Trip Reports

Kilimanjaro - 12 to 24 Sep '05

Written by Leader, September 2005

At 07:15 on Wednesday, 21 Sep '05, 11 members of the Jagged Globe Kilimanjaro expedition started to arrive at Uhuru Point, Kilimanajro (5,895m). Brian Walsh and Patrick Clark, in the company of Tanzanian Guide Danford Mawese, led the way, followed by Julie Harrison, Juliet Carter, Louise Woodgate and Gill Morgan. Tracy Barnes and Bob Ashford were next, in the company of expedition leader, Gordon Thompson, with Hilary Charles and Assistant Guide, Innocent, close behind. At 08:00 Kate Frearson and Scott McKinnon arrived to cheers and hugs from the rest of this wonderfully close-knit group. All 11 had made it, by way of the challenging Umbwe Route and the Western Breach, a tremendous acheivement.

The group had left the Arrow Glacier Campsite at 00:15, the weather was mild with little wind and a stunning full moon (+ 2 days). Good steady and disciplined progress had seen them on the Crater Rim at 05:30, exhausted but elated. A simple walk across the crater and then the tortuous last 50m of ascent up onto the summit ridge, saw everyone finally reach the summit. After some 30 minutes of photos and celebrations, all headed down, initially to Barafu Camp and then on to Millenium Camp, all arrriving by 14:00 hrs - long day. The porters were waiting, along with Rachel Aylmer [knee problems prevented attempts on either summit], the tents already erected; hot washing water and tea, along with the now-customary popcorn, cake and biscuits were served within 30 minutes of arrival. A welcome siesta followed!

Almost a week earlier, on Thursday, 15 Sep '05, the same group, minus Louise Woodgate, sensibly remaining at the Saddle Hut with a knee problem, had summited the often-underrated Mt Meru (4,566m). Again the group had left their hut at midnight to a clear, mild evening. For many it was dogged determination that got them to the top, few knowing what to expect. And again it was Brian and Patrick that arrived first at 07:20, accompanied by Danford, with Gill, Juliet, Scott and Julie close behind. Bob followed with Tracy, Hilary and Kate bringing up the rear in the company of Innocent and Gordon. All were on the summit by 08:00, having witnessed a spectacular sunrise during the last hour of their ascent.

Two days later and the group scattered, 4 to go on safari, 2 to visit Zanzibar and 6, plus Gordon Thompson, to fly home to the UK. A very successful expedition.

Gordon Thompson
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