Mount Kilimanjaro Expedition 2012

Day 6 part 1: Kilimanjaro Summit to Mweka Camp

Scree Ski...

Now that we've made the summit, one would think going down would be easy. We've done the hard part, right? Surprise surprise, an almost equally hard part is coming up next. We've got to get down the insanely steep path we've just gone up with, and that means that going down is also insanely steep. The difference now though is the snow and scree have started melting, so except for being ridiculously steep, the path is now also very slippery.

I started walking down carefully, but quickly realized that this was going to take forever. I am not too keen on dying, so there has to be some fairly safe way of getting down, right? Right?? No chance. Freddie grabs me by the arm and we start doing the Scree Ski. The Scree Ski basically involves turning your feet to the side, and running down sideways with your hip turned to the side. Now this completely murders your leg muscles and your toes from constantly bumping into your shoes the whole time.

The descent was one the most terrible experiences of my life. I am already exhausted beyond measure, and now I have to do even more physical work. And it seems never ending. I fall over into the snow, I fall over onto the scree. My legs are screaming bloody murder because of this strenous and strange exercise.

After what felt like hours, we make it to the bottom of the slope. The glare from the snow and sun has burnt my face to a crisp, my lungs are burning and I just want to pass out. Not a chance again. We still have to walk for hours to get to the camp. I nearly cried when I realized this. I just want to get the hell down this bloody mountain and go to sleep.

I am looking for the camp around every curve in the trail, but it never comes.

Chocolate...

We walk and walk and walk, and then, in the distance, finally, I see Barafu Camp. I nearly cried again. Upon reaching camp, we are told that we've got about an hour to rest before we need to start descending again. What is wrong with these people?! Seriously, just an hour?

The porters stayed at camp, and only the Chief Guide and Assistant Guide summited with us. They must be super-human to do this for a living without complaining.

Against all expectations, the hour's rest did wonders. I was able to walk again! I could not lift my head though. All the looking-down we did on the way up, pulled my neck muscles in a painful spasm, and I have to physically lift my head with my hands in order to get up.

The rest of the descent route from here got easier, and the oxygen became thicker, the air tasted like honey and my body rejoiced. I even started having fun and making jokes again. After the horrible Scree Ski, this path was a piece of cake.

Mweka Camp appeared on the horizon like a desert oasis, and I was ecstatic. After our waiter server us a traditional Tanzania stew, we were informed that they are selling beer, soft drinks and my favourite chocolate bars! So, naturally, I immediately purchased a coke and chocolate, stretched out in the tent, and indulged in the most delicious snacks I've ever had.

And promptly fell into the sleep of the Dead.