We just started Day 4 of the Kili trek. In an area with data. This has been amazing - coolest adventure we’ve ever taken. Everyone has to do this. The views are incredible. Started off ascending through rain forest. Monkeys swinging through the trees. By second day we emerged above tree line and Kili really came into view. When I say “Kili” I’m actually referring to Kibu Peak, which is the biggest and tallest of three volcanic peaks that composes Kilimanjaro. The terrain now is mountain desert, with lots of grasses, flowers, and “trees” that are a very prehistoric-looking cross between palm trees, pineapples, and seguoro (so?) cactus. We hiked as high as 15,250 yesterday before descending to camp at 13k. We’re now right at the foot of Kibu and the details are really emerging. It looks like the lava cliffs of Hawaii, but with glaciers and less green.
The stars at night are literally out of this world. Can casually observe the Milky Way arcing overhead with the naked eye. Shooting stars are easy to see.
We are eating like kings, or maybe British colonists would be the better comparison. We have our own mess tent, table, chairs, cutlery, napkins. All that’s missing is the phonograph. The food is better than we get at most restaurants at home. Every breakfast, dinner, and even most lunches are these huge skillets full of meats and vegetables. Tureens of a different soup at every meal. I’m burning at least 3000 calories a day and I’m going to gain weight on this trek.
Not enough data to post pics but I’m getting some amazing stuff. I just wish my iPhone could capture what the night sky looks like.
