Day 1 | 15.2.21

15 February 2021 

Londorossi Gate to Mti Mkubwa 

Elevation (ft) 7,800ft to 9,500ft 

Distance 4mi 

Hiking Time 3-4 hours

Habitat RainForest

Depart Moshi for Londorossi Gate, which takes about 4 hours, where you will complete entry formalities. With flora and fauna heavier and richer here than on any other route through the thick rainforest, the Lemosho Route cuts through underbrush that is so untouched it at times grows right across the narrow trail. After 3 to 4 hours, we'll reach our camp, Mti Mkubwa, which means "Big Tree" in Kiswahili. *c/o Embark Exploration, Co.

Kili. I see you. 

What am I doing here. 7,000 miles from familiarity. 7,000 miles from the person I recognize. I am exactly where I need to be.

What a beautiful day today has been. There are so many walking with us, pushing the clouds aside, sharing their warmth and energy. Each of the team has different inspiration and shared purpose. I believe we will complete our journey.

Zach, Colin, Me, Daryl, Heather, Jeff, Vinti

We found ourselves at Londorosi Gate registration longer than planned because the porter’s bus broke down in the government forest land. Pine trees and carrot tops for miles.

Our start at Lamosha Gate began approximately 2pm. We slowly made our way to “Big Tree” camp to give the porters time to catch up. Four miles, pole, pole… still had us arrive hours ahead. The terrain remains beautiful rain forest and up up up. All the way to Mti Mkubuwa.

The porters began arriving just after sunset and continued well into the night. 32 men with all of our dreams on their backs, climbing uneven terrain in the dark. So much to unpack.

Camp was quickly set up in the dark and we enjoyed an amazing home cooked meal prepared and served with warmth and care. We ate and headed to bed by 11pm. It feels good to be back in a tent, comfortably uncomfortable.

My night was restless. I am cold, unused to sleeping without your warmth. And you came to me or perhaps you didn’t and my twisted mind played games with my dreams. 

The nightmare I woke to… perhaps simply Diamox delirium... the decision was one that I didn’t want and it ended my trek. I am left feeling haunted and alone. I haven’t been able to catch my breath even as I work to force it to match my stride. Would I even know if something wasn’t right? How did I get here?