We took public transportation from Arusha back to the point at the border crossing where we had stopped 12/22. When the van stopped for gas there was a fun employee sight.
The first part of the ride was on a large, nice bus. Then we transferred to a minivan. The minivan had eight seats. There were 12 passengers plus luggage. Three were young children. Staci got stuck without a seat so sat on the console between the driver and the passenger in front. To imagine what this looked like picture an ant trying to carry around a loaf of bread.
We made it to the border and started our hike after a four day Christmas hiatus. I had carried my pack some on this hike, but never at full weight. Now I had all gear, and six days food. It was a tough day. Our guide, Emmanuel, can hike. Staci can hike. That means I had to try and not slow them down too much.
It made me feel good that Staci was also tired at the end of the day.
The Forest Gump crowd formed behind Staci again. We hiked about 25 km today, not bad since we had quite the drive to get going, and didn't start hiking until 10:45.
We stayed at a dive hotel like no other for the evening. The proprietor was very nice, and gave us an avocado from her tree. It was massive, and delicious.
The hotel was three dollars per room. We got a room for Emmanuel, and Staci and I shared one. We probably could have spent the extra three dollars so Staci and I could have our own rooms, but the place was a bit sketchy. Staci sat up her tent in the room as a shield against mosquitoes. Theresa and I have stayed in some dump hotels over the years, but none were even near to being this bad.
DECEMBER 27-No Room at the Inn
Immanuel was ready to hike at 7:00 a.m. as planned. What a nice way to start the day.
Lots of banana trees in this area. Bananas are hauled around on carts, bicycles, and motorcycles.
meat, in this case beef) was the treat for lunch. On the side was fried bananas. I am not a fan of fried bananas. The meat was great, but spicy hot!
Staci is cooking on the stove my son-in-law Colin made for me.
We were planning to stay at an inn in the town of Kirua. It was full, there was a funeral and lots of folks in town. A man overheard the dilemma, and offered an extra room at his son's house across the street. It wasn't at all elaborate. Staci slept on the floor, Immanuel and I got cushions on the floor. They let us cook out back. His son and daughter were gracious hosts. When I asked what I could pay he was insulted.
There was no room at the inn, but we found a nice place to stay next to the chicken coop, and just in front of the buildings with the cow and the goats.
We were curious about the continuing church services, and the steady partying we have been seeing. People still wish us Merry Christmas. Christmas itself isn't all that's celebrated, but the whole week from Christmas through New Year's Day. Now, seeing many, many folks in their Sunday best clothes Friday and Saturday makes sense.
The last two days we walked along the base of the east side of Kilimanjaro. There are many rivers and streams that flow from the mountain. The roads and paths were constantly going up and down. Our elevation has varied from about 4500' elevation to nearly 5300'. It appears the roads/paths ahead will be similar. It is great for getting into shape, but a bit tortuous. We're turning to the west, so now will be hiking on the south of Kilimanjaro for three or four days.
