A VOLCANO Always at Hand

 

Mount Kilimanjaro was more to us travelers on this trip than just a dormant volcano in northern Tanzania, the name of the airport we flew into, or even a destination for a future trip. The highest mountain in Africa, its snow-topped beauty followed us everywhere… not because we could see it from our every location, but because its name was plastered on products of all kinds. We came across it mainly on the front of the water bottles that were freely distributed daily. Part of the morning routine of loading up each day included packing cases of the water bottles in the safari vehicle, as that was our only water supply. We used bottled water for everything, from oral hygiene to hydration purposes. We couldn’t afford to run out. It was important to remember to grab a couple when disembarking at the latest camp each evening, to use in the nighttime hours, as well. The camps had water for bathing, plumbing and cooking purposes only. No wonder it was important to remember to close up the Land Rovers when leaving them for any period of times – the monkeys thought they were treasures, as well!

Kilimanjaro beer was a tasty alternative when the opportunity for purchase presented itself! Sometimes a lunchtime stop at a park entrance, or at the bar in the one campsite that featured an infinity swimming pool and nearby lounge area – the fanciest we stayed in by far! And of course it was available at the resort we stayed at at the end.

It was at the resort with a couple of idle days before our departure that we toyed with the idea of touring the real Mount Kilimanjaro. Unfortunately, the only way up was on foot, a trek of several days! If I struggled to get to the base of a waterfall and back, I knew I’d never hike to the top of that mountain! But one of the vows Kevin and Alex made to each other during that eventful week was to return at some point in their lives and make the climb together. One thing I have learned about these two is that once a course of action has been decided upon, it’s as good as done! I already can’t wait to see their pictures!

“May the glory of the Lord endure forever; may the Lord rejoice in his works – He who looks at the earth, and it trembles, who touches the mountains, and they smoke.”

(Psalm 104: 31-32, emphasis mine)