Day 1 - December 11

Bus ride was long, over 3 hours because we got stuck and had to all get out and walk up the road. We started about 2 hours hiking distance from proper start because it was raining so much, there is no way the bus could get through. There were 3 foot puddles and red mud everywhere. When we arrived at the 'starting point', it was 4pm and we had another 2.5 - 3 hours of hiking. The leader, Chambo, is SO slow which made it all the more frustrating. The young 'army' folks were really impatient.

We finally arrived at camp #1 after 7pm in the dark. Tanzania is close to the equator so the sun rises and sets at the same time, all the time; around 7pm. The poor bloody porters, who have to pass us with all our bags, tents, food tent, chairs, food, propane and whatever else were definitely not dressed properly - re shoes/boots and rain gear. I felt bad for them. When we arrived, all our tents were up and they had hot water for washing (small bowl) hot tea and dinner shortly after. .

The dinner was quite good, it felt good. The rain is relentless here, soaks everything so we are starting out with wet sleeping bags, and gear. I bought a Colombia waterproof bag which is made of rubber. My only regret is not getting a bigger bag because while my stuff arrived dry, once it is set up in the wet tent, not so much. I tried to keep it organized away from the wet, but it was almost hopeless. I did not bring my mattress. BIG mistake cause the mattresses they have supposed to be 2" thick were very flat, like ½ to 1, and were so wet that you couldn't get warm.

Here's hoping tomorrow is less wet!