Kilimanjaro Lemosho Route expedition 2014

29th January 2014 – SUMMIT SUCCESS…. Since our leader Dave was evacuated from the mountain 24th January with a chest infection, news has been a bit slow in reaching us. However finally last night we heard the excellent news that the whole group got to the crater rim at Stella Point and 6 out of the 8 continued on to reach the true summit, Uhuru Peak. Ed made it to Stella point yesterday morning, but was finding it extremely difficult to breathe so was evacuated off the mountain, accompanied by Steve who had made it to Uhuru. Ed was checked out in Moshi yesterday evening and was given the all clear so enjoyed an extra night at the Aru Meru lodge.

Of the rest of the group Jo, Bob, Caroline, Maria, Regina and Steve made it to Uhuru with Martin calling it a day at Stella Point.

Dave is meeting the group at the exit gate today and will hopefully send us some pictures to put up on this page, internet permitting!

Adventure Peaks congratulates everyone on their success and is pleased that these determined people have proven once again how good the Lemosho route is for maximising everyone’s chances of reaching the summit!

24 January 2014 We received a call this morning from the leader Dave Balshaw who unfortunately has had to come down off the mountain with a suspected chest infection, and is on his way to Moshi to get checked out by a doctor. Dave has left the group in the capable hands of our Tanzanian guide who will look after the group for the rest of their climb. Dave said that everyone seemed to be going very well on their way to the Moir hut (4100m) tonight, and he has every confidence that they all have a very good chance of reaching the summit in a few days’ time. The satellite phone has been left with the trekkers who will hopefully remember to update us with their progress from time to time. Tomorrow they acclimatise as they walk up to the Lava Tower (4600m) for lunch before descending to Barancco Camp (3950m).

We all wish Dave a swift recovery so he can be fit again to take our next expedition up Mount Meru and then Kilimanjaro via the Machame route.

Friday 5pm: Dave has just called again from Moshi and the good news is that there is no water on his lungs, so no HAPE, just a bad chest infection which should clear up with some antibiotics and a few days rest.