Zoe Climb Kilimanjaro - Day 1

  We left Moshi in lovely sunshine. We drove around the eastern flank of the mountain in accumulating cloud. We walked to the first campsite (Second Cave) in the rain!! And I thought Rongai was supposed to be the drier route! We did pass through the forests though, where rainfall is of course to be expected, but I have everything crossed for some finer weather as the hike progresses.

I've really had no real time to prepare for this hike. With so much going on back in the office I havent even thought about it. A few days ago I had a quick kit frenzy and threw everything I owned that looked vaguely warm into my rucksack. I've borrowed all of my husbands walking socks (I dont own socks!) and I was fairly confident that the cowboy boots would be sufficient. Casper, our chief guide, gave me a serious look at the climb-briefing.  "These will not do. You wear these and you will fail by day 3".  So, against the advice that I give to hikers, I have hired some boots. I'm concerned that if I wear them now I'll get blisters on Day1. So I'll save that for later and stick to the trainers for now. Apart from the rain, so far so good.