Kilimanjaro - making our way back to our summit camp

 

 

 

Halfway down Stella point Khabo collapsed.  Khabo did not even have radial pulses, her blood pressure was so low.  I put Rachel's backpack under her feet, we took the City of Johannesburg Flag and used it as a blanket. I had some medication which I gave her.  

 

 

 

 

 

 

We spotted the porters sent to help Khabo, however they were moving in the wrong direction. These were the porters that had been sent by Thomas, who had gone back to base to summons the porters to come and help to carry Khabo.

I made a decision and told Frank he had better leave us on the mountain and to catch up with the porters and get the Kili ambulance on the road.  Khabo was knocked out from the medications and Rachel and I just sat on the mountain, the three girls from Johannesburg Fire Department, all alone on Kilimanjaro. Epic!

 

It was actually quiet awesome if you think about it. We came, we conquered, and survived. We have beaten the fire beast many times in our work as fire fighters, now on this mountain of fire, we had come and beaten the ice monster too.

 

 

 

 

Rachel and I had help too, thank the Lord!! Two fresh porters were left with us and now helped to carried our backpacks and Frank's backpack.  It was a very slow and painful descent back to camp and at that point I would have gladly piggy-backed on one of the porters very inviting backs!!!.  

 

 

 

 

 

 

Rachel and I finally limped into camp after the sun had started setting, I vaguely remember some of the landscape we had passed during our ascent.  Ever faithful Thomas came racing up the pathway to great me, bringing along some very welcome refreshments. 

I rested and we chatted, he had said he had been very worried about me but was astounded at the three of us ladies, he had never seen such fiery determination and spirit from anyone before, let alone from 3 ladies. He told us that we inspired him and his entire team and all they could talk about was the three female firefighters and the courage we had shown on the mountain. He announced that they would never ever forget us!!! 

Well Thomas, Frank, Paul and the team we will never ever forget you guys, to us you were the real hero's hanging in there and encouraging us, and against all odds, brought us down back to safety, we salute you our Tanzanian friends.