SHE MADE IT!!!

 

Dorothy and her group got up at 11 pm as planned and began their ascent to the top of Mt. Kilimanjaro at Midnight.  They reached the summit at 9 am local time.  She said it was freezing and there was snow, and the view of the mountains was just incredible.

 

She took pictures and then they began the descent.  They hiked for 4 more hours and then took a 2 hour break at 15,000 feet.  Just since Midnight, they have hiked for 17 ½ hours.  They did get to see the sun rise which was just beautiful.

 

Dorothy said that coming down the mountain is just as hard as going up.  The hike itself is very grueling.  She said they have to watch every step, but it has been an incredible experience.  Everyone is absolutely exhausted, but it has been worth it.  At one point coming down, they saw a rescue of someone from another party.  Within her own group, 2 (out of 6) did not get to the top.

 

They are now at 10,000 feet and have another 5 hours of hiking to do.  They should be off the mountain by early afternoon on Sunday.