Mt. Kilimanjaro - Day 1

Leaving the Springland Hotel in Moshi first thing in the am,
we drove the 90 minutes to the base of the Machame Trailhead.
A quick group huddle and hug, and we were on our way
up the easy slopes of the base of Kilimanjaro.

Altitude Change Day 1 --> 6000' - 9800'
 

- Marc barks out orders at the
Springlands, getting everyone
on their feet and and to the
base of the mountain.
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- The porters load everyones bags
onto the roof of the van.
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Having driven the 90 minutes through
banana plantations and countryside,
we disembark at the gate to the
mountain.
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- Preperations are made. The porters
pack up peoples bags into perfect
sizes to put on their heads..
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- The first glimpse of Kili from the
approach to the gates. This shot
was taken at 300 mm.
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- The group huddle, as Lana shows the
group the course we'll trek..
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- Some schmuck, not of our group, that I hope never made it.
Considering how hard it was for me,
I can only hope a smoker like this
guy had a tougher time of it yet.
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- The venerable "Goodnough."
Assistant Head Guide.
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- Mehdi is ready to race to the top.
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- The entrance to the Machame Route
aka "The Whiskey Route."
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- The first couple of hours were quite
easy. Not for long...
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