Team Kili Update - June 23

Because the internet connection on Mt. Kilimanjaro is not strong, many of the updates may be relayed by voicemail.

Blind Climber, Tom Hicks, left a detailed voicemail about the climb on Day 1.

The first climb went very well! There were no injuries and everyone is doing great. Team Kili began the trek through shambas and montane rain forest and ended at the Machame Campsite (9,840 ft. / 2998 m). It took a total of 5 hours and 45 minutes, a total time that Guide Kevin Cherilla was very impressed with! The trail began, what Tom described, as a 4-wheel drive road, then narrowed and the team was hiking in a single file line. There were many rock steps and it was extremely vertical...3,800ft vertical, that is. Tom described the day as challenging and it seemed to take a really long time. After the long day, they settled at the Machame Campsite for a late dinner of soup, hot tea, pasta with vegetables and potatoes. He mentioned that everyone was so tired and exhausted that some members of the team were falling asleep during dinner. It was cold and wet, so they changed into dry clothes and were settling in for the night of sleep. Although, long and challenging, Day 1 was great!