24 February 2011

We are now in the town of Moshi where it all began for us.   

We woke up this morning at 6:30 am. Our marvelous Chagga porters all sang songs for us!  Joyous!

After breakfast, we hiked out of the park.  The hike took took 4 hours.  What we used to consider a tough workout is now, literally, a walk in the park!  Piece of cake!

It is official – 7 days without running water.  But we feel great!  Collectively and individually. Physically, emotionally and spiritually.

We arrived at our hotel at 1pm and  had a communal, celebratory lunch with all our Chagga porters and our guides.  It was beautiful.  The Chaggas were honored to sit with us as family.  They said we were now equals since we have been to the top of Africa!

We have met several other groups with different expedition companies.  It appears that we were the only group in which 100% of the expedition summited!  We are the largest group that our company (SMI) and our leader (Kurt) has ever guided with a 100% success rate!

We all helped each other, cared for each other, prayed with each other and gave up our needs to tend a sick teammate. Truly a special and inspirational experience that none of us will ever forget.  Simply amazing!

Now for some low altitude sightseeing, safaris and spas.  We deserve it!