the climb – final day…

11th December – Day SIX – 3,100m > 1,640m – 10km walked

Normal morning routine…quick wash, pack the bag, breakfast (still no appetite) brush teeth, get water bottle filled…but then the routine was broken by the team starting to sing and dance to celebrate that we reached the top. It was great fun and a nice way to ‘end’ – we completed the ceremony by tipping all the porters, chef and guides. They had worked so hard for us, making everything so seamless in terms of accommodation and food – couldn’t have asked for a better group!

There was no chance of me getting back into my walking boots, so on with my trainers for the last 3 hour descent. It was nice being back walking I the forest, as usual I was a slower than the others, but I really enjoyed the peacefulness of walking on my own. The only sounds being the many birds, some water tricklingsomewhere deeper in the forest, my heavy foot steps and Joey’s much more light footed steps behind me…

Because of the less grip on my trainers I had a couple of falls, but luckily I didn’t hurt myself… The last half hour was a quick walk on a large path…and there was the gate! Bus was being packed, certificates collected and off we went with a present from our guides… cheers!

Back at the hotel, I had the best shower EVER! Followed by a cold Coke Zero and a plate of chips and another Kilimanjaro beer. Was amazing to feel clean again… Quick walk (in flip flops!) into town for a sunset beer at my favourite railway bar with Kara and Roberto to end the day and the experience.

We had a view of the top of Kilimanjaro…she looked incredibly beautiful…was quite unfathomable that just a few hours earlier we had been at the top! It was the perfect conclusion to the most special experience of my life!