The decent

Good Morning!

I didn't want to leave.....It's time to get down. The sun has now out in it's full color, it's actually warming up!
We make it back to Stella point, and WOW there are so many people coming up!
Several pictures stay in my mind....I saw at least 2 women, and one man literally being carried on either side by porters. I understand wanting to make it but is it worth it?? Remember I discribed how cold and windy, she crests the mountain, and her face is a pasty grey white, her lips are large swollen and blue! I encourage her that she is almost there....she looks right thru me. Andrew says"If she was his client she would be going down"! Several more looking dazed an empty....are they enjoying the Journey??

We take a few more pictures at Stella point, and we begin to make our way down...It is SO step and the ash and rubble are about a foot deep.... I have to say now that I can see "I don't like it!"
I try to go fast but just can't make myself....Andrew who is usually very careful says we are "going together".
He takes a trek pole, I take a trek pole and we hook arms.....There is no POLE-POLE going on now...
I love to climb mountains but the decent  is very hard  when it is so steep! Everyone is running down this mountain...why?? I later learned you come down as fast as you can, so you don't get sick, ok if THEY say so?!? As I shared we hang on too each other and run and slide...the dust covers me...even my tongue is slick from the dust!
It's finally warming up, the sun feels so good!! There is a girl the we keep leap frogging, she is very exhausted and freezing still, her porter doesn't seem very supportive...It makes me so thankful to have Andrew as my guide, He is very caring!
As we slide down about 2 miles, we finally get a rest...we can see base camp! We share a Tatanka bar, My stomach is definitely not ready for food!

It took 6 hours to get up this mountain, and we are almost to be down in 2???

The story continues one step at a time From the Top!!
Marcy

More thoughts from the Top!

No other words....Thankful and Grateful, this was the devotion my sister read on summit day...this is not a coincidence.. I think it's a Godcidence!!

... I am all about you, to bless and restore. Breathe Me in with each breath. The way just ahead of you is very steep. Slow down and cling tightly to My hand. I am teaching you a difficult lesson, learned only by hardship.

Lift up empty hands of faith to receive My precious Presence. Light, Life, Joy, and Peace flow freely through this gift. When your focus turns away from Me, you grasp for other things. You drop the glowing gift of My Presence as you reach for lifeless ashes. Return to Me; regain My Presence.

We had been trying for the last 7 days to get some kind of communication with family, when I got down from the summit 4 texts also came thru, nothing else came in or out except people who love me came thru!!!

As I have shared I took many things from home to summit with me. My home and community mean so much I wanted to share this experience! We also prepared "Weapons of Rebellion" things in my life that hinder my progress forward, or at least put a road block in the way of my journey....I worked on my rebellion from October until now...I wrote them down on index cards so I could bury them up there, because of time, and excitement that did'nt happen. So I'm making a concious effort to bury them now!
Mount Kilimanjaro or Uhuru is it's true name...it means "Freedom", Tanzania was liberated in 1961, the people became free!
While I was on the Top, I thought of my Dad, Mom, Doug, Deanne, and Mike...and most of all my son Michael!

I can remember my thoughts so well...I hope Michael is proud of me! I know it sounds crazy but I could "feel" the love and support of my family and friends it was almost physical!

20 minutes or so go by up there and Andrew is anxious to get me down...I look Long and hard to remember in my minds eye the Miracle of His creation! I also want to remember the Victory! We begin the descend....It's so much easier because first the sun is out, even though it's windy and cold it's bearable:)

The story continues one step at a time from the Top!!

Marcy

Headed to Barafu

Good Morning everyone...I just want to say Thank you for all of your kind words, and interest in my story. It has been such an amazing journey I just HAVE to share!

We start the day with a beautiful sunrise! As I said in Karangu I'm excited ,scared,anxious all rolled up into one! We hike thru more Heath and Moorlands, this was definitely one of my favorite days!!
We reach Barafu early, about 12ish, the wind is really cranking:) but I have to say this is my favorite camp, cause it's at the base of the most beautiful mountain!!
Kristi and I both going thru some emotions but we both are doing good. Andrew has us come to cook tent for lunch, it was to windy to put up our dinner tent. So we get to hang out with the guys.
We do our health check, Again my oxy level is low 87/90...I must be anxious. My heart rate is never high:-)
We go thru the regime of questions, Last pee(was it clear), nauseous,headache(so thankful I don't have a headache today),
Faustine fixes us a curry vegtable stew...I have to say with nerves, and 6 days on the mountain the food is starting to make me nauseous...Andrew says we have to eat or we don't climb...never been forced to eat before:)
When we arrived at Barafu we packed for the summit push...I also have gotten in the habit of putting ALL my clothes, phones and cameras in the sleeping bag with me, to keep warm. We have had a terrible time keeping our batteries up. If I could give anyone advice take LOTS of extra batteries.
We do have a solar panel that as been keeping my phone charged. So we spent the afternoon in the cook tent with the boys. I'm taking several things from home to the summit so they are very curious. I'm taking a EP News, they got a kick out of seeing the pictures in the newspaper. We also played around with my phone, they Loved looking at all my pictures and videos of my home and family. We got alot of laughs that afternoon. I am also taking a Rotary hat with my Interact pin, and Paul Harris pin. I tried to explain what Rotary is...My mom also sent me two heart necklaces one says daughter, and the other mother. Victor is so sweet to me, my necklaces got tangled alot so he would take them off, untangle and put them back on for me! I'm also wearing an Ed's Cantina shirt.
Andrew wants us to rest so we get into out tent, we put on eyemask, and ear plugs, the wind is SO strong and loud. Wake up time is 10:00 p.m. Of course I did not sleep but I did rest. Oh my gosh did I mention wind!! at 10 it is so strong you can hardly stand up, and it's COLD! The bathroom if you can call it that, was perched on the side of the mountain, hanging over the cliff...we decided to go for the rocks again.
We had quite the commotion in the tent, and both very anxious. When you have so many clothes on it's hard to move and harder to "pee"!! We did bring a pee bottle if it was to cold to leave the tent...
Niko brings us hot tea and cookies, I can hardly get anything down. I could not find my Baklava so was very cranky...and it was in my pack the whole time...so I was able to wear it, don't know why I got so excitiable..
Before we know it Andrew is saying "twende, twende! It means ready....Again I can not stress the wind is incredible, loud cold and a very dark night.

We are out maybe 10 min and Kristi is not doing well....We pray, and see the next steps...should I go on without her, I was torn but the summit is right in front of me...Andrew is anxious to go and so am I we headout with mixed emotions. We both have headlamps on, and stay close together, I realize in all the confusion I did not take my diomox, I'm afraid to tell Andrew for fear he"ll make me go back...hope I have enough in my system for 19000 ft. We get to a wall that has to be climb, my heart rates sky rockets, I'm really scared. There is a women having a panic attach and crying being brought down. Andrew trys to calm me, we make it to the top of the wall and again another women is crying and throwing up, two men are carrying her down too....I can't breathe, I'm paniced but moving....
The story continues one step at a time to the Top!
Marcy

Karangu Camp

Good Morning!

Karangu camp 4250m (13,944ft) alt gain 60m (1962 ft)
Arrived at camp a bit tired but still excited to see what is next! This was suppose to be a short day...but it did'nt feel like it! When we arrived the clouds were low and dense but as it cleared "she" was so beautiful and alluring! I have to continue to pinch myself and say wow I'm on the side of Mt Kilimajaro!!
Kristi and I have both been amazed by the scenery we have seen!
Andrew and Justo have taken such tender care of us, they do their jobs well!
I can't say enough about the crew!

We arrived around lunch time, of course a wonderful meal, and then we climb into our warm sleeping bags and rest until 4:00 for another UP climb to acclimatize.
Andrew comes to get us and I'll be honest we were both alittle cranky after getting warm and sleeping!
We climb about an hour....Pole-Pole, so slowly, this really tested me:) These words will ring in my ears from now on hiking!

We come down and watch the sun fade, so beautiful! Niko brings hot water to wash up, We have been using ALOT of wet wipes so I think the guys think we don't wash:) Andrew actually reminds us to wash our butts:)! Dinner is served. Our health check is good, my oxyen level dropped to 87/105 for the first time and my pulse was really high for me, but still feeling good! I really did'nt feel anxious but must have been.
Another bathroom story, the outhouse is a ways away so we again improvise with a large rock behind our tent....remember I shared privacy is limited, well another hiker decided to use the same rock:) We had to laugh over that one! Modesty out the window!
Off to bed and a bit of reading, as I read my devotional one of the sentences caught my eye in big bold letters..."He is rich who is satisfied with what he has". Wow this rang SO true, I'm so rich, and blessed!

I have to say these 4 days on a mountain (even Africa in general) has really stretched me and shown me how strong I can be. We get so used to our comforts we don't realize whats OUT here in our world!
Up early and preparing for day 5 Barafu....we will be pushing for the Summit tonight, scared, anxious, excited all wrapped up together! Oh how I wish I could call home and share!

The journey continues one step at a time, see you at the Top!
Marcy

The Wall

Good Morning!

As we start the day, the sunrise was absoulutely stunning...the wind blew so hard last night I did not sleep much, but when I peeked out the tent...WOW! What a Gift to wake up too!
We begin the prep for the day, it's very cold. It's not that we are not used to cold living in Colorado...it's just 24/7 in it is hard:)
The morning is filled with excitement for the "Wall" little did I know this would stretch me today...
I have taken pictures and videos but never in my did I realise the "climbing we would be doing until I'm on it!

Andrew wants us on the trail by 8:30, we are waiting for them to get started...:)
The camp breaks down fast so we are off. Andrew goes first, then Kristi, and I. Justo brings up the back.
We start climbing and now I KNOW what climbing the 'Wall" meant. I have my light golves on because the rocks are very cold! As we progress up the wall, the Porters walk around...they are so sure footed, amazing! Again they are all carrying 30 to 60lbs!! The guys are constantly telling us "pole-pole"...they don't have to worry I'm not into FAST on this part:)
We get to a photo spot and I shoot base camp...is it really that far down there?!?
We get to a spot where Andrew shows us how to maneuver...you go around the rock slowly, hug the rock, and then kiss it....Of course I get a LITTLE anxious, and end up taking my pack off to make it. People climb rocks all day long...just not this person:) Give me a 20 mile trail any day, just don't put me on exposed rocks!
Ok enough complaining I think you get the picture! We make it to the top of the wall and I am overjoyed!!
The view of Kilimanjaro is spectacular...so maybe it WAS worth it!
We stop for a snack and break...Oh how I wish I had more food to give away, so many porters with so little...
We look across the valley towards Karangu camp, it looks so doable after what we just accomplished!
The Diomyx is REALLY kicking in today....every other rock"peeing"! The bad part is there is just NOT much privacy:-)!

We make it to the valley and see Karangu....But you can not believe the VALLEY we have to go down and then come back up....very dry loose rumble, not easy to go down, our toes are sore after this one!
Then we make it to the bottom of the canyon...NOW up again, but I would rather go up any day than down such steep grades!
The porters actually have to go down and back to camp for water....
We make it to Karangu Camp we think around 2....of course our snack is ready and waiting. The clouds are low and it's cold...so hot chocolate tastes great!!
We get to rest for a few hours before we up climb again:)

The story continues one step at a time to the Top!!

Marcy

Baranco Camp

Enjoy!!

Headed down from Lava Cliff's 15,000 ft, we will be sleeping at Baranco 13,000ft...
After an amazing time at Lava we head off for camp..
sun and clouds today, but every where you look it's beautiful...I mentioned we are both taking, Malaira,Dyomox,Potassium...the side effect of the Dyomox is constant "peeing" and I do mean CONSANT!
Justo and Andrew both are reminding us to "drink,drink"! 3 to 6 liters a day:)....

I can not stress the strenghth and stamina of the Porters...we brought alot of snack food, and have given away almost all of it...I wish we had 10 times more! The porters have loaves of white bread that they eat:( They wear hand me downs such as..."Hello Kitty, women's pj's and a childs sweat shirt, shoes and boots that are too large, or even sandals?? Have I mentioned how Blessed we are!!

We make it to Baranco Camp at approx 3:30, signed in at Ranger station. This camp seems much smaller than Shira, but the view is breath taking!!
We washed up, found the bathrooms...they look nice but really just a "hole"...
Niko has a snack set up for us in the dinner tent...Popcorn and warm peanuts:) again I can't believe how many calories I am consuming I feel like I am eating way too much! Faustine then feeds us AGAIN! He really is a very good cook, Kristi thinks he needs to move to Estes and open a resutrant:)
We have really been missing communicating with family, so we plugged my cellphone  into the solar charger, and I tried sending a message...sent a text to my sister DD, it appears to go thru...even though I can't get anything back it feels so good to see 'SEND"!
Once the phones die we don't even know what time it is...

Andrew comes to have dinner with us, it was fun to visit and learn more about his culture.
We went through our health routine, I forgot to write down my oxygen level but I know it is in the 90's
It is extremely cold and windy at this camp! So we make our last trip to the "hole" and settle in.
I have resorted to ear plugs due to the wind and chatter...but still heard the cook tent tossed about from the strong winds!
Looking forward to tomorrow...The" Wall", little did I know what that really meant....I am a really good hiker but rock climbing is NOT my expertise:)

Headed to Baranco Camp

Good Morning!

Did not sleep well after our"lost in the dark" evening but rested and ready for an amzing and Looong hike to Baranco camp! Every day has been a "Gift" unwrapping it has been so exciting!
Our devotion for the day was so appropriate!
JUST ENOUGH...
Seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all things shall be added unto you.
Math 6:33

Ok...up at 5:00 to prepare....I have to say stuffing a sleeping bag in to a stuff bag is excersise in its self:-)
(thanks Rob for the bag!) I'm not complaining(sort of) it has kept me very warm!
We get our bags packed for the porters to carry for us....and I think i have worked hard stuffing!! They are the most amazing guys..can't share that enough!
Andrew always gives us the itinerary and wants us to be up and ready early so we can be first on trail...they had no idea they are hiking with me, up early and ready to GO....
So Kristi and I are always waiting for them:)
Breakfast, and health check.

We get on the trail with Justo...Pole-Pole...we are beginning to hear these words in our sleep!! It means slowly-slowly! This has been hard(painful) for me, those of you who know me as a hiker know what I am talking about...
Ok the morning is spectacular, we dressed very warm, and 15 into the hike we are shedding clothes.
We are headed for Lava Cliffs today, it will be on of our highest points, over 15k ft!! I'm SO excited!
As we hiked today the weather changes dramatically, we shedded clothes, then the clouds rolled in and we added clothes, even though in some of these photos I look like a "hot" mess, I'm so glad I brought all I did.
I get cold easy...
We make it to Lava Cliff...STUNNING!!! Clouds are low, but then open up, spectacular view of Kili!!!
My heart is racing, I can SEE myself on the summit! We take lots of photos, have lunch, and then on to Baranco camp...
It has been fun to get to know Andrew and Justo, they are terrific guys, and guides! I realize how blessed my life is...I have SO much! This trip is beginning to change me from the inside out...it's truly becoming a "Life Journey"!

WOW I'm over 15 thousand feet for the first time in my life!!

The story continues one step at a time to the Summit!!

Marcy