day 2 – lynn’s 60th birthday!

Day 2: July 16, 2016
Today we celebrate Lynn’s 60th Birthday! What a way to celebrate! 🎉🎂🎈
So last night I didn’t sleep much. Our tent was downhill slightly and I kept sliding down my sleeping pad. I hope I sleep tonight.

Peter and I were up early around 5:45 AM. We began organizing our gear, and packing up our sleeping and other items for our large packs. As we were packing we heard a voice at the tent entrance – it was the waiter Mohammad – he had tea for Peter. I couldn’t believe it. As it stands, Peter joked with him last night about tent service and he actually took him seriously. He then brought me a cup of tea. We finished up and went to the mess tent for breakfast.

Today’s hike was very sunny. It was nice, but the sun leads to dusty trails. We had some of the most spectacular views as we rose above the clouds. And as we look behind us, you can see Mt. Meru standing majestically in the distance. The hike today was a lot of climbing uphill. And at one point we traversed the side of a rock face – it’s was pretty cool.

For lunch we had boxed lunches and those who eat meat raved about the chicken in their lunch

Lacey, Lilly, Lynn, Adam, Cathy and I finally made it to camp. After Mohammad brought us hot water to was up, it was popcorn and tea time.

And before you knew it Deb and Peter arrived, then Becky. It’s always exciting when you know your entire team has made it.

For dinner we had pumpkin soup, pasta or rice with vegetable sauce or meat sauce and pineapple. The food has been great on this trek. After dinner we sang Lynn Happy Birthday. And then everyone called it an early night. We all were really exhausted from the climb.

Before bed, one last look at Kili. I love the sunsets on Kili and the stars at night.

Day 3 tomorrow!