Machame

Once all the bags were loaded on the bus, we got on board and headed to Machame Gate, maybe a 1.5-hour drive. Here I am clean for the last time in a week. I'm holding the mini-me Aelish made for me and wearing the t-shirt Cathy had designed for the trip.

My wee doll had a backpack with a St. Christopher medal inside.

The first day of hiking was through a rainforest. We hiked for 5.5 hours. The rainforest wasn't like Peru's forest – not as colourful or diverse in the flora and fauna. No birds or bromeliads. And it was relentlessly up. According to the Ultimate Kilimanjaro website, we hiked from an elevation of 5,380 feet to one of 9,350 feet.

We started the day at the Machame Gate and ended at Machame Camp.

Each camp has a sign like the one below. Next to it is Karen, one of my favourite hikers because she is so positive and upbeat – really good traits for a hiker. Note the sign lists the camps we will stay at (although our route skipped two of these camps).

I did OK on day one but was very glad to see the camp come into view. One of my favourite memories of this day was the drive from Moshi up to Machame Gate. It was a Sunday and we passed hundreds of people walking to church. Walking on a very hot day up a steep hill for miles. I loved the women's outfits – colourful prints, floor-length dresses and head scarves. So many different prints and so many bright colours. That was the compensation for the lack of colour in the rainforest!

30 Nov.