Report from Dorothy

February 28, 2007; 9:45AM

 

Day Two:

 

It is day two of Dorothy’s climb up Kilimanjaro and she is feeling wonderful!  The climb today was a lot more difficult because the terrain was very steep.  She reached 12,960 feet and is above the clouds now!  She said “Absolutely the best views!  Beautiful plants and flowers!”  

 

She reported that everyone made it to the Shira camp where they will spend the night.  A few members of her party felt sick but they are now okay.  There are lots of people taking care of her group!  They have a “Wonderful” cook, and nice, warm tents!.

 

Today they saw the summit several times, “Just beautiful views of the summit!”  She reported.

 

At 12,000 feet there are no animals but there are some white necked ravens.  

 

Their party arrived at the Shira camp at about 3:30 in the afternoon, and they got cleaned up, rested, and had a nice meal.  “I’m having a great time!”  She exclaimed.  She is very happy that the entire group is doing so well!  Tomorrow they will ascend to 15,000 feet.  The higher they clime the colder it gets, and it is very windy and cold.  “The weather changes very quickly—very quickly!”

 

They are learning lots of Swahili from their African guides.  “puli, puli” they say.  Which means “slowly, slowly.”  She must drink lots of water so that she does not become dehydrated and get sick!

 

She sounded very excited, and had only one disparaging word.  She said that because of the very high altitude it is very hard to sleep!  That the high altitude keeps them awake!

 

Dorothy said “Hello” to all of the children at HRMS, and was very energized when she hung up!