Day 10: Descent and last night on the mountain

Everyone experiences the mountain in their own unique way. Here is a glimpse into one climbers experience, Robert Thrasher, and how the climb was about more than, well, the climb…

Reflections

Despacito – “Pole pole” (or “slowly”) was a common refrain over the seven days on the mountain. I’d never really hiked slowly. My wife and I both are more about the destination than the journey, and the sooner we can get there the better. That might be okay where we live in NYC but it doesn’t work on a seven day hike at high altitude. Not only was the “pole pole” pace most conducive to acclimatizing, it also promoted fun and deep conversations with family and friends, old and new. It reminded me of an African proverb a friend shared with me not long ago, “If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.” I’m thankful the mountain slowed us down.

Reaching the summit with my dad – Prior to the trip my dad, wife, and I had said the trip’s success wouldn’t depend on making the summit – we’d pray for God’s help, do our best, and see what happens. The need for “pole pole” was most pronounced on summit night when we hiked up to Uhuru Peak at 19,340 ft. After six hours of hiking uphill to reach Stella Point at 18,800 or so ft, and facing 50+ mph winds, we were moving pretty slowly. The sun was about to come up over the horizon. From Stella to Uhuru, I stayed with my dad and Robert, his amazing guide. Half an hour later we could see the Uhuru sign about a 1/4 mile away. “Just one more lap around the track,” I told my dad. As we reached the peak, I teared up thinking about the gift of getting to do this trip, hike, and reach the summit with my dad – truly something we’ll never forget.

Strangers become friends – Growing up around Drew, I’d always figured if I came to Kilimanjaro, I’d do it with him. What sealed the deal for me was the opportunity to experience the mountain and east Africa with one of my best friends Schroder, my wife, and my dad. What I didn’t expect is the dozens of new friends I’d get to make. From Atlanta families and young couples, to African leaders and mountain guides, I’m grateful for the dozen or so new friends I got to make on the mountain and look forward taking those friendships back home.