ONE DOWN, SIX to GO!

Kilimanjaro , uhuru peak 5895 summited at 7am local (9:30AM, Indian) Jan 15: I spent time with the IIT B friends with whom I had attended Basic mountaineering course. They gave me a warm send off with the touching notes... and reminders of learning from BMC. I boarded Euthiopia Airlines at about mid night 12. I reached Addis Ababa at 3:15AM, local time and learnt that my connecting flight has left. So I was put up in Bole international hotel. I dumped my baggage and went out for a walk in the drizzle. I boarded the flight for Kilimanjaro at 12:50 PM, It was 2 hrs flight to Kilimanjaro from Addis Ababa. I saw the Kilimanjaro peak in clouds from the plane window. Jan16: Reached Springlands Hotel in Moshi town and was an hours distance from the foot of Africa's highest peak. I learnt that the company with which I booked the tour had swindled me. I talked with the Zara Adventures and arranged for the Climb from Jan17. I booked for 6days climb, through Umbwe route. Many eye brows rose when I mentioned this route! Jan17: I was introduced to my climbing guide, Mr.Dickson. He expressed his concern about me. I said I would take care of myself. I had quick swim in the pool and started for Umbwe entrance. We started our trek by 2PM from the dense rain forest of Kilimanjao. We reached Umbwe Cave, 2747m the First camp on mountain by 6PM. I was at an altitude of Dharali, (a hamlet near "Gangotri" in India) , I thought. Jan18: Umbwe Cave - Barranco (3950m) We trekked out of the forest, It was not steep as previous day, but we had to handle a 15ft rock face. There were good holds. Soon the alpine zone started, We could see "Shira" ridge and "Meru" in distance. We reached Barranco in 4hrs. There were exotic plants and a few birds. Here those coming from Machermo route join with Umbwe route. It felt like a caravan. I could see Uhuru peak very close. I said to guide that I want to attempt the summit the next night. Jan19: Barranco - Barafu(4600m) There is a big wall that had to be climbed after barranco, then descend, it's a climb and descend for a few more times. We reached "Karanga" huts in tow hours. Then had snacks and water. There are buffalo bones displayed here. It seems they were 10yrs old. From Karanga the gradient reduces but the altitude takes. We started at about 8:30AM and reached Barafu by 1:15noon. I thought We were slightly above Tapovan(4450m) in Gangotri region. But I was feeling slight head ache due to quick ascent. Jan20: 1:15 Started for the summit with guide. After one hour I started vomiting. I kept walking, concentrating on breath and legs. It was very cold, if I stop I feared frostbite & hypothermia. I remembered my friends and what hopes they had for me. I sat there and looked up at the stream of of torches inching their way up the mountain. There were good number of people who had started at 12:00. We reached them and overtook them. It was just going up and up. I stopped thinking about slope and was concerned only of my next step and breath. I REACHED THE STELLA POINT AND SOON THE SUMMIT BY 7AM. THE SIGHT OF SUN WAS A RELIEF. started for the descent soon. We were at Barafu huts by 8:45AM. I took rest until 12:00. I was feeling relieved that I made my first summit. By 2PM we descended to "Mweka", 3100m. It was a beautiful camp site. My vomiting didn't stop. I was asked if I wanted to stay, I said I can descend and want to make it to the entrance. We walked thru the dense forest of "Mweka" in the east side of mountain. Reached the park entrance by 4:30Pm and soon headed for the Springlands hotel. We reached the hotel by 5:30PM. I quickly completed the formalities and enjoyed swim. I didn't feel exhausted though I haven't eaten almost any thing. Jan 21,22 : Chilling out in the hotel, occassionally went into nearby fields. I was under strict observation for I used to slip out alone intoforests. Jan23: Boarded flight from Kilimanjaro for Addis ababa at 19:20hrs. >>>>> Thank you all, subbu, Nishant, sima, khericha, souvik, peeyush, prasad, paras, partha 7 summits team.. and all the gutchians. We have 6 to go now!