Sunday
Saturday(yesterday) I spent a lot of time on the internet and met a woman, probably my age, who with her husband are taking 2.5 years and cycling around the world. They started in St. Paul, Minnesota and have been through South America. They are currently on a Cape Town to Cairo Route and then entering Europe for the final leg of their journey planning to be back in the states before May 2011 for her husband’s daughter’s wedding. Her husband just retired from UPS (so we had a chuckle over that) and she is a teacher on leave. They are fascinating and have awesome stories. They have been mugged twice and David was hit by a motorcycle in Moshi. They will be here only a few days. We had breakfast with them on Sunday morning. Mona also joined us and we all plan to go out their last night here.–
Ibra picked us up and we drove to the base of Mt Kilimanjaro for our day hike. (Lee Ann- We had a Chrisburger lunch but this time I got the vegetarian and it was not bad! We also ran into Abbas on the trail and plan to visit him soon). We met up with Mussa, our guide, at the entrance.
Kili has 5 zones. The bottom being agricultural where coffee and other foods are grown. The 2nd zone which is where we took our hike is a rain forest. Next is semi-desert, desert and then the summit. The rain forest was lush green and absolutely beautiful with several waterfalls. I remembered some of the trail from last year. Nature has always renewed me and where I am more likely to feel a spiritual connection. Mussa is a wonderful guide and seems to be as much in love with Kili as the first time he climbed it. He taught us many things about the trees and the mountain. He loves his job and enjoys meeting people from all over the world. Americans are his favorite-yeah!
Although we rose to an elevation of 2700 km, we could definitely feel the change in oxygen. In many parts the trail is very rocky and we both tripped (but did not fall) a few times. Overall it was an exhilarating work out! Downhill was cake but a bit slippery. We came out with no injuries and only a few bug bites. There are these amazing armies of ants (truly bzillions) that bite and you have to stomp through that part of the trail or they will climb up your clothes. Megan managed to bring a few back to the hostel!! We arrived back at the hostel muddy, dirty and happy! Our shower this evening was wonderful and welcome even if it wasn’t warm.
It was a wonderful weekend. It is very necessary to find a balance that helps to keep one’s attitude positive and hopeful. Nature has never failed me.
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