Moshi, Mike and Michelle.

Day 13

Four hours of steep descent on a rocky path brought us to the road end at Mweka Gate.  It was misty and raining all the way but no one cared. Down through the vegetation zones, muddy boots and trousers. 

After signing out at the Park office we had a celebratory beer waiting for the minibus. The locals say “if you can’t climb it , drink it!”. We did both.

A young girl washed our boots and lower trousers for $2.

We had a look through the souvenir shop before the short ride back to Moshi. Let’s just say that some of us are better shoppers than others.

Back at Bristol Cottage hotel in Moshi, our guides and camp staff stayed for more celebratory beers.  They would have stayed for ever if the beer had kept flowing. Sending them off staggering at 6pm, we finally relaxed and looked back on a wonderful experience.

Mike and Michelle had arrived in Moshi that morning and turned up to join us for dinner. In keeping with tradition, we ordered bubbly. It was off. No-one was surprised.  Half an hour later, a guy on a motorbike delivered another bottle; it was excellent.

 It was a perfect end to the day and first part of our adventure.