Mount Kilimanjaro Day 6 - July 19th

July 19th, 2008:

This morning we had breakfast and then enjoyed a leisurely hike (compared to yesterday!), down to the gate at Marangu village. Village children began to follow us as we neared the gate and it was clear they were used to getting things from trekkers. I was asked for my cap, money, water bottles, and candy. At the gate we signed the necessary documents to record we had completed the trek and all made it to the summit, and then we were driven back to the Ashante office.

At the office we put all of our equipment into three piles, one for the porter exchange, another for the private vendor, and then one pile that was to be donated to the porters. Ashante is very professional about tips and gear exchange. Basically they give guidelines on what to tip, and then have a ceremony at which tips are disbursed, as well as gear exchanged. My boots were ten years old, worn, and I donated these. Others donated gaiters, thermal layers, etc. We held a ceremony in which each guide, or porters, name was called and they received their tip and then picked up an article that was being donated. The boots went first, followed by water bottles, and then clothing.

We all then proceeded back to our hotel. Back at the hotel most of us enjoyed our first hot shower in days. I say “most of us,” because some of our group didn’t have enough hot water. In the evening we were picked up by Ashante and driven to the club, Glacier, owned by Methley’s brother. We met Moses, Stick, Benedict, and Crespo there for a few beers. We can say that Moses has not build up much of a tolerance…Maybe it is the altitude. He was in rare form by the end of the night, and the next morning stopped by the hotel (Still drunk?), and said hi to Zhalisa and Christine, who were leaving early for Safari.

Needless to say, we all slept very well tonight. We were very pleased that we all made it with no major issues. It was a great trek – Although it will probably be the last high altitude trek for most of those that were in our group.