Kilimanjaro

Mount Kilimanjaro is the tallest mountain in Africa (19,340 feet) and is the tallest free-standing mountain rise in the world (15,100 feet from the base) - it's also one of the "seven summits" (the 7 highest summits on each of the 7 continents).
In Xxx of '06 Michelle and I summited after a 4 day - 64 mile trek up the Machame (or Whisky) Route. Michelle spent well over a year coordinating with our guide, a local named Amani. He brought with him 9 porters, and a cook and although I did tire of eggs by the end of the trip - I've got to say the food was great - we were particularly surprised when on day three we were served fresh fish and water-melon (another porter was sent up from town with fresh food...to 13,000 feet! Summit day began at 11 pm and the night before when we woke (after a few hour sleep). We got dressed and began what would be a 16 hour hike - to the summit and the down to 6,000 feet. We were happy to see the sunrise as we neared the summit (it's rather cold at 5am at 18,000 feet - even in Africa!). Gaining the summit was a remarkable achievement - so much planning, so much effort and there we were on the roof of Africa - people often ask mountaineers why the do it - aside from the overwelming beauty of these places the realisation of a very difficult task is all the reward I need to have another go - where next? Stay tuned...