us safe, and got us all to the top- one team!

Forever grateful to every single member, from the guy who sorted the toilet to the amazing cooks and the porters that broke down and set up camp (let alone carried it !) each day and the guides who whispered encouragement and were with us step by step to the summit the night before.

I felt like I didn’t want to leave them, can’t believe we had done this!!?

They began to sing, the same song from the morning of lava tower, it felt different, full of even more energy and a few extras added on. We all stood facing them still, filming, beaming, and enjoying their thank you, every single one of us overwhelmed and emotional, at what we had achieved, at these amazing people and that it was coming to an end.

When finished we cheered I felt so full- just totally over whelmed to be standing there with friends , having gone through all sorts the last week, only us having the memories and experience a long side new friends who we had out our trust in and they had not failed to deliver- it was such an amazing over whelming experience- I almost felt like the bus needed to be there and leave….. but nooo we had more walking to do – normal business resumes- but it had a buzz of energy around it .

A little “thank you”

We were allowed to give extra tips discreetly if we chose- when we thought about it where would we stop- hard when they all play a big part- but I did give a few special people who stuck out to me

Humphrey- without the hun summit night, Gabriel for helping on my meltdown/ill day, Dickson (well for being Dickson) the man is everywhere; serving food, getting you water, hot water bottles, waking you and bring hot water, even halfway to the summit and then smiley Shaban – I mean he carried my hold-all for a week! I said I wish I could give to them all, Toni reminded me that we had and that was the tipping process , oh yes but I honestly felt like I could never repay them for helping us succeed and for all they did

And just like that we were off again- a mud path descending down through the thick forest, and then thicker Into the lush jungle- the chat was full of energy- full bellies, good night sleep and the energy from the porter ceremony, we joked and chatted and reminisced.

Think it was about 3 hours. I did moan when we got to steppy bits- I thought this was done now as we got closer to the bottom the path widened considerably, I felt a pang of sadness like I wanted to go slower, it was coming to an end! I moaned that all I wants to see was monkeys in the jungle and I can’t believe I hadn’t properly seen any and a giraffe (this didn’t happen lol).

As if Kilimanjaro had wated to grant me one wish- there were rustles above- the fluffiest monkeys with bushy white tails like dusters- I tried to get photos but they were too high up, we spotted, 1, 2, 3 then 4…. we continued on down a different type of monkey swung from tree to tree- out came the cameras, there were a few- almost showing off to us – happy I had caught it on film, I wanted to send it to Sam- he’s always loved monkeys !!

Civilisation appeared

A rangers hut with some scales next to it, it’s how they weigh the porters in I thin!  Off Cameron went to weigh in, Simon commented about how it wasn’t meant for us and we’d be running from an angry ranger… not sure we’d be running anywhere lol!

A few others jumped on and we continued down the steep path towards the sign. The same as what we had seen each day at camp, relieved that we had arrived and was done for the days this sign there was joy and a little sadness it had come to an end.

We had a million pics, the team but our Birmingham Children’s Hospital t shirts on and had pics with the flags and some showing us walking and the names on our tops.

There was a guy selling cold drinks- coke out of glass bottles… most opted for a Kilimanjaro beer- delightful! Cheers! We sat on the wall chatting , had our boots washed for $2 (except Rob– he likes the dirt- we laughed but I get it, I feel sad there’s no trace of kili in my boot treads now – but we were thinking about our bags lol) we signed out – well I think I signed most of us out the park we jumped onto the mini bus and drove slowly out the gates- I felt so emotional watching the pyramid structure at entrance get smaller and then disappear.

About an hour in we had a scheduled stop for lunch- the same amazing cardboard box of delights that we had demolished on arrival was waiting for us on a shaded table surrounded by souvenir shops. The food was delicious, we swapped around snacks like you did at school.

I went to one side and called Rob. It was so strange and so nice hearing his voice for the first time, we both cried , I could almost hear the relief in his voice. You aren’t aware of what the people we left at home are going through or imagining.

We chatted, and I said I’d call him when we got back to the homestay. I joined the team in the stores. I bought a kili t shirt and a magnet. I was saving myself for the market and re visiting the African culture centre that we’d been to the first day- we had all agreed we were going together the next day, except for Simon and Sarah – they were jetting off to Zanzibar for a few days. Back on the bus and the journey seemed to take forever, me and mark took the last few selfies, we chatted about what we had done. nowhere near sunk in!

Path is starting to look familiar… we’re back in Arusha!

Driving down the dirt track (you think our pot holes are bad) to the homestay, we reached the gates and beeped to be let in. We parked up and our bus unloaded…. It felt so strange and sad, it was ending but almost didn’t feel like we’d done it – was it a dream lol!

We were greeted by the lovely owners of the homestay, with smiles, congratulations, and cold juice. We had the last few photos with the free porters who had a lift on the bus and just like that they drove away in the bus to their office and then I imagine home to their families who had missed them just like ours had. We waved and shouted goodbye and cried. We hugged and dispersed….

We were back where we started, having conquered the world tallest free-standing mountain, and stood at the roof top of Africa. Such a special place, that I know has a special place in all of our hearts.

We will all go back to our families and homes and work, normal lives resume- but I know it won’t be – this special place and adventure has done something to us all! The most amazing achievement and adventure and so so much more and for that, Mountaineerin Ltd (Pam and Simon) every person who stood with me at the top, Nat, Toni, Denbo, Mark , Lupe, Sarah, Simon, Victoria (T), Rob, Cameron and went through every step together- all of the porters.

And every person we have met along the way- I am forever grateful- I achieved my dream, but so so much more than that- that I still don’t even really know what it is and still can’t comprehend what we have experienced and achieved but I know a part of me is in AFRICA and a part of it is with me – just indescribable and for that all I can say is

ASANTI SANA …… x x x

The most amazing achievement and adventure and so so much more….

by Natalie Holdcroft.