Arrival in Moshi

The skies have been uniformly overcast since we landed in Nairobi on 16 July 2010. Supposedly our bedroom window looks out over Mt Kilimanjaro, but we have to take the manager's word for it. The upside is that it is not too hot. The downside is that it is quite possible that we will labor up the mountain for five days, only to summit in clouds. Oh well, we are not doing this for the views.

Since leaving Colorado earlier in July we have not had many opportunities to exercise - too much driving, flying and riding on buses. Dave is valiantly climbing steps in our hotel, but I lack his dedication. Tomorrow begins our climb - I figure that I will have sufficient opportunities to use my leg muscles on the slow ascent.

We have met with our outfitter, Kessy Brothers, and will meet our climbing team later today. So far everyone seems to be competent and knowledgeable. We have passed their gear inspection, and will be packing up our stuff tonight. We do not have to put everything in one large container - they will take our smaller stuff sacks and gym bags and put them into a larger, waterproof series of bags for the porters. I am glad that we did not bother with backpacks - they would have been superfluous.

We had one recovery day in Nairobi, and two here in Moshi. I am glad that we factored in these extra days - the simultaneous effects of jetlag and adapting to a very new environment have made both of us a little slow and sleepy. Our hotel in Moshi has been wonderful (A&A Hill Street Hotel - sajjad_omar@hotmail.com) - clean, private bathroom, hot water, well ventilated - what more could you ask for?! I have posted reviews on the Thorn Tree forum on the Lonely Planet website, if you want more details.