Org and Gerald, German mountain runners, had just finished Kilimanjaro in 12 hours, were both 50. We woke up early, ate and then sprinted up the supposedly 3 hour long hike in one hour and twenty-nine minutes. The saddle wasnt enough and being the competitive fellow I am, I raced them to the top of Little Meru (the second highest peak on the mountain). After that we hiked the trail to the summit. The group slept.
Stephanie and I played cards with the Canadians we met and then retired. Everyone except for the Germans and I left at 1am to summit. We left at 4:30.
After the first km we lost out ranger in the darkness. We were running jogging to the top. My breath reflected in the light of my head lamp when we ran along the ridge. The ridge of Meru is steep. Either side would easily claim your life if your not careful. We saw the lights from the groups above. Closer and closer they grew until we passed them and summited. The air was thin but crisp. We had entered a new world. One where the grass is clouds and the only two things are Meru, Kilimanjaro, and the blue ski above. I cant describe the sunrise in words.
We ran down in 1 hour. Caught the cook off guard and had to wait for breakfast. Celebration was in order. We ate, drank, and had a joyous time. We made it to the first hut before it was dinner and fell asleep. I was the only American on the mountain. Me and the Germans did it fastest and in my book I represented the USA well.
We hiked out to the sight of water buffalo and giraffes. Breathing the last air of Meru. And saying our good byes.
- Chad
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