Summary: Reaching the crater rim at 4:30 AM was an overwhelming experience of accomplishment. Chris was not only totally exhausted, but also struck by emotions. You can actually hear Ruth cheering in the background, while you wonder if Chris will ever make it off the mountain. The walk up was a beautiful experience. Ruth had timed the trip so the final ascent would coincide with the full moon. We needed no flashlights, the moonlight was bright enough to light the trail. This was one of the many ascents of mount Kilimanjaro with no supplemental oxygen.
