September 6, 2019, from our itinerary: To Mweka Gate; Transfer to Arusha. This day is a sustained descent on a well-constructed path through lovely tropical forest alive with birdsong and boasting lush undergrowth with considerable botanical interest. Our route winds down to the national park gate at Mweka (1650m); and on through coffee and banana farms to Mweka village. The shower, the beer, and the swimming pool are tantalisingly close! We return by bus to Arusha (a distance of about 100 km). Approx 4-6 hours walking. 3 miles of walking.
The day started with breakfast and a staff picture.
Then we had a congratulatory dance. These people were wonderful and made the trip possible.
This day we saw some beautiful flowers as we walk down through the forest.
And finally end up at the Mweka Gate, officially check out off the trail, and the end of our trek.
But there are more surprises as we arrive at the Comfortable Hotel for our final night. My suitcase is almost completely ruined in storage - not sure what they did to it. Note to self, don't bring any suitcase that you remotely care about on these trips. Considering I still have about 3 weeks to run, I hope it makes it. The real surprise is - we get certificates of completion! and I treat myself to a local beer.
Worst part of trip: scrambling up Barranco Wall, scree skiing, descent back to reality.
Best part of trip: seeing the airplane view and skies on the clear nights, weather, "torch light" procession up to Uhuru, reaching the peak and feeling good.
Now off to my transition to Lake Manyara National Park which will be my next posting as I prepare for Safaris and my 60th birthday amongst the wild animals.
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