Gary Fallesen / Tuesday, March 15, 2011 / Categories: Tanzania, Mission: Kilimanjaro 2011, Dispatches Tuesday, March 15 Mike, Randy and Shelly reached the 19,341 foot summit of Kilimanjaro with guide Yusuf and assistant guide Muhammad at 8AM after seven and a half hours of climbing on a clear, cold night. “What a night, what a day,” Randy said. “Amazing,” Shelly added. “Wow,” said Mike. Yusuf said it wasn’t too cold (“comfortable”), compared to other ascents. He estimated the summit temp at minus-7 degrees. “It was challenging,” Yusuf said. Bob turned back above 17,000 feet with altitude sickness and was accompanied down to Kibo Hut by Yusuf’s assistant Yahaya. Elaine also suffered altitude sickness after reaching Kibo Hut on Monday. I stayed with her at the 15,400-foot High Camp when the others set out for the summit at 12:30 a.m. This was my fourth climb of Kilimanjaro and I was blessed this time to share the mountain with my wife. Yahaya and I trekked with Elaine and Bob down to Hrombo Hut at 12,300 feet after the sun rose beautifully over Mawenzi. Both were feeling better after the six-mile, 3,100-foot descent. We were joined at Hrombo by the others at 4PM. Everyone is in good spirits, knowing that God has a purpose and a plan for all things. Tuesday, March 15 Wednesday, March 16 Print 3583 Gary FallesenGary Fallesen Other posts by Gary Fallesen Contact author