January 27 - Londorossi Gate - The Adventure Begins!

This morning we pack up and leave for Londorossi Gate - the point at which we start climbing. We've heard the warnings on the entrance sign before, but being here and seeing it all makes us a bit nervous - but we are ready!





We’re feeling very excited, and a bit apprehensive, as our faces betray in the photos.









Today's climb won't be too bad. The temperature is nice for hiking - approximately in the 70's. It's pretty overcast as we hike through rain forest after a nice lunch. We go "pole pole", which is our first Swahili word - meaning slowly and we take breaks. It's amazing how out of breath you can get at 8,000 feet!





We sleep in small tents - our first night is spent at Forest Camp, 9,281 feet above sea level. Just in case you were wondering, we had a camp "potty" in a "private" tent for our personal use.

Delicious meals were served family style, seated at a long table in a large tent. Our porter/waiter, Falsteen, and the chefs did a great job of making sure everyone got enough to eat. I didn't lose any weight on the trip (very unusual since people burn about 8-9,000 calories a day). JT lost about 10 lbs. What a diet plan!