Shira Camp to Moir Camp
The hike today will take us from Shira Ridge Camp at 11500" to Moir Camp at 13,100". The hiking time is 5 to 6 hours. We will be hiking over the Shira Plateau.
Our porters and provisions leaving Shira Ridge Camp.
As we move up the mountain, it appears smaller. How deceptive!
“My” guide, Sam, is looking at the camera – we traveled many days alone. His knowledge of botany enhanced my experience. I learned some Tanzania history. Tanzania was originally a German colony and then English. It received its independence in 1961. He also talked me into taking extra lens for the hike and then he and Bonaventure carried them for me.
Porters on trail
My favorite history lesson was about Julius Nyerene -
“We, the people of Tanganyika, would like to light a candle and put it on the top of Mount Kilimanjaro, which would shine beyond our borders, giving hope where there is despair, love where there was hate, and dignity where there was only humiliation.” Julius Nyerene (1959) Following independence, the torch was lit and again 50 years after independence they did it again.
This vacation is one of the few for which I kept a journal. Going back now and rereading it, some 8 years after the hike, make me wish I had been more diligent about journaling on other vacations.
I didn't remember that on this day, I was cold throughout the hike and only got warm once I was in my sleeping bag at night. And, it was the first day we had snow on the hike. This was also the first mention of how happy I was to be doing the hike. Even today, years later, this trip up Kilimanjaro remains a traveling highlight!
Nightly tent prep. Hugh's watch hanging from the top of the tent, and a small light in my hand for when I needed to get up in the night.