The Clouds Below Shira Camp

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“When I look up and see the sun shining on the patch of white clouds up in the blue, I begin to think how it would feel to be up somewhere above it winging swiftly thought the clear air, watching the earth below, and the men on it, no bigger than ants”. – Eddie Rickenbacker

There is something absolutely magical about being above the clouds and there was no place on the mountain that the view of the ever-changing clouds was more spectacular than at Shira Camp.

Shira Camp lies nestled high above the treeline at 12,600 feet (3,840 m) affording awe-inspiring views of the cloud-covered forest below. It is by far one of the most beautiful camps on the entire mountain and thankfully I arrived to have the entire afternoon to watch the clouds move, change, form and change colors with the setting sun. Besides the climb to the summit itself, watching the clouds hover over the landscape far below was the most amazing part of the entire hike.

I already featured some of my most beloved photos from my evening at Shira Camp in this post “Close Up in the Clouds of Kilimanjaro“. Yet this place was so unbelievably beautiful I felt I had to share the rest. I literally sat outside my tent and took photos for hours.

Arriving at Shira Camp

I had purchased a SIM card upon arrival in Tanzania in hopes of staying in touch with my family during the climb but I was only able to get an internet connection once and it took an hour of trying. I was told to go where the porters go as they always know where the hotspots are. Typically it can be found on the highest rock at the camp. I climbed up onto my perch and waited.

A wifi hotspot

And waited….

Another spot I tried to find a connection

I never did get through to my husband until a few days later when I broke down and sent him a text. I desperately wanted to share my experience with my family but unfortunately it would have to wait.

I spent the afternoon and early evening reading, writing in my journal and taking photos. The camp site was becoming alive with noise of the jet black ravens and the incoming porters and climbers. The views of the constantly changing clouds felt surreal. They seemed to float up into the sky like big puffs of white cotton candy or whipped cream.

I think this is one of my most favorite pictures from the trip. The campsite enveloped in clouds.

Our campsite

Some of our porters
View from the tent
The ravens
Kilimanjaro behind us
A Kili Selfie

I also was fascinated by the changing colors upon the summit of Kilimanjaro. From Shira Camp, it was another three days up yet it looked so close.

Uhuru Peak, the Summit of Kilimanjaro

As the sun dipped below the horizon, I snapped away taking an endless supply of photos. I was mesmerized by the stunning simple beauty of the clouds.

“The more often we see the things around us – even the beautiful and wonderful things – the more they become invisible to us. That is why we often take for granted the beauty of this world: the flowers, the trees, the birds, the clouds – even those we love. Because we see things so often, we see them less and less”.

Joseph B. Wirthlin
To view any photos in a larger size, click on it and you can scroll through them all in a larger format. I highly recommend it!

 

Little did I know that the next camp would be equally as stunning. Stay tuned…

 

 

 

 

 

 

46 thoughts on “The Clouds Below Shira Camp”

    • 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 incredible. Now to find my next big hike!!!

      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:

    Loving these stories, and the cloud pictures are spectacular

    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! I am glad you enjoy it! It was quite a trip and it is so fun to relive it all.

      Reply ↓
      • 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:

        Yes, Pennsylvania. And fortunately, she is going to a great rescue group tomorrow evening and they will find her a fabulous home. I will miss her but I know she’s going to find a great family!

      • 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:

        Ohhhh that is too bad!

  3. 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:

    Fabulous, Nicole! What a memory for 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:

      Thanks Jo! Yes it was quite a trip! 🙂 Hope you are doing well Jo!

      Reply ↓
  4. 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:

    My favorite in this compilation – the tent silhouette against the clouds and sun. Perfect!

    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! I love that picture too. 🙂

      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’re welcome! Glad you enjoyed!

      Reply ↓

  6. I cannot even fathom the spiritual high that you are experiencing. Although my first visit to the Southwest was magical, and hit me spiritually from the moment that I viewed it till now. We do not forget these life-altering moments.

    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 amazing Sally. The best part for me was “living” outside for an entire week. It felt surreal.

      Reply ↓
  7. 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! The photos have me getting more excited for my trip in September! We have a Delorme Inreach that will send messages to Facebook and a link for our trip route and where we are. I wasn’t sure on getting a SIM card- now I’m less sure of it!

    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:

      Wonderful! I can’t wait to follow. What ia s Delorme Inreach? Never heard of it. Sounds really cool!

      Reply ↓
      • 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:

        It transmits our route and where we are when people click on a link. Glad my kids will be able to know where we will be on the hike:)

      • 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 incredibly cool! I love that!

    • 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:

      Thank you! It was spectacular up there!

      Reply ↓
  10. michaelho1988 – “Wherever you go becomes a part of you somehow.” ― Anita Desai Afflicted by the travel bug at an early age, I'd like to think I've travelled most of the world, and the best present one takes back from travelling is becoming a more interesting person, becoming open to unique cultures, religions, cuisines, and sharing these experiences to regale both strangers and friends alike. I live my life travelling, in the workday, I am travel agent, and in the night, I often think back and write about my travels. Feel free to look for me should you like to talk about any of the destinations I have posted about and I will tell you something interesting and useful about it.
    michaelho1988 on said:

    Breathtaking views!

    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! It was pretty spectacular up there!

      Reply ↓
  11. anotherday2paradise – Durban South Africa and Florida USA – I enjoy writing about absolutely anything, and started blogging with WordPress in 2012. This was my 'Hammock Lady' blog, and I really enjoyed sharing my travels here: http://adinparadise.wordpress.com/ In November 2013, I decided it was time for a change of scenery, so I started my blog afresh, and here it is. I love to travel, and have been fortunate enough to do two round-the-world trips and visit more than forty countries so far. This year we visited our 7th continent, Antarctica. I enjoy photographing wildlife, especially in my backyard in Florida. I was born and brought up in England. My husband and I emigrated to South Africa in 1970. We now live in Florida, USA. I have a son and a daughter and five gorgeous grandchildren currently aged between 6 and 21 years. I'm so happy that you've taken the time to visit my blog, and would love for you to join me on my travels. Sylvia.
    anotherday2paradise on said:

    Wow, those clouds are really beautiful, Nicole. It must have felt so wonderful to be up there. Love your Kili selfie. 🙂

    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 Sylvia! It was pretty 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 much! 🙂

      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! I know I tend to put in way too many photos in my posts but I just can’t seem to narrow them down! 🙂

      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. I thought the clouds were quite magical. I couldn’t stop taking pictures of them!

      Reply ↓

      • Oh I know being above the clouds but on the ground it mesmorising – I’ll have to add the Revelstoke blog for you at some point – Skiing through clouds is amazing

      • 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 please let me know about that. Where is Revelstoke?

      • 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:

        Oh would love to know about it 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:

        Sure no problem. You can add me as the phot credit: Nicole Melancon/thirdeyemom.com. Thanks!

    • 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:

      Ha Ha….yes I had to do whatever I could to try to call my family. I get worried when I can’t talk to them. But everything is always fine!

      Reply ↓

  16. I would love to be there if for no other reason than to see those clouds….breathtaking!

    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:

      The views on the mountain made the effort to get there seem like nothing. It was so incredibly worth it! And actually the hike really wasn’t that bad. 🙂

      Reply ↓

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