Day 7: Climb to Kosovo Camp

MOUNTAIN ROUTE OVERVIEW

As our climbers near the summit, they have another short day for acclimatization today. After breakfast, climbers leave Karanga Camp and make their way across moraine with a view of Mawenzi and Kibo to Barafu. The alpine desert terrain is full of boulders with lichen and moss. Upon reaching camp, climbers will spend the afternoon resting before packing for the summit and having an early dinner in preparation for their ascent to the summit to start at midnight. Summit begins at 5 PM EST!

MOUNTAIN ROUTE STATS

Starting elevation 13,300 feet

Ending elevation 15,400 feet

Elevation gain 2,100 feet

Distance hiked 3 miles

Average hiking time 4 to 5 hours

JOURNAL ENTRY

We awoke this morning to sun and a the clearest glimpse of Uruhu peak since the start of the trip.  This was motivating and energizing. An encouragement as the elements have not always been friendly to u on the way up.

Pamoja Pamoja: together together. This group has grown close and besides the jokes there is constant encouragement to keep going.  The words “how are you doing” are not to make small talk up the mountain. They are said with genuine care for our brothers as we push and pull each other to the top.

The porters are a glimpse of Christ serving those in need. Always looking for ways to help us. Even simply taking off our shoes. 

We got into Kosovo camp around 2:30 pm.  Kosovo sits at 16,000’ at the base of the eastern slope of Kilimanjaro. Here we will rest until 6 pm. We will have a quick dinner then rest (attempt to sleep) till 12 a.m. when we will awake and begin our summit.

A short quote is shared this morning with the team as encouragement to the challenges the are ahead: “ This Hill, though high, I covet to ascend, the difficulty will not me offend. For I perceive the way to life lies here: come pluck up heart neither faint nor fear; better, though difficult, the Right way to go, than wrong though easy where they way is Woe.” - John Bunyan

There is a beautiful reliance on God as we loose ourselves during this journey and grow in our reliance on God.

-Mike Anderson and Brett Murphy