At the start of the Marangu Route to Mount Kilimanjaro

Porters heading off with our stuff

At Marangu Gate, about to head off to the mountain. The gatekeeper sitting at the desk is a law student studying his lawbooks.

At Mandara Huts, end of the first day. Still looking good. Our guides are Clemence and Freddy (aka Freedom).

Cookhouse at Mandara Huts. Huge quantities of food are produced three times a day.

Giant groundsel (or tree senecio)

A grove of giant groundsel. This indicates a watercourse.

Mawenzi, next to Kilimanjaro. Unlike Kili, this is a technical climb and not often done.

Joyce with our chief guide, Clemence

Horombo Huts, where we stayed three nights

Zebra Rock, near Horombo Huts

View of Kilimanjaro the day before we attempted our ascent

At Kibo Huts, the last stop before our ascent

Inside Kibo Hut at midnight, all ready for our ascent

At midnight, ready to go, but there was a blizzard and we didn't make the peak.

Mount Kilimanjaro the next morning. Yes, it really did snow.

Our entire crew: two guides, a cook, a waiter and eleven porters, all for us.

A porter carrying Michael's bag down the mountain