I did it!!!

Hey everybody! So great news, two days ago at 5:53 am, I was standing on the top of Africa. Now for those of you who pay attention to dates, you may realise that was a day earlier than planned. When John and I arrived in Moshi, we found out that John had not booked the extra acclimatisation day that I had. We would start the trek together but split up after the second day. So that was going to be fine. Our first day went pretty well, up through the rainforest to the first set of huts at 2700m. We had some monkey's go a little crazt above our hut that night. Monkeys make a horrible racket when they are fighting. Anyways, second day was up through the Moorland which is kinda like what we would call alpine meadow. 6 hours and we reached Horombo Huts at 3720m. It was here that our guide Milton sat down with me to discuss summiting. He basically said that if I wasn't having any altitude issues, he thought that I could probably push on instead of waiting around at Horombo an extra day. Then if I had issues at the next huts, I would stay there an extra day. If not, I would summit a day early and come down with John. He said that he was 90% sure I would be able to make it on the earlier summit. But, weather permitting, I would make it no problem the next day. Well I took this all into account and decided that instead of being freezing cold waiting at Horombo, I would push on to Kibl. So, the next day was through a saddle and the true alpine desert. It was pretty similar to the moonscape on the Tongariro Crossing in New Zealand, although the weather was much more threatening. After reaching Kibo Huts (4700m), we were sent straight to bed, awoken for dinner and then sent back to bed. At 11 pm, we were woken up and we had some snacks, at midnight, we bundled up, put our head torches on and headed up for the summit. The first portion was all volcanic ash, scree slope. Absolutely miserable. Every second step you took, you would slide a little bit down the mountain. Luckly, we had great weather, cold and clear, with an almost full moon. At the mid point of the ash, you reach Hans Meyer Cave where we had a quick break, but I had to keep going cause my hands and feet were getting cold. So more ash, and then into the boulder field. Well I tell you, my legs have never been so tired. A couple times, Milton had to pull me up cause me legs were too short to make the big steps (again, the problem with hiking/climbing with tall men). I definately hit my breaking point in the boulders and was pretty close to saying I had had enough and wanted to turn around, but Milton and Ngowi (our assistant guide), kept pushing us. I had to stop for a quick break, and then maybe 15 steps later, we were at Gilman's Point, the entrance to the crater. I was so happy to see that sign. It was also our first glimpse of the actual summit point of Uhuru Peak. We had a quick cup of tea there. John and I were both starting to get headaches, so we each popped an IBprofune. John was feeling really good, I one the other hand wasn't feeling quite so good and didn't want to eat or drink anything cause it just made me feel worse. After a few minutes rest we headed on along the side of the crater past Stella's Point, where we past the first summiter of the day (he was coming from Machame route). We had a little break at Stella's and headed on. I started to feel quite unwell just past Stella's, luckly Ngowi held my hair back as I threw up on the snow. I tell you though, I don't think vomiting has ever felt so good. After that I was ready to go. Well, 15 minutes after throwing up, we came to the sign welcoming us to the highest point in African (5895m). Unfortunately at 5:53, it was still dark. We were just getting the orange line on the horizon. My coldness started to not matter though and we stuck around for a bit until the sun came up enough to take some photos. It was super cold, but I think I got some good photos of Andre (the monkey) and I at the 'Roof of Africa'. We were the second summiters of the day, the first from Marangu route. We then turned around and boot skied down a bit of the glacier, John had a big fall that made me laugh so hard I cried. Then we passed Jemma and Mike (to Brits) on their way up to the summit. We were on such a high still that it didn't matter that we were super tired or cold. It was absolutely amazing. Such a beautiful place. The hike down to Kibo was one of the most physically exhausting things I have ever had to do. Especially after being on such an emotional high. We had a nap and some soup at Kibo and then headed down to Horombo where we stayed the night and yesterday made the final descent to the Marangu park gates. It was a pretty exciting thing to do, but already it feels like forever ago, especially because today it is quite hot in Moshi. Anyways, I have a few days to hang out in Moshi and Arusha and then Mom arrives in 4 days. I can't wait to see her. OK, notes for different people. Katie - congrats again, I am so happy for you and Dustin and can't wait to see your handsome son in person. Thane - I need you to send me your address. Robin - I finally got your postal code, so there are some post cards on there way (at least I sent them from overseas, even if I have been hauling them around for a month). Dad - I was hoping to talk to you yesterday morning, but Tanzania's phone company doesn't always like calling Canada. I talked to Mom and hope she passed on my birthday wishes. I will try calling tomorrow, but if not Happy Birthday! Love you tons and make sure Robin gives you my card that I left with her. Uncle Norm - thanks for the Kili advice and encouraging words, I appreciate it so much and can't wait to show you the photos. OK, I think that's it everybody. Talk to you all soon!