Caroline and Hilary here!

We have just gotten back from spending night one with the group.
Yesterday we all took a bus from the hotel to Rongai gate (2364 meters above sea level). A three hour journey that took us through some beautiful terrain and some interesting sites and towns. Once at the gate we met up with the rest of the team which is comprised of porters, guides, cooks, first aid assistants and what appeared to be an entire village of people. Many of our climbers commented on how humbling they found it to see how many people were there to support them up the mountain.

At the gate climbers were asked to sign into the national park and then we had a packed lunch before beginning our walk.
The weather was gorgeous and the 3 hour walk seemed to fly by with everyone in high spirts by the time we arrived at Simba camp. All tents were set up and waiting for us when we arrived, which was fortunate as it started to rain as we were assigned our tents.
Waiting for us in the mess tent was hot water for tea and coffee, as well as popcorn and ginger biscuits.
Before dinner Christine, one of the guides who had been with the climbers since the 3 peaks challenge, took vitals of each member of the group and checked in with all the climbers for signs of altitude sickness. Everyone’s oxygen levels were brilliant and heart rates were strong, although a little quick from the coffee everyone was enjoying!

After a dinner of potatoes, beef, and veggie stew -climbers had a briefing with head local guide White.
White stayed with the group for a post dinner chat, and especially enjoyed when the group got out a guitar and had a sing along.
By 8pm all of the climbers had dispersed off to their tents to get as much sleep as possible before their 6am wake up.
Over breakfast many reported restless sleeps and lots of bathroom breaks during the night, but overall everyone was very excited to carry on to the second camp.

Before we left the group, White led the climbers and porters in a group song and dance where we exchanged many hugs and wished them all luck.
The climbers have now made it to second camp and we are looking forward to updating the blog as soon as we hear more.
Please join us in wishing the climbers luck over the coming days.

H&C