Just Breathe

It is day 3 of our climb and our team has just arrived at Shira Camp at 12,500 feet after an exciting and scenic adventure thus far. Two days ago our CAFrica team's boots hit the trailhead at Lemosho Glades at 6,900 feet and we steadily made our way through the rainforest (absent any rain fortunately) all the way up to our first camp called Mti Mkubwa. We arrived after dark but enjoyed a hot nourishing meal together in our big red dome tent. As we sat and talked we all thoroughly enjoyed the moment appreciating the opportunity to be doing what we are doing here in Africa on this majestic snow capped mountain.

The following day took us beyond the rainforest and up onto the Shira Plateau over the course of more than 6 hours of hiking. Here we were able to catch our first views of Kibo (the middle and highest of the three mountains that make up Kilimanjaro).

Today, Sept. 3rd we awoke to a frost covered ground and relished the moment the sun warmed our bodies as we all adjust to the higher altitude. The day consisted of another ~ 6 hours of hiking reaching a high point on the top of the rocky pinnacle know as the "appropriately named" Shira Cathedral (picture attached - given that our transmission is successful). Kibo is in the background albeit partially hiding behind the clouds.

Our entire group is doing absolutely GREAT and we are all taking in the magnificent views (breathtaking actually). At the same time we are taking deeper breaths as we prepare our bodies physiologically for the altitude and the days ahead as we move higher yet towards our goal.

"Breathe. Let go. And remind yourself that this very moment is the only one you know you have for sure." - Oprah Winfrey - from Steps to the Summit, Step #14: Just Breathe.