Day 9: Climb to Mweka Gate

Our climbers are waking up to their last day on the mountain. They’ll have their last breakfast in the mess tent and then start their trek. They’ll descend through the rainforest past towering trees and lush ferns to a hot lunch at Mweka Gate – where they’ll end their adventure on Mount Kilimanjaro.

MOUNTAIN ROUTE STATS

Starting elevation 13,000 feet

Ending elevation 6,000 feet

Elevation gain 7,000 feet

Distance hiked 7 miles

Average hiking time 5 hours

“COMING DOWN FROM THE MOUNTAIN”

After a much needed night’s sleep, our group was able to thank all the porters and guides.  We celebrated and danced and spoke words of gratitude to the people who have cared for us so well on this journey.

They were the hands that helped us up and down the steepest inclines, prepared our meals, carried our bags and tents, gave us high-fives and words of encouragement. They were gracious, kind and anticipated our needs.

Then our band of eight began the trek down the remainder of the mountain.  It was an 8.5 mile hike - mostly along a creek bed.  As we entered the rainforest, the temperature and scenery changed dramatically.   We spotted some monkeys and hornbills along the route. We were able to shed layers and were thankful to be spared any rain. We alternated chatting and walking in silence as we all reflected on our last week .

We’ve seen God’s majesty and beauty in the mountain Kilimanjaro and appreciated his attention to detail in the flowers and animals who call this place home.

We’ve had time to pull away from the busyness of life and walk pole pole in the presence of God.

How does one come down from the mountain and not be changed.? To be thankful for the very air we so easily breathe and so grateful for this opportunity.  Thankful for our family and friends who supported us and cheered us on.

I hope I can share some of the miraculous and breathtaking things I’ve seen and do them justice. Words seem inadequate and small.  I expect John’s pictures will do a better job.

I am thankful for our group- for the many conversations and the friendship we now share.  We’ll have a final celebration dinner tonight and then it will be done.

As Gabriel says, “Let’s go home.”

~ Kim Grady