Let’s just say this group knows how to party. Thursday we finally made it down to the gate at the end of the mountain (about 4 hours) my feet were bleeding, I had rolled my ankle more then 10 times and the terrain was like walking down a ice rink made of mud. But there was a great feast and all our porters were waiting to greet and congratulate us. About 20 of them. We gave out tips and donations and said our goodbyes. It’s amazing how close you come with these strangers over the course of the hardest week of your life. One of the porters I became close with broke one of his trekking poles twice on the mountain. Fixing it each time with some tape and knots. I decided to leave my poles with him so they will be making the journey over and over again and so that he no longer has to worry about his breaking. At least for a month or so. These guys are just amazing!!!

It was finally time to head to the hotel and shower for the first time in 8 days. Yep eew. It was the most amazing 30 minute shower of my life. The tub was black after the water drained. Make-up , hair dryer and I was feeling semi normal now. All that was left was a normal meal. After 8 days of porridge and stale bread I needed pizza. Boy did I get it. We all headed to a really nice hotel in Arusha. We got there and it was a slap back into “western reality” a cool lobby, lounge singer and I could smell the pizza I was about to gobble down. Drinks were flowing and soon it was time for the speeches. Shots, speeches,shots and certificates. Jeff gave a great talk about each person as he handed them their official summit certificate.

Back to the hotel for more drinks and some dice/card games. It was a late night and at one point I was attacked by a sharpie and woke up with this. I think it’s supposed to be a mountain…..