Different Sort of Resupply

Our trained volunteers help direct a load of supplies to the ground.

From atop Mt. LeConte to the top of Mt. Kilimanjaro.

One of the 44 porters carrying supplies to our camp on Kilimanjaro.

Sitting in my room on this rainy sunday morning, I drifted back to my winter adventure. It was interesting comparing how we resupply the lodge to how the porters resupplied our camps on Mt. Kilimanjaro. I was forced to put into perspective the small daypack I was carrying to the top. 

The nimble porters scaling the wall with loads on their shoulders.

Our devoted volunteers run ragged for a couple of days to make sure we get the supplies on the mountain to take care of our guests. I was in awe to watch our porters risk life and limb to get supplies to camp each night. After talking to them I realized how important these jobs were to them. The jobs brought money to their communities that normally would not be there. After watching these courgeous souls, I declared I would never gripe about my commute up Alum Cave trail again. They helped make our adventure a trip of a life time.

That is the start of many stories to come. I am saving them for rainy days on the  mountain.

As for the weather up top, the low last night was 31 with a high of 39. We received a little over 1/2 an inch of rain. It warmed up enough to help melt off a lot of the snow of top. I do not know what the trail look like. We did not see many day hikers yesterday. I would guess from experience, that certain areas of the trails still have patches of ice. Make sure to wear your rain gear and bring layers of clothing to put on when you get to the top.