Close Up in the Clouds of Kilimanjaro

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It is better to have your head in the clouds, and know where you are… than to breathe the clearer atmosphere below them, and think that you are in paradise. – Henry David Thoreau

The one thing I will always remember about living on Mount Kilimanjaro for seven days and nights is the clouds. Every night at sunset I took my mug of hot cocoa out to a suitable rock and watched the changing clouds up close. I felt they were calling me in some strange way. Connecting me to nature and to myself.

Although I’ve done a lot of hiking over the years, I have never spent an entire week living on one single mountain. It was a rather surreal experience. Every camp site we stayed at was at an angle reminding me of what we had climbed up thus far and what remained. Every night sleeping in the tent, I’d put my boots at the end of my sleeping bag to keep my body from sliding down.

Yet, what I will remember the most about life on Kilimanjaro is the clouds. The never-ending, floating, swirling and changing shapes and colors as the sun set over the magical, whimsical clouds.

There is nothing on earth like floating high above the evening clouds on Mount Kilimanjaro. My friend Neha described the fluffy clouds like cotton candy. To me, the clouds reminded me of making fresh whipped cream, spiking and cresting high along the edges of a cold bowl as I beat it vigorously with a whisk.

My favorite time of day on the mountain was sunset when nature was at its finest hour, the golden hour as the sun dipped below the horizon casting glowing light upon the powderpuff clouds. I often sat there on my rock feeling like I was flying, soaring high above the earth in some kind of heavenly splendor.

“Clouds come floating into my life, no longer to carry rain or usher storm, but to add color to my sunset sky”. – Rabindranath Tagore

I could have stayed outside for hours, watching the spell of glistening stars light up the evening sky and the Milky Way splash the darkness with white. But once the sun disappeared the cold set in. I layered up inside my sleeping bag and laid my tired body to sleep. Another day had passed on the mountain. Another day unplugged, and far away from civilization with nothing but me and the stars.

This post was inspired by the Weekly Photo Challenge: Close Up. 

Author’s note: This post is part of a series on my recent trip and climb of Mount Kilimanjaro, to read all posts click here. 

78 thoughts on “Close Up in the Clouds of Kilimanjaro”

    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Thank you! so glad you enjoyed! 🙂

      Reply ↓
  2. derrycats – I am a pet sitter who lives with a houseful of animals as well, many of whom have medical and special needs. This blog is my reflection on the joys and blessings of living with our three cats and two dogs, and lots and lots of foster dogs and cats.
    derrycats on said:

    Stunning photos – amazing experience. Wow.

    Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Thanks! It was quite surreal up there!

      Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Thanks! So glad you enjoyed the view!

      Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Thanks!

      Reply ↓
  5. Ruth – Retired from Pittsburgh Public Schools Visual Art/photography teacher, photographer, knitter, reader, cook,baker, poet, filmmaker, Grandmother, traveler, Friend,
    Ruth on said:

    Incredible photos of an Amazing experience
    Thanks for sharing Nicole.

    Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      So glad you enjoyed the photos Ruth!

      Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Thank you so much! 🙂

      Reply ↓
  7. Alison and Don – Occupation: being/living/experiencing/travelling. In our sixties, with apparently no other authentic option, my husband Don and I sold our apartment and car, sold or gave away all our stuff and set off to discover the world. And ourselves. We started in Italy in 2011 and from there have travelled to Spain, India, Bali, Australia, New Zealand, SE Asia, South America, Egypt, Japan, etc. - you can see the blog archive. We travelled full-time for nearly six years, and then re-established a home in Vancouver. We now travel 2-3 months per year. We are interested in how the world works, how life works, how the creation of experience works, how the mind works. As we travel and both "choose" our course, and at the same time just let it unfold, we discover the "mechanics" of life, the astounding creativity of life, and a continual need to return to trust and presence. Opening the heart, and acceptance of what is, as it is, are keystones for us both. Interests: In no particular order: travel, photography, figure skating (as a fan), acceptance, authenticity, walking/hiking, joy, creativity, being human, adventure, presence, NOW. Same for Don except replace figure skating with Formula One motor racing.
    Alison and Don on said:

    What a beautiful time you evoked with your words and pictures. Thank you. I could feel the serenity of your evening time there on the mountain.
    Alison

    Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Thanks Alison! So glad you enjoyed the view on top!

      Reply ↓
  8. Marilyn Albright – Home Based in Sterling, Alaska – Alaska’s Kenai Peninsula has been home for more than 40 years. My husband, David, and I live on 10 acres of forest near the town of Soldotna. We are more or less retired, meaning we are retired from gainful employment but not from life! Our son lives in Australia and our daughter in Colorado. Photography, fiber arts, reading, and hiking/walking are some of my interests, and David shares my love of gardening, camping, cooking, and traveling, plus he is our tech expert.
    Marilyn Albright on said:

    These are spectacular cloud photos. How wonderful it was for you to look them in the eye!

    Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Thanks Marilyn! 🙂

      Reply ↓
  9. Celia – Tokyo, Japan – I’m a teacher and blogger – originally from Australia – who made my dream to live in Japan a reality in 2011. I love exploring Tokyo, eating Japanese food, taking photographs, hiking and travelling to far-flung corners of the country!
    Celia on said:

    Wow, those clouds are unreal! I love the 4th photo where the clouds seem to dwarf the tents. Great photographs! And what an epic adventure 🙂

    Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Thank you! I loved how the clouds rolled in each night and covered the tents in mist.

      Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Thank you! So glad you enjoyed the photos!

      Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Do you remember the clouds there?

      Reply ↓
  12. -Scarlett To- – Verona, Italy – 在意大利渡過了長達四年的旅居生活, 不停走訪各大城小鎮,旅行熱點,絕密秘景, 愛上美食,愛上拍照,喜歡與你一起分享旅程中的點滴
    Scarlett To on said:

    Wow… Wonderful pictures!!! 😄

    Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Thank you so much!

      Reply ↓
  13. charlieeasterfield – North West Ireland – I am an Artist, sculptor, calligrapher, photographer, teacher and environmental activist, living in the North West of Ireland, where I built a large timber home and studio in 2000, and developed a flourishing garden. Also: Bi-polar, veering between slob and perfectionist!
    charlieeasterfield on said:

    Wonderful photo’s! It’s virtually impossible ( I think!) to convey our experiences/feelings in nature and solitude, without the temperature, crisp, balmy, humid or icy, and the sounds, of winds, animals, birds, or even silence,……but ye’ve made a fine fist of it with these pics! Clouds like duvets….x

    Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Yes so true! You are right. I realize now that I never mentioned the sound. There were giant ravens that loved to make a racket but other than that nothing except the singsong voices of Swahili.

      Reply ↓
      • charlieeasterfield – North West Ireland – I am an Artist, sculptor, calligrapher, photographer, teacher and environmental activist, living in the North West of Ireland, where I built a large timber home and studio in 2000, and developed a flourishing garden. Also: Bi-polar, veering between slob and perfectionist!
        charlieeasterfield on said:

        How utterly magic!

      • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
        thirdeyemom on said:

        Thanks so much! It was so beautiful up there.

    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      You’re welcome!

      Reply ↓
  15. lulu – Houston, TX & Rockport, ME – I am a fiber artist with special emphasis on weaving, but I love working with threads and cloth in a variety of mediums. New ideas, new ways of connecting threads are the spice of life.
    lulu on said:

    Your adventureous spirit is one I admire!

    Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Thanks Lulu! It keeps me going that is for sure!

      Reply ↓
  16. RoarLoud – My love of nature has always drawn me outdoors. Being curious like a cat has lead to various adventures and travels. This blog highlights my travels, adventures, gear and random interesting tidbits of my life roaring loudly. The story behind my nickname (Wildcat) and my roaring can be read here. http://wp.me/p5yqsL-4m
    RoarLoud on said:

    Beautiful words and photos! I look forward to being in the clouds soon!! Roar!

    Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Thanks! I bet you are! I will get back to you later today about your earlier question about packing!

      Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      I must admit Debra that for me the camping part was the hardest thing of all even more so than the hike. The ground was hard and it was really really cold at night. I didn’t sleep that well but have since caught up a lot at home!

      Reply ↓

  18. To be above the clouds like that, whether in a plane or the way you were, is always fascinating and beautiful to me. Can you believe there are over 600 entries this week at this time?? Needless to say, I won’t make it to nearly all of them, so I do my favorites (you’re in that group) and then do random drop-ins. So many photos, so little time. 🙂

    janet

    Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Wow that is a lot of entries Janet and I feel honored that you read mine! I love looking at the entries when I get the time. It is fun to see how creative everyone is!

      Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Thanks so much! It was so beautiful there!

      Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Thank you Emily! Means a lot!

      Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Thanks Debbie! Hope you are doing well!!!

      Reply ↓

  22. I am so drawn to clouds as well. This post and your photos were fabulous. Can’t wait to hear more!

    Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Thanks LuAnn!

      Reply ↓
  23. Vibha Ravi – India – I’m just a person who loves to travel - as much as you do. We might not be able to see every place in this lifetime, but we can discover little pieces of the world and make them our own. I hope you enjoy my posts and the info n tips help you plan your own trip. Bon voyage!
    Vibha (www.pixelvoyages.com) on said:

    Mind-blowing pics! Am not sure will ever get there myself but this was a very enjoyable vicarious experience. Btw, got to your blog through the Solar Sister’s Neha Misra’s comments on FB. Grt initiative to be part of!

    Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Thanks so much!!! Wonderful that you know Neha! She is amazing!!! How did you meet her?

      Reply ↓
      • Vibha Ravi – India – I’m just a person who loves to travel - as much as you do. We might not be able to see every place in this lifetime, but we can discover little pieces of the world and make them our own. I hope you enjoy my posts and the info n tips help you plan your own trip. Bon voyage!
        Vibha (www.pixelvoyages.com) on said:

        She’s my cousin and we recently reconnected at a wedding, where I got to know about the Solar Sisters initiative. Good to be in touch with you as well.

      • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
        thirdeyemom on said:

        Yes Neha is pretty amazing! She is so inspiring and so great with words!

  24. Tanvi Mahapurush – I am Tanvi , a simple girl with many dreams to be turned into reality. I belong to the city loved for its food, INDORE but currently living in PUNE . Frankly speaking, was never passionate about writing but as the bird named "time" passed....the vehicle named "feelings" was driven on full speed by me ...and finally here I am to pen them down. I write about anything and everything that comes to my mind
    Tanvi Mahapurush on said:

    Hey dear , I have been reading your blog and I feel really inspired & I feel that everyone should once in their life take out time and do something like you are doing ………….. REALLY AMAZING PICS and INCREDIBLE JOURNEY and INCREDIBLE YOU !!!

    Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Wow thank you for such a wonderful comment! I am smiling now!

      Reply ↓

  25. Pingback: Napoli unplugged | litadoolan

    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      You’re welcome! Glad you enjoyed Andrew!

      Reply ↓
  27. restlessjo – Hi! I’m Jo! Johanna when I’m feeling posh, Jan to my Dad, and Joasiu to my Polish family. A bit of a mix-up, that’s me. The one constant, however, is my restless nature. I love to travel and to explore our world. It doesn’t have to be the big wide world. I can be ridiculously happy not too far from home, so long as I’m seeking new horizons. Of course I have a wish list, and it was to help me fulfil my dreams that I started to write travel guides for a venture called Simonseeks. I’d always kept a travel diary, and it was hugely satisfying to share my experiences and to make new friends who shared my passion for travel. Alas, Simonseeks hit a few troubles, but I still find myself writing about my travels. I’ve become addicted. I’d love to share them, and to make more friends. So, it has to be a blog- right? Or do I mean- write?
    restlessjo on said:

    Absolutely fantastic photos, Nicole. 🙂 I kept thinking- going up is one thing but getting down again would terrify the wits out of me.

    Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Thanks Jo! Going down was really hard on the knees. Still recovering believe it or not!

      Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Thanks Amy!

      Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      You are welcome! I’m just glad I got to capture them all! Our weather was perfect the entire week and we were so incredibly lucky for that.

      Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Thanks!

      Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Yes it was pretty surreal up there. I felt like I was floating above earth!

      Reply ↓

  32. You have inspired me to do this hike someday. Stunning photos.

    Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Yay! I hope you will do it! If you do, let me know and I can give you more of the nuts and bolts details. It really was amazing and a life-changing experience in testing yourself. Now I need to figure out what is next!

      Reply ↓
  33. Shelley Anne Martinez-Masagca – An academician and a researcher at heart. My love for traveling was birthed after our first DIY trip to Sagada in 2012. With my camera, sneakers and backpack, I explore. Glad to share with you memories of my travel adventures.
    Shelley Anne Martinez on said:

    Very nice article and photos, especially the great sea of clouds. Mountaineering is fun, so fun! Philippines also has Mt. Pulag, a tourist attraction with the sea of clouds.

    Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Thanks for the comment! I have never been to the Philippines but would love to check it out some day. I’ve heard it is absolutely beautiful!

      Reply ↓
  34. Shelley Anne Martinez-Masagca – An academician and a researcher at heart. My love for traveling was birthed after our first DIY trip to Sagada in 2012. With my camera, sneakers and backpack, I explore. Glad to share with you memories of my travel adventures.
    Shelley Anne Martinez on said:

    yes it is. 🙂 i would love to share with you bits of our experiences on the mountain https://journeyunderblueskies.wordpress.com/2015/08/12/sunset-at-mount-pulag/. 🙂

    Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Wow, that is beautiful!!! Where is Mount Pulag? Amazing! Thanks for sharing!

      Reply ↓

  35. Pingback: The Clouds Below Shira Camp | Thirdeyemom

  36. maamej – Australia – I'm a single white Aussie mum of anglo-celtic background with a teenage son whose dad is from Ghana in West Africa. I’m blogging to share experiences, insights & funny stories about living in a mixed family. I also blog about health, politics, culture, racism and food.
    maamej on said:

    Stunning. I need no other reason to go.

    Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Thanks so much!

      Reply ↓
  37. Les Petits Pas de Juls – Holbox, Mexico – I am a French sign language interpreter, based ... worldwide! The world is my playground. Home is wherever my backpack is, wherever the wind and my whims take me. Curious traveler (39 countries visited so far), crazy about heights, amateur photographer, newbe yogi, motivated trekker, passionate (sky)diver, clumsy writer, I'm always looking for the next happy moment! On an eco-friendly journey where I become every day more conscious of the consequences of my actions on the environment, I also avidly learn about any trick I can live by and share, to make the world a better, greener and safer place for everyone. Currently based back in southern France, looking for a job, learning Japanese and permaculture, I'm also planning my next getaway!
    Les Petits Pas de Juls on said:

    So so so beautiful and inspiring! those clouds!!! you had quite an adventure there! Congratulations!

    Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Thank you!

      Reply ↓

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