Summit day (by Em)

Barafu Camp -

The landscape here is just rocky and barren.  Everyone was shattered and lethargic at this point but most felt much better than they had at Lava Tower so it looks like the 'walk high, sleep low' acclimatisation technique works well.  It was a beautiful clear night, with an almost full moon (I had planned that we should summit on the full moon but our change of plans altered that).  When the clouds cleared we could see the distant lights of a town far below us and the shadow of the peak high above us..

Once again, the combination of cold air, rocky ground and a steep slope meant that few of the team got a good night's sleep. That plus the fact that we knew we would have to get up at 3.30am to get ready to start our long final upwards trek to our target!  Getting up at that time was easier than I was expecting - we all went to bed in most of the clothes that we would be wearing for the trek so it was just a case of pulling our waterproof outer layers, trusty boots and warm hats on.  (That plus headtorches, water and walking poles...) We could see the lines of lights from other trekkers high above us who had started their summit climb before us at midnight.  A slice of toast, sip of tea and quick check of the oxygen levels and we were raring to catch up!

"Pole Pole" - (Swahili for 'slowly slowly'; a phrase that every Kili trekker will be sick of hearing by the time they leave! or as Gary so eloquently explained in my team messages page; "If I ever hear another person say pole pole I think I will pole pole them in the eyeball"!!)

It was cold and dark, steep and stony.  Following the feet of the person in front of you quickly became the easiest way to get into a good rhythm.  Looking behind us we could see the dim blanket of clouds that seemed to cover the earth below us.  The outline of shadowy peaks around us helped to highlight the start of the most amazing sunrise I have ever witnessed.  The colours that spread across the horizon must have been magnified due to the abundance of dark, barren land that we were walking on. Photos don't do it justice but here is a glimpse ...

 We had frequent but brief stops to catch our breath, sip water or eat a snack (I forgot to mention that we had given Methley some dollars to bring some choccy bars up when the crew brought extra food up!)  Despite this, we reached a point where the lead guide Richard was eager to keep pushing on, but some of the team needed longer rests/a slower pace so we made the decision to separate into 2 groups.

The summit, although obviously closer, still seemed to be so far away.  I remember reaching a point where I began to feel sick; we had a short rest and snack break so I tried to take off my waterproof over trousers.  I'm ashamed to say the effort of is was too much for me so with a few extra helping hands my boots were removed for me, I took off the waterproofs, then guide Richard tied my laces back up for me - "it's ok" he said, "you see up there?" (a snowy peak above us) a huge wave of relief washed over me as I saw the target. "It is only another hour after there".......  I could have cried!! We plodded on; I was at the back of the lead group, until we reached the welcome sight of a green sign...

Only to discover that this was Stella point and that if we wanted to get the 'top top' of Kilimanjaro, we would have to walk for 45 minutes around the crater to get to Uhuru Peak! Quick bit of geographical fact for you that I have since researched; "Kilimanjaro is composed of three distinct volcanic cones: Kibo, Mawenzi and Shira. Uhuru Peak is the highest summit on Kibo's crater rim". "Trekkers who follow the Southern Circuit will reach the summit via Stella Point which is about an hour from Uhuru Peak"

Once again - tears threatened! It may sound cheesy, and I am not normally one to think like this or admit to it, but I kept hearing Tom's voice in my head telling me I wasn't allowed to quit... This, plus the encouraging words of my fellow team members pushed me on to the traditional summit - the highest point in the continent of Africa.  I could barely take in the amazing views of the glaciers down to the right of us, or the breadth of the crater we were walking around - all I could focus in was putting one foot in front of the other.

I got within a couple of metres of the sign, sat on a rock, and finally released the flood gates!! Alex - my brother - ran over to give me a squeeze but I pushed him off because I suddenly realised that I hadn't been for a wee since 3.40am!) After catching my breath, we had hugs all round and quickly got some photos in;  Here we are in our team RMCTF Kilimanjaro t-shirts (I am the one in the pink sleeves and colourful hat - it was Tom's and I wanted my boys to be able to easily i.d. me in pictures!)

Joe showing us the way down the mountain....;





Back down.....
So now, after putting what I believed to be everything I had, into getting up to the top of Africa, we had to face making our way back down the mountain.  All of a sudden, everyone was going at their own pace because going downhill was much easier.  Our guides seemed to disappear as there weren't quite enough to go 1:1.  So, poor Gary had to put up with just me, my tears and complaints for about an hour and a half as we tried to find our way down the scree and loose rocks that formed our path back down to Barafu.  That was, until we heard a familiar (and forever positive-sounding) voice calling from above us, and we saw Kelly making her way down with a guide! We waited for them to catch up, then carried on downwards.  It seemed to take forever; we were exhausted, tired, hungry, I felt sick and really really needed the loo now!  Long story short - some of the crew were sent out to find us and carried our bags for us for the last hour into camp!
Even as I sat down in front of the tent and began to talk to my tent mates Sian and Sam, Methley came over and gently informed us that we would have to leave Barafu within an hour and head down to the next camp which was 'about an hour away' as there was not enough food or water to remain there overnight! I politely informed him that I didn't think I could walk for another hour but I think he must have thought I was joking because he just laughed and walked away!  Once the team had regrouped, refueled and refreshed, we set off - it was dark by now so the head torches were out again. We could see the cloudline for a while before we started to feel the moisture condense on our skin.  It was a good thing that I had learned to stretch the timings that Methley gave us as this walk was much longer than an hour.  That said, it was much more pleasant walking downhill as a team with the knowledge that we had all reached the crater of Kibo!  Team chatter picked up again, films were quoted, there were even smiles and laughter - all previous struggling and suffering temporarily forgotten.. it is amazing what our bodies can go through and how much we can do when we put our minds to it!
It is silly what we appreciate when our creature comforts are removed - finding our ladies toilet was set up in 'High Camp' and our tents were actually pretty level was a joy! I think about 5 of us stayed up for dinner that night (extra helpings all round!) everyone else went straight to sleep!

I think that is enough for this post - you can read all about the final descent and post-mountain days in my next entry! Hope you have enjoyed it all so far..

Em's summary part 3!

Views of the Needles... The pictures just don't do it justice!

Sunday 18th - I woke this morning feeling apprehensive.  During our evening chat Methley had told us that today would be the real trial of how people might cope as we were to ascend to Lava Tower at 4,600m...  I think everyone felt some symptoms. One was sick, there was dizziness, headaches, tingling fingers... 

It was a tough walk up to Lava camp so it was with great relief that we stumbled into the dining tent for lunch.  We had soup (I think it was cucumber this time..) noodles and meat.  Not realising that the crew were waiting for us to come out of the tent (we thought they would let us know when it was time to leave!) some of the team had a little nap...

Unfortunately as it was a brief lunch stop the ladies had to make do without our deluxe portable toilet - the toilets in this camp were stinking! Just to help you picture it; a small wooden hut with no door, inside is a hole in the ground with a wooden slab on either side..  Needless to say, some trekkers had clearly mis-directed when they squatted down!!  We did however, brave the smell and man up without too much complaint.  I have to add, the 'Shewee' is a great invention! Leaving the camp was eerie.  When we arrived we had clear views all around but by the time we had eaten (and medicated!) there was thick fog/cloud all around so we could barely see 20m ahead!  

We descended pretty swiftly down a steep but pretty valley to Baranco Camp to sleep at 3,900m.  The whole team was in good spirits as most of the symptoms we had previously felt had gone.  I FINALLY got signal and was able to call my boys so went to bed feeling elated, if a little emotional.  Every day had been a challenge so far but we were all still in good spirits.  Handy tip; running through Monty Python quotes/songs is a great way to help a long walk go quicker!

Monday 19th - What a day!!

We made a group decision at dinner last night to alter our itinerary after Methley suggested that the best chance for group success would be to summit during the day rather than in the cold of night.  As such, we had a rather early start this morning.  05.30 to be precise. Thankfully we had a genuinely fun bit of scrambling up Baranco Wall to do!

Once at the top (I think it was about a 200m climb) we stopped for a good 15 minutes just to take in the fantastic views of both the valley below us and of our target above us, but looking more and more reachable with every step! Here is a sneaky shot one of the team took of me; Tom's jacket fits me better than I thought...

Yet again though, just as we readied ourselves to leave, whilst some of the lads relieved themselves over the edge of the cliff (!) the clouds descended (or rose!?) to cover the beautiful views.

We then had a long, long walk to our lunch-time stop at Karanga camp. The worst bit was seeing our camp then realising that to get there we had to descend a steep V-shaped valley and climb up the other side!  To make it worse, I really needed a wee and there wasn't anywhere to hide!!  Carrot soup, Pasta and Mango for lunch, plus some sunbathing/naps as were were above the cloudline and the weather was quite pleasant!

Where our original itinerary would have had us sleeping at Karanga, our new plan meant we had to suck it up and keep trekking onwards and UPWARDS to Barafu Camp; the highest camp before our final ascent!  It was a very steep path and every step or movement, such as unzipping the tent, left me trying to catch my breath! I have never felt that unfit before.  Next stop, summit day...

Em's firsthand summary part 2.

Waking up on day 3 was memorable - finding my water bottle was solid and there was frost all over the ground and tents, after I had spent the previous day walking in shorts was a shock to the system!  Our camp was set between the Shira ridge on one side and our distant destination on the other. We witnessed a glorious sunrise over the peak, had breakfast then set off on a long slog across the flat heathland-like terrain.  Mid-morning we paused at the Cathedral where half of us climbed (slowly!) up to the top above the cloudline to see some of the most breathtaking views we had ever witnessed. It was well worth the extra scramble up to 3950m to see them!!
We then continued on to our lunchstop (again later than planned- such is the relaxed African sense of timing!) As such some of the team were suffering with sickness/headaches but thankfully I still felt ok. After a lunch of soup, burgers and fruit, followed by tea, everyone perked up and we continued on to our main camp, sleeping at just over 4,100m. Methley had said we might get signal here so a few of us climbed up a nearby ridge to try to call home but had no luck - I nearly cried! I had built my hopes up that I might get to hear two special little voices and got a tad emotional when our hopes were dashed.
I cannot emphasise enough just how much support the team all got from each other - it was hard to stay miserable with that lot! Amazing views of the top of Mount Meru and of the summit of Kili that evening but it was dark when we got back just in time for dinner... 'chinese'! Well, meat and noodles, but still warm and very welcome!
I didn't sleep well that night: the air was bitterly cold and some of the crew were awake for ages, stomping past the tent.. But on a good note, I was pleased I chose a decent sleeping bag!

Em's Firsthand summary part 1!

I always get nervous before flying ... not because of the flight itself but because of all the things to check before you actually get on the plane! So you can imagine how I was feeling having booked flights not just for myself but also for 12 others too!  That said, with the exception of Sian forgetting her passport (her dad had to drive back with it!) and Alex getting held up for 40 minutes to be searched because he had forgotten to take his travel wash out of his hand luggage... everything went to plan! Everyone arrived at Heathrow in plenty of time on the 12th - this being the first time we actually managed to get the whole team together at the same time!  Flights were on time, food could have been worse and despite out connection flights in Doha and hour stopover in Dar es Salaam, we got all our luggage at Kilimanjaro International (missing luggage would have been a nightmare on this trip!).

As promised, after getting our entry visas, our guide Methley Swai met us at the airport with smiles and handshakes all round.  Everyone was so excited because after months and months of research, planning, training and fundraising, we were actually there in Africa!!  We stayed at Kaliwa lodge for the first two nights - it is a lovely!  I admit I was a tad worried when the mini bus driver turned down a narrow dirt track just off the route to the Machame gate entrance, but behind the big security gates at the end we found ourselves in our own private, clean rooms with a perfect view of the top of the mountain we were to tackle over the next week!  We allowed ourselves one refreshing Kilimanjaro Premium lager whilst Methley went over some of the details for the trip and told us how to prepare our things.

Wednesday 14th - rather than making the most of our 'day off' we opted to take a walking tour of the village...  The valley next to Kaliwa Lodge is phenomenal with a lovely little waterfall and river with a mini island at the bottom = first proper team photo!  We saw a church and went on to the local primary school; Uduru Primary, Moshi.  Kelly had brought 2 footballs with her and Carl had a bag of pens and pencils to give away so our village guide Victor asked the headteacher if he minded us giving them out.  The reception we got was unforgettable!  All the children crowded around us smiling, 'hi-5'ing and saying 'Jambo' (Hello) it was very emotional and we could understand why so many people find this kind of experience life-changing - if only we could take British school children over there to see how much they take for granted...

First day of our trek!! - leaving the lodge would have been a lot harder if we had thought about the fact that it was our last night in a real bed and with a proper toilet, but we were clearly too excited to think about that! The 4x4 trip to the gate for registration and then on to our starting point was an experience and a half; people pay good money for off-roading in the UK!  Our first trek was much steeper than anticipated (no easing us in gently then!) but the guides led a good slow, steady pace so everyone managed ok.  Everyone that is, except for Sian's porter who took a good half hour longer than everyone else to get to camp!! Methley explained that he was new and that all the crew carry the same weight so although he sent a couple of guys back to help him out, in future he would just have to get on with it!  We had 7 small tents and one large 'dining tent' but the highlight for me was the portable toilet that they brought for the ladies to use in camp!!  That said we did 'rough it' a few times throughout the week and relieve ourselves al fresco.

Methley assured us that day 2 would be less steep than the first day... I would have to disagree! We didn't have lunch until 4pm so everyone was very hungry and very tired.  It was tough going (didn't even stop for snacks!) but morale was still high with plenty of jokes being told and film quotes being repeated/guessed.  The hardest thing was looking up to spot porters or trekkers way up on a ridge in the distance and being told that was where we were heading!  That said, we always cheered up when we looked back and saw the view and just how far we had come!  A few people started to get headaches today but we didn't know if it was due to altitude, side-effects from tablets they were taking or lack of regular meals but most settled after lunch and a cup of tea.  The sun seems to set really quickly (and the temperature drops just as fast!) but we caught some amazing views of the summit!! No matter how tired. achy or hungry we felt, seeing our goal that much clearer and closer at the end of the day boosted everyone's spirits....

Homeward Bound :)

The group are on their way home and very much looking forward to home comforts. I think the realisation of what they have achieved has truly hit home..

While the group have been away it has really struck a cord with me on how much support there has been with donations and general emails on how the group is getting along and eagerly awaiting updates. I am sure when they all get home massive thanks will be sent out to all these people.

The group have done incredibly well and Tom would be so proud of the what the team have achieved and I know he would have been exceptionally happy that it was completed ahead of time, always one to beat a challenge or a target!!

From my point of view, it has made me realise that with great family and friends absolutely anything can be conquered and I feel incredibly lucky to have such a great group of friends. My only regret , is that Tom is not here to experience this epic journey we have all been on.

The group have so much to be proud of and with over £13,000 raised for The Royal Marines Charitable Trust it is truly an inspiration.

I wish you all a safe journey home and look forward to the updates on the blog from the guys who were away!

Thank you to everyone who has been in touch , wished the guys well , donated and been a great support to everyone.

Get back to ENGLAND :)

Becky Lancelles ( 23/08/2013)

Last day in Tanzania - https://mydonate.bt.com/fundraisers/nodirection

Yesterday the team arrived at Mount Meru Game Lodge after being treated to lunch by Methley who has looked after them all during their trip. Speaking to them all yesterday they are so happy to have completed it as a group but the consensus is very much that of “never again” Emylie said that the team really have pulled together and been amazing and everyone helped each other out. The experience has been such a memorable one however has been the hardest thing that any of them have had to do  but no one gave up and all are very happy to be at camp and now raring to get home to family and friends and two little boys who are very excited to see mummy!

 

Well done guys , we are all so proud of you and the messages of support and donations have been amazing. We are organising a ball in October to raise more money for the Royal Marines Charitable Trust and to celebrate what the team have achieved. If you have any spare money to put towards this great cause then please follow the link below. Raise a glass in form of a donation for Tom and Emylie as a congratulations on this momentous achievement.

 

https://mydonate.bt.com/fundraisers/nodirection

 

Safe trip home x

 

Becky

This day in history - August 20th 2013 - THEY MADE IT!!!

August 20th 2013

1741 - Alaska was discovered by Danish navigator

1955 - A US air force pilot flew to an altitude of 40,000 feet

1993 - Colin Jackson runs world record in 100 m ( that's for the sporting guys on the mountain)

2000 - Tiger Woods wins the PGA championship becoming the first players since 1953 to win three majors in one year

2013 -. EMYLIE JENNINGS, KELLY RAMDHARRY,HELEN PIKE,SAM SYKES,GARY HARDY,JOE WILKINSON,CARL GIBBS,JOHN COFFEY,SIAN WOODLAND,OLLY JENNINGS,ALEX PECK,HYWEL JONES AND CHRIS REES - reach the summit of Kilimanjaro in memory of Tom Jennings and Paul Woodland both of the Royal Marines who sadly died in 2011 and 2012.



We heard that the team made it to the top at lunchtime today and all so happy and proud at what they have achieved. It has been without doubt the hardest thing many of them have had to do and all are exhausted. They have made it to camp and full descent to the lodge starts tomorrow.

Well done to everyone, I have had many emails from people waiting to hear and am sure the guys will send everyone photos when they have signal!

Speaking to Renia last night, Tom is in her thoughts every day and is so happy that this has been put together by Emylie to remember Tom and a trip he did some 11 years ago.

Well done guys and hope you all celebrate with a beer tomorrow.

Congratulations

Becky Lancelles xxx