We’ve Arrived in Africa with ALL our Luggage!!
Rivertrees Lodge, Tanzania
Sunday Jan 24th, 11:30pm
Hi everyone!
We have arrived safely in Africa, after a 30 hour flight from Los Angeles, through Minneapolis with a four hour layover at Amsterdam. The approach into Kilimanjaro airport was a little rough, due to the winds that blow across the plain around Arusha and as it was dark when we landed, we didn’t really get to see much. Fortunately, all our luggage (17 bags, 2 wheelchairs, one extra set of Magic Wheels and the trusty poles, as well as a pile of hand luggage) arrived safely and we were met by the reps from Thomson Safaris who helped us clear customs quickly and expeditiously.
It took a little time to load the luggage and chairs onto the jeeps - think African safari jeeps that hold 8 people with the bags (and chairs) strapped to the roof (we’ll try and get some pictures up tomorrow) and then we set out on the final leg - a short drive to our accommodation at Rivertrees lodge. The temperature is high seventies and as we headed across the plain, you could make out the silhouette of Mount Meru (around 15,000 ft). No sight of Kilimanjaro yet!
Right now we are sitting at a late dinner in the open veranda restaurant at Rivertrees, which is really more luxurious that any of us had anticipated! The rooms each have their own unique character: Chris and Matt’s room have two trees growing through it; Erica and Tara’s has a plush raised bath tub; Zak and Phil’s room has a picture of a zebra, which Zak has just told me is his favorite animal; and Penny and Derek’s room has two mosquito-net-draped 4-poster beds.
Sleep might be hard tonight as everyone slept on the plane and we are all somewhat affected by the 11 hour time difference! But tomorrow we have a day to recover from the flight with a short hike and a little safari trip planned through Arusha National Park before our pre-climb briefing in the late afternoon. So we’re all heading to our respective rooms to try and get some sleep.
Talk more tomorrow. I can’t wait to get a glimpse of the mountain when we get up in the morning!
About me
We are headed to Africa to summit Mt. Kilimanjaro in Tanzania with two challenged athletes. Our goal is to raise awareness for individuals with physical challenges so they can participate and compete in the sports they love with portions of the proceeds to benefit the Challenged Athletes Foundation. By providing opportunities and resources needed for active lifestyles, CAF enhances these individuals’ self-esteem, independence and quality of life.In January of 2010, we start our journey from Los Angeles International Airport and head towards Tanzania, and we would like to invite all of you to follow along!
Here we will frequently be keeping you all up to date on our progress before, during, and after the climb.
Keep checking back!
