Feb 22- Summit!!

< Newer | Older > Mon, 02/22/2010 - 19:12 — pps

DATE: Feb. 22 LOCATION: Summit of Kilimanjaro. 19,341 ft. 7:30 am The most incredible summit day. 17 of 18 climbers arrived at the summit at the same time. Dara made it to 16,000 before turning back. It is very unusual for a group this size to do so well. In addition snow was covering the top 3,000 feet. Hard to describe the beauty. After almost 36 hours since the last sleep most are finally in slumber land exhausted. There were many people crying on top as the power of the moment gripped them. We did have a few more adventures, more on this tomorrow.

Messages

summit

hikker — Mon, 02/22/2010 - 19:54

Another successful assent Great work!!!Be safe
Dad

lizzy!

stephy — Mon, 02/22/2010 - 20:00

lizzy!! i'm so happy for you! so proud too! i've been thinking about you since you left (it just took me a week to figure out how to post something to you, oops). how amazing it must have been to be so close to heaven :) and since you're so close, please send lotsa love to my dad and your mom for me!

dzives prieku!!
loaves, always!!

ps - a little something i found, made me think of you and your fellow travelers - May today there be peace within. May you trust that you are exactly where you are meant to be. May you not forget the infinite possibilities that are born of faith in yourself and others. May you use the gifts that you have received, and pass on the love that has been given to you. May you be content with yourself just the way you are. Let this knowledge settle into your bones, and allow your soul the freedom to sing, dance, praise and love. It is there for each and every one of us.

Congrats Liz and Megster!!

osbornem — Mon, 02/22/2010 - 20:15

OMG! Congratulations.....Now you KNOW you can do anything!!! Such an accomplishment. I can't even imagine everything you must be feeling right now. Blow kisses to your mom and Betty for me.
Have a great time on your safari and safe travels to you all on your decent down the mountain :)
Love you guys!
-Oz

Dara

pastime26 — Mon, 02/22/2010 - 20:17

Thought you might like to see this email we just got from Pinson -
Thanks for the update. Disappointing yes; critically important no. Great she was on the ride!

CWP

Congratulations to Bridget and all the climbers

alannmifrost — Mon, 02/22/2010 - 20:26

I cannot begin to imagine how hard it was to scale a 19,000 foot mountain or how breathtaking the vista you experienced at the summit. My love and good wishes to Bridget and all of her companions. Come home safely.

Alan

Congratulations to all the 2010 Climbers

pattylewis — Mon, 02/22/2010 - 20:43

I sat here last night thinking about our 2008 Summit night and remembering the feelings that you were feeling now. We are all so proud of you. Relax now and enjoy the moment.

Jack 2008

Well Done, My darling!

Kay — Mon, 02/22/2010 - 20:47

Congratulations to all on a spectacular journey...doubtless, one none of you will ever forget. Your next task is to carry that hope to all who wait for you at home...and beyond.

I love you, Biddy!

Nicky you are amazing!!!

wendiz1087 — Mon, 02/22/2010 - 21:00

We can't wait to see you and here all about it. What will you do next??? Enjoy your safari (Abby wants a zebra) and the rest of your adventure. Thank you everyone especially Rick and Sadie for keeping her going,even if it took a cattle prod. Love You, Mom,Dave and Abb

AMAZING!!!

shahruch — Mon, 02/22/2010 - 21:03

I can't wait to see pictures from the trip! I can't wait to see pictures of you at the top!!
Enjoy the safari Dad and Soha and we'll talk to you soon!!

Love,
Ruchi

Summit

mpkorn2 — Mon, 02/22/2010 - 21:05

from Marty and Phyllis Korn.
CONGRATULATIONS TO EACH OF YOU, AND TO DARA FOR MAKING IT TO 16,000 FT.!!!
We are proud of you, on many levels. It's an awesome journey.
Love and Hugs to all. M & P

CONGRATULATIONS!!!

Maulik — Mon, 02/22/2010 - 21:14

I'm sure it's a moment you will never, ever forget! Enjoy every breath of it!

Fantastic!

phyllis@kornfam... — Mon, 02/22/2010 - 21:33

I get almost teary just thinking about that summit moment...and all together as well!
Dara, if anyone can accept the "almost" with grace, I think it's you.
Eager to hear the rest of the details, Rick!
Big bear hugs of congratulations. Phyllis and Marty

Gin

KarenBusby — Mon, 02/22/2010 - 21:47

Hey girl...was missing you today as I went back to work...had a few encounters that normally I would have shared with you. Hope you got lots of rest today and are feeling ready for the downward haul. I shared the climb story with some friends at work today who are totally amazed at what you all have been doing. I hope you allow yourself to feel that proud accomplished feeling. You rock girl...you did it. I found a new Casting Crowns song for you to sing...you'll kick it. :-)

Hope you are feeling great...know you are loved and missed!!!

Much love sister.

To Wess

jodibble — Mon, 02/22/2010 - 22:44

Dad, What an awesome picture of you at the top and you have SNAKEY around your neck! Thank You, Thank You, Thank you for carrying him to the top!
Love, Peanut

WESS

Teamgharbo — Mon, 02/22/2010 - 23:18

Congratulations, Wess! I cried this morning as I was telling Alex and Melina of your achievement and motivation. Now I'm going to cry again. Much admiration, Tracy

MEG

ebrnsew — Mon, 02/22/2010 - 23:19

Hey Meg, I am so proud of you and Liz. That is unreal that you have done this. We love you and can't wait to hear all of your stories!!!!
Have a safe trip down the mountain.
Sarah

Wess: Congrats! This

todd — Mon, 02/22/2010 - 23:20

Wess:
Congrats! This morning's sunrise must've been a sight to remember. We're glad you made it, and it sounds like the weather broke for you to have some views. I know the Long Trail was too much for you, but I'm sure Dad is proud of you now for bouncing back.
Now - about me. I bought new golf shoes yesterday - the better to walk all over you upon your return!

Wess: Congrats! This

todd — Mon, 02/22/2010 - 23:20

Wess:
Congrats! This morning's sunrise must've been a sight to remember. We're glad you made it, and it sounds like the weather broke for you to have some views. I know the Long Trail was too much for you, but I'm sure Dad is proud of you now for bouncin

Summit Achieved

grammafran — Mon, 02/22/2010 - 23:40

Congratulations, John!!! Anxious to hear all about it!! Fran & Jim Northup

yahoooooo

stevenusafrench — Mon, 02/22/2010 - 23:40

congratulations, now the journey has begun!!

Congrats!!!

nkester786@veri... — Mon, 02/22/2010 - 23:54

John and All,
What an amazing accomplishment! I am in awe. Cogratulations from Jim & I.

sometime i am wondering that

jyoti — Tue, 02/23/2010 - 00:10

sometime i am wondering that u guys r getting my message or not. it is a remarkable day. unforgettable with special memory. enjoy it. we love u and happy for u. with love jyoti and mom

Congratulations to Meg and ALL!!!!!!!!

michelle15 — Tue, 02/23/2010 - 00:16

Congratulations on an amazing journey to the top. Meg, I am so proud of you. I knew you could do this. You are an amazing person with great determination. I can't wait to hear the stories when you get home. Travel safe and know you are all in our prayers. Thank you for all you have done :)
Shelli

Ginny - WOW!!!!

Toni — Tue, 02/23/2010 - 01:11

Congratulations Ginny! You did it!!!! Can't wait to hear all about it! Have a safe trip back down. ...there's NOTHING that you and GOD can't do together now!!!! No stopping you!! WOW!!! You're my inspiration!! Toni

Elizabeth

ixvfms — Tue, 02/23/2010 - 01:44

All day been shareing the fantastic news with everyone, nothing but tears of joy for you and all your friends. I keep wondering when my feet will touch the ground. So proud of you and what you all have done. All together to the top, I get goose bumps thinking about that. I'm sending Good Thoughts to you Elizabeth, be safe, you have alot of folks here cheering for you all!!! Your something very special!! Love you so much!!! Dad Snow at the top, WOW how special!

Meg

rookeynl — Tue, 02/23/2010 - 02:14

Haven't stopped smiling since I heard your voice last night. So proud and excited for you. What an experience. Safe journey down and enjoy the safari. My cup runneth over... Love you.

Wess you rule

cknick — Tue, 02/23/2010 - 02:14

You are awesome, yes you are. You have climbed both near and far!

Congratulations Yagnesh from all of us

trigunaj — Tue, 02/23/2010 - 02:21

We used to see that mountain from our window when we were young. Now you have climbed it! We always went to Kiboso with Bapuji. We are all very proud.
Triguna

Dara

pastime26 — Tue, 02/23/2010 - 02:28

We will be going to bed before too long - so I guess you will be getting up before too long. Hope you are feeling better and can take pride in how far and how high you managed to go - not an insignificant feat. We are so proud of you.
God bless you. We love you.

Heeeeelllllloooooo!!!!

pari37 — Tue, 02/23/2010 - 02:30

Hello at the top! Congratulations!! Did you stand at the top and scream??? Did you look down? How far is it?? Don't fall! Hope you are having a GREAT TIME! Hope you are having the time of your life! Love you Piqua people.
xxoo!
Pari

Congratulations! Yoga, Damroobhai & Soha Again.

PoojaRR — Tue, 02/23/2010 - 03:06

Great achievement!
It's Miller (er Kilimanjaro beer ) time!
Waiting for the pics and the movies so I can put them on my website!
Raju, Kalpana, Pooja & Nishil

Congratulations to all of you!

Shilpa T. — Tue, 02/23/2010 - 03:07

Hi Yagnesh Mama

This is great! Cannot wait to see the pics.

Congratulations to everyone!

Shilpa

congratulations

Neki — Tue, 02/23/2010 - 04:12

Wow, Soha, damaroo and all ,it must be awsome at summit, can't wait to hear all about kilimanjaro climbing
neki

Hi ho all!

Sona — Tue, 02/23/2010 - 05:01

Hi Soha et al,

I hope you guys are getting a little pause to just breathe, relax and relish! So proud of you - I've been telling everyone! And of course so inspired by you, Damaroo Mama and the entire team! I hope you are continuing to have a good time! Can't wait to hear all about it!
Love,
Sona

Sadie Beautiful

PhilipSzrama — Tue, 02/23/2010 - 07:32

I am so proud of you, and can't wait to see you! I love you with all my heart!

Elizabeth

Kathy Vidas — Tue, 02/23/2010 - 08:00

Congratulations, Miss Elizabeth!!! Your fan club back here is cheering up a storm.
'Can't imagine how good it must feel to do what you did. You make us all proud!
I know that your Mom is smiling.
Much love and many blessings to you and all in your group. Aunt Kath

:)

shahbds — Tue, 02/23/2010 - 09:55

In Portual now and still trying to keep tabs on you guys...still so happy and amazed by what you did. Can´t wait to talk to you about it, Dad and Soha - enjoy the safari!

And a special thanks to Rick and Yusuf and the porters and all the others that helped get you all there and back safely and making your trip amazing :)

Love,
Beej

Hey Ginny!

JackZap — Tue, 02/23/2010 - 11:17

36 Hours without sleep...impressive. You must be buzzing with a feeling of accomplishment. Enjoy the trip down. Enjoy the experience points you've earnest and enjoy the rest of your days as an example or what a committed life can be. All the best. YELLOW.

Little Buckeye

Josh Audsley — Tue, 02/23/2010 - 13:00

Wessan,

Turns out you taught that mountain a lesson. I agree with Todd, good to see you bounce back from the Long Trail. I am sure Pops is still the most proud of me, but this should at least put you in front of Todd and Tubby, and closing fast on Littlebit. I love you and couldn't be prouder! Have a safe and great trip back. Appears Todd got new golf shoes, I think he is gripping already and the league is still 2 months away.

To John and Wess

aaldinger — Tue, 02/23/2010 - 13:20

Amazing! Congratulations! What an accomplishment! Can't wait to hear the story - been thinking about you guys every day! have a safe trip down and back to NY!

Welcome Home!

partruc — Tue, 02/23/2010 - 13:31

When you all get back to Moshi, could someone send an email to joi@sti-tech.com or to this blog when each is arriving back in Rochester? There are quite a few people back here in the tundra who would like to meet you all upon arrival. Thanks.
Paul the '08er

Dippy!!!

thereillygirls — Tue, 02/23/2010 - 14:22

hey Dippy and everyone else... The Reilly girls are so proud of all of you! hope all is going well... Auntie has been sending us lots of snow... and more to come... the girls have been climbing all the snow mountains! Enjoy every minute... and take in all the sights... we miss you! i have actually started to text you about 10x and realize you aren't going to get it! i hope you sent lots of kisses and hugs up when you were on the top!!! Be safe.... all our love... smooches!

CONGRATULATIONS!

grishma — Tue, 02/23/2010 - 16:50

Sorry I'm a day late! Soha, congrats to you and everyone there! What a journey! I can't wait to see pictures and hear the stories in April!

WAY TO GO!

scarleta1959 — Tue, 02/23/2010 - 18:58

Congratulations Wess! I cannot wait to see pictures. Cyndy

SAFARI SOON!

todd — Tue, 02/23/2010 - 21:04

Wess:
A couple of questions as you go down the mountain:
1) Do you weigh less at the top?
2) How many people can ride in the gondola at once?

Safari question:
Will you be hunting, or just looking?

General question:
What should I tell your accountant? He's called me several times, and wants to know why you're out of the country . . .

We can't wait to see you - and your photos. Remember: "Take only pictures, and leave only footprints".

TEA

Wess

aliz122 — Tue, 02/23/2010 - 23:24

You must know how proud I am of you. As you can imagine the tears flowed when I thought of you and Dad reaching the top together. You are my rock. Have a wonderful safari and I can't wait to see the pictures and hear the tales. Congratulations tp all of your group. Another Blue Devil who soared and reached the hights. Love Mom

Wess

Mooch and Sue — Wed, 02/24/2010 - 00:04

Awesome!!! Congratulations on accomplishing this amazing challenge!!! Thank you for allowing us to honor and share family names with you so you could carry them to the summit. So emotional from even way down here. Safe travels for you and your team back home. We look forward to hearing all about your journey. We are so proud of you! Love you, Mooch and Sue

wow...amazing...awesome

babspierce — Wed, 02/24/2010 - 01:27

Wess...and buds...we are all so proud of you...have been reading the emails...and following you up...

Be safe, enjoy the safari...

Love, Bob an dChar

Wes

sddibbs — Wed, 02/24/2010 - 03:58

Congratulations!!!! Makes me tear up just thinking about the experience. You make us proud. Be safe! Take it all in. Love Auntie Sue

ON THE DOWN-LOW

todd — Wed, 02/24/2010 - 15:36

Wess:
We hear you're on safari now, so take lots of photos for us armchair trekkers.
Big snow storm coming here tomorrow - should be over by the time you return.
It has been nice and quiet at Quinn and Livie's soccer games lately - thank you.
Be safe, have fun, and don't forget to bring presents for all of us.

Stay Strong.

Todd

To LIZ

ojvidas — Thu, 02/25/2010 - 03:53

Hi liz - sent this out a few days ago and then discovered that I had sent it to the wrong address on myeverest. So in my euphoria, here's what I wrote:

Hey Elizabeth
ojvidas — Tue, 02/23/2010 - 04:49

Your dad texted me this AM with the news. Good going girl!!!! I sent word of your accomplishment to my family relatives and I'm getting replies of "great" and "awesome". Take in that rarefied air and pat yourself on the back and walk tall back down the mountain - we're so proud of you. Personally, I got a huge lift from what you did. Paldies. Uncle Oj

Amazing!

phyllis@kornfam... — Sun, 02/28/2010 - 17:33

Congratulations, every single one of you!!
Damaroo, I just this morning read for myself the account of your descent from the summit. I can barely imagine. You confirm for me how amazingly caring and skilled our guides on Kili were, and are! Good luck in surgery tomorrow on that leg.
Bring back, as I did, the sense of wonder at all you have experienced; you'll have it for a lifetime. Yesterday, Marty and I snowshoed a couple of hours in Mendon Ponds Park (Medved Challenge), and remembered all the training hikes in that glorious place. It's living life "as if everything is a miracle."

Thanks...

shahbds — Mon, 03/01/2010 - 04:14

I know you won't be posting anymore, but in case any of you are still checking this website, I wanted to say a BIG CONGRATULATIONS to you all for the amazing challenge you undertook and thank you all for being an inspiration.

To Rick, Yusuf, the whole climbing team, and the many many porters and people who had a hand in helping my dad down the mountain...words can never express how thankful we all are! It's times like these I realize how truly truly lucky we are. Thanks so much for all you did and sacrificed to help him reach the ground and home safely. It's such a great feeling to know he was in your hands.

Beej
(Damaroo's youngest daughter!)