Berg

Hear Wally's Call from Africa

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That group of folks I described as being on the way from Nairobi, in fact, arrived in Arusha. We got packed up; we had our typically hectic and very muddy day through the forest yesterday. And now the good omens abound, as we are up almost 12,000ft, on our climb towards the Shira camp. Talk about good omens because as we arrived at Machame, last night, at 9800, through a particularly muddy and cloudy-type climb, the skies cleared and we had the most magnificent view of Kibo that I've seen all summer. So, we're feeling great about the good luck omens that we have, as we're underway here. Tom Elliot has made it clear with Tobias that he expects a lot of avocados and, in fact, we have them on hand. So, we've got what we need.

We have a strong, and a very compatible, and a fit group here. We're having a great time: a lot of laughter, a lot of optimism as we begin our trek across the upper portions of Kili. We're already up in the arid zones now, loving the views, and enjoying the sun, and having a nice lunch at about 11,900ft.

—Alpine Ascents Guide Wally Berg, MountainZone.com Correspondent