January 20, 2009

SUMMIT DAY

An update to the information posted below.  We have still not spoken directly to the team, but the text message received earlier stated that all girls made the summit of Mount Meru this morning, Tuesday January 20.

However, the weather has taken a turn for the worst and the rain is pouring down.  In this situation, the guides will either make a decision to remain at Saddle Hut where mobile coverage is limited, or descend to Miriakamba.  They are expected off the mountain tomorrow where they will meet with students from the School of St Jude for a game drive through Arusha National Park.

Thankfully, the girls will have two rest days between Mt Meru and Mt Kilimanjaro which will allow adequate time to clean equipment and dry boots.  Although, they will be busy meeting with Support for International Change and visiting community project and mobile HIV/AIDS testing units.

As soon as we hear any further news we will update this blog.

Posted earlier today

If all went as planned, the team would have been woken up around 1:30am with tea and coffee brough to their tents.  From there they would begin putting on many layers of clothing and their day packs, leaving the rest of their gear behind.  The summit bid can take anywhere between 4-8 hours up, and 2-6 hours down.

Having not received a text from Saddle Hut, all of the teams support from below has been waiting anxiously to hear word.

I wish I could provide more info, but, the info I have received is that THEY HAVE ALL SUMMITED!!!!

Details to follow…