Climbing Kilimanjaro

 Day one: We began our climb in the rain forest on the Machame Route.

 Here is our campsite.  The big tent is our dining tent.  We slept in the smaller tents.

 Warming up with hot water at the end of our first day.

 Day two: We quickly gained a deep appreciation for all the porters who faithfully carried our tents, food and sleeping gear. They set up camp for us daily before we even arrived.  They were amazing to watch in action.

 Day two: We were delighted and shocked to see that we had a table for lunch.  This is camping at its best;  a delicious lunch was prepared for us while we took a break before hiking again.

A gorgeous sunset at the end of a very long and strenuous day.

 Day three: One of the shorter day hikes.

 Day three:  We hike in the Alpine Desert Region. 

Day four: Climbing on the large rocks was my favourite part of the climb.

Day five: There are three peaks on Mt. Kilimanjaro.  The highest peak is Kibo which is where we will summit.  This is a stunning view of Kibo.

 This is Mweka peak which is the second highest peak on Kili.

 Jana is trying to rest before the big summit push which begins in a few hours!

Day 6: After climbing for 6 hours in the dark like a group of marching ants with headlamps, we have reached Stella point.  We are freezing and extremely tired at this point but the summit is only a hour away and we will get there!

 We were able to hike all night with the full moon to light our way.

 I can't describe the emotions we have right now as we reached the summit.  I am thrilled to be able to raise the BCS banner that represents Hope and all the students and staff at Bearspaw Christian School.  You helped make this dream a reality and I am so grateful for all of you!

 Indescribable, uncontainable, You placed the stars in the sky and You know them by name.  Your are amazing God.  All powerful, untameable, awestruck we fall to our knees as we humbly proclaim.  You are amazing God!

This majestic glacier lines the landscape from the summit.

 Day 7:  Homeward bound.  This was our least favourite day.  I would much rather hike uphill than to go downhill for hours in the slippery mud!

 On July 26th we visited Msamarie Centre for Street Children.  The director gave us a tour and shared with us her vision for starting this centre 8 years ago.  She is an incredibly dedicated and generous woman.  She has such a heart for giving street kids an opportunity to succeed in life and to be loved.

 Thanks to Bow Valley Baptist Church and Karen for the scrabble games.  The students were eager and grateful to receive the games.

 The children were ages 6-16 and all of them were excited to choose the stuffy they wanted.
Thank you Sidney, Noelle and Erika Fisher for donating the stuffed animals and pens.

 Mariella donated a variety of candies that was a huge hit with everyone!

The majority of the educational supplies were donated by my grade 5 neighbour, Michelle.  The director was overjoyed with all the school supplies.

Hiking Powder Face Trail on July 21st

 There was a voracious wind on the top of the ridge!

 Notice the beautiful contrast between the colour of the clouds and the vivid blue sky; so stunning!

 The hair blowing in the wind gives a small taste of the powerful wind at this elevation.

Hiking Sulphur Mountain on July 19th

 Sulphur Mountain is a most enjoyable hike.  The big horn sheep at the top are entertaining to watch.

 While packing stuffed animals for the orphanage, I remembered this little beanie baby I had. Trekker is now our little mascot that will travel to all our summits with us.  Since we have seen numerous, enchanting little chipmunks on most of our hikes, it seemed appropriate for him to accompany us.

 A close up of "Trekker" joining the trekkers in training!

 This is the popular self guided interpretive walkway to Sanson's Peak.

 Here we are at 7,486 ft.  Another outstanding view!

 He is just too cute so I keep taking his picture.  I'm sure he would rather have food than photos.

Jana is using mosquito spray while trying to protect her camel-back hydration tube.

This is the Hilton of Hiking!  The trail is wide, easy to follow and has an observation area with washrooms at the top.  It has picnic tables, a restaurant and shops inside. 

For those who don't wish to hike, you can take the gondola to the summit and survey the vast beauty of the Canadian Rockies.