Viewing Post for: Kilimanjaro Climb 2015

Date: Valentines Day, Saturday, February 14
Location: Karangua Camp, 13,200

Happy Valentines Day!

We all kicked____! Climbing Baranco Wall was a highlight! Good teamwork helping each other through the cliffs. There might have been a few who froze for a few moments stepping across the precipice. But with a little help from their friends, kissing the rock, all made it to the top.

At the moment sitting in the dining tent and waiting for lunch. Chipsis (fries today). Yeah!

This afternoon we have time for arts and crafts day. We are going to make Valentines Day. That depends some on the rain. We have shifted from dining tent where our bodies heat up the space into our 2 person tents. Rain is light.

From here we can see Moshi Town, 11,000 feet below us. Hoping for a rain bow.

Summit night is coming up late tomorrow Sunday night. All are a bit nervous. Lots of questions about how cold, how long, how hard, and inside "Will I make it?"

If you have never been to altitude it is hard to explain how it taxes you completely. It is different from a marathon. Besides just the physical strength it takes. you have to overcome potential headaches, stomach ache and lower GI issues. You body can feel lax all over. And it can be very cold. It is not like hiking at home where you can hike faster to warm up. You can only walk at a crawl. It will take 6 hours or more to cover 4,000 of elevation gain or about 1.5 miles. We go about 500 feet an hour.

So, all here are sending our loved ones a Happy Valentines greeting.

More tomorrow before our summit attempt.


Messages for this post

For: All

Reading this and wishing you all the best...live the dream!


Terri and Chris - 2/15/2015

For: Kris and Ben

By now you're almost there-so proud of you! The photos so far look amazing! Stay strong and enjoy every minute of it! Can't wait to hear about all your adventures--love to you both!


The Rowes - 2/15/2015

For: Ghionul

I think today is your big day, Ghionul - good luck! I'll be thinking about you.


John - 2/15/2015

For: Susie

So proud of you my friend and so excited for you too! Can't wait to see you all reach that summit! You are amazing, I continue to be in awe! Happy valentines day to you all, wishing you so much peace and love! Go get it girl! Love you!


Lisa - 2/14/2015

For: kris and ben

Omg you are almost there! what a tough goal but you guys can do it. You have worked so hard for this! happy valentines!!


di and bill - 2/14/2015

For: rick

Happy Valentines Day. From your other two wives!


lisa and lori - 2/14/2015

For: Susan Holmes

Thanks for asking, I am feeling much better and at Joe's watching the S.U. Duke BB game. Hope all is well and good luck Love, Tim


Tim - 2/14/2015

For: Kris and Benjamin

Happy Valentine's Day, although I suspect that was your yesterday, now that I think about it.... Grandma T called today for an update. So far, so good I told her. Hope that hasn't changed! We'll be watching/checking as the summit nears.... Excelsior!


Rich and Ian - 2/14/2015

For: Susan Holmes

Hi Susan, Glad to see your face,you look happy and tired..Happy Valentine's Day to you and to all !!! Your almost there...I will celebrate when I read you are at the "top"..Be safe and stay strong!! I'm so proud of you..Jeanne


Jeanne - 2/14/2015

For: Susie Z

Tomorrow is this big day! So proud of you- I know you can do this! I know it's hard, but I also know you... If anyone can rise to a challenge of this caliber it's you! Can't wait to see pictures from summit! Love you!


Maggie Rob & Adelyn - 2/14/2015

For: Susan Holmes

You sure look happy, Susan. I gave son John your site. He played your audio on his computer in Baltimore and I heard your voice! Wow, modern tech! Will be thinking of you as you reach the top Sun. night. Love, Marilyn


Marilyn - 2/14/2015

For: Kris and Ben

You're almost there! You both are amazing!! Xoxoxoxoxox


Fredonia family - 2/14/2015

For: Tim & Carlos

Happy Valentines Day to our guys! Wishing you lots of luck on getting to the summit tomorrow...can't wait to hear about it all and see the photos! Launched Helen backed to ROC - snow in NY & CT (shocker). Sue gets to stay an extra day because her flight on Sunday was cancelled. Made Catie pretty happy :) Sleep as much as you can, trek well, stay well, love you!


Catie & Sue - 2/14/2015

For: Susan Holmes

Happy Valentine's Day! You are almost there. You can make it! I'm waiting to pour my celebration glass of wine. Just imagine the Rizt awaits you at the summit. Go Girl!


AnnLynne - 2/14/2015

For: kris and ben

Happy valentines day! Wow the end is in sight. Happy, *hearty* thoughts to you both! Ben....swim team missed you last night. Placed second behind canandaigue. Lots of great finishes. Cheers!


the skeltons - 2/14/2015

For: Carlos and Tim

P.S. Happy Valentines Day to all. Hope someone brought some chocolates.


Noly - 2/14/2015

For: Carlos and Tim

Love the photo, you are looking great. I am sure today's climb was a great acheivement for all. Hoping for an easier climb as you attempt to reach the summit tomorrow evening. Onwards and upwards!!! Namaste.


Noly - 2/14/2015

For: Sue Z

Wow really sounds difficult I'm happy everyone made it, everyone is asking for updates and wish you well Pam Mary and the kids are 1/2 way to Florida can't wait till tomorrow's post telling us you all made it to the summit love you missing you xoxoxo


Mom & Dad - 2/14/2015

For: Sue Z

Yesterday I walked on the treadmill for a half hour and imagined I was hiking on the mountain with you...after which I took a hot shower, ate a big lunch and sat on my ass the rest of the day...not quite the same experience really...lol. Glad to hear everyone made it. You should all be proud of yourselves for making it this far. Stay warm, eat well and get some rest...your goal is now within reach!!!


Giovanni - 2/14/2015

For: kris and ben

Happy Valentines Day! Hope your hearts are full today as you prepare for the summit tomorrow. Remember we love you and are so psyched that you are almost there!! Sending you butterfly wishes xoxo


baylie and family - 2/14/2015

For: Susie Z

Susie, So Great to hear your voice. Sue's you're amazing, your strenght and determination are inspiring. I'm so proud of you bird, YOU GOT THIS!! Glad to hear you're all kicking butt! Can't wait to hear all about it over coffee. love ya Happy Valentines Day Everyone!


Rach - 2/14/2015

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