Our very-best-good friends, Tom and Melisa, got married this past August at the top of Mount Kilimanjaro.
If you know Tom and Melisa, then you know that this ten day hike up to the highest point in Africa epitomizes the life they enjoy together: multi-pitch crack climbs out in Indian Creek, whitewater kayaking class IV / V down in Costa Rica, climbing ice in Silverton; exploring wineries, medieval towns, and more cracks in Croatia.
Over Halloween weekend, Army of Darkness and Team Duck Tape rallied up in Escalante Canyon for several days of climbing, eating, drinking, hanging out by the campfire, and celebrating Tom and Melisa’s marriage.
Tom singing a dirty campfire song to his new wife.
Here we go!
Camp Mayhem was tastefully decorated for the occasion…
Skull in a juniper.Susan’s “beer cake” – with a top layer of Sofia (champagne in a can) – flanked by the bride and groom.
Bejeweled skull
We were able to secure our normal camp spot close to our favorite crag, Green Machine. A crag is an area along a rock wall where there are lots of different rock climbs. That way, with the number of people in our group, we can all climb in the same area so its a fun and social day together.
River crossing on the way to Green Machine.
Hanging out, belaying, and climbing in the sun at Green Machine.
Lee breaks out his big-breasted alter-ego and Melisa’s a witch.
Lee leads Elvis (name of the route) in a dress. Boob jam, anyone?
I had a really great weekend of climbing – getting stronger and more mentally tough (I think).
Nearing the anchors on Twisted in Trovia.
Back at Camp Mayhem, more costumed friends awaited – here’s Karen as Effie (Hunger Games) – “May the odds be ever in your favor”.
Heidi, Charlie, and Karen/Effie.
Karen made this amazing “Witch’s Brew” – complete with frozen ice hands and dry ice (which created a bubbling, steaming effect) – super creative and tasty!
We broke out our “moozies” (think beer coozie + mitten). Susan knitted each of us a moozie – Stephane’s is red with the Swiss flag, mine is green stripes.
Here’s a pic from our Northern Rockies Roadtrip – showing off the moozies! Stylish AND functional!
Pat made a super tasty wedding cake – can you guess what the frosting design is? You got it – that’s Mount Kilimanjaro. Pat & Kim were also on this trip with Tom & Melisa and Pat married them (in Swahili, nonetheless) at the summit.
Keeping warm thanks to the ridiculously huge fire.
Dan surfs a pallet seconds before it goes up in flames.
Our wedding present to Tom and Melisa – a wine box with wine for 1st, 3rd, and 5th anniversary. Stephane made the box from scratch and I penciled and then burned in the tree design.
Here’s a close-up. We had a lot of fun working on this project together. Typically Stephane does these projects but I was happy to be able to contribute my two cents this time!
Alan cooks up some grub the next morning.Breakfast of champions: cake topped with salami (???)
After two full days of climbing and three nights of campfire songs, way too much food, and multiple “baby sips” from the tequila bottle as it made its way around the fire for the twentieth time, it’s time to pack up and head on home.
The Grizz (Winnebago View - active duty)
1,800 miles and counting
The Hungry hippo (Popup camper - retired)
1,200 miles
The Gruffalo (Tow behind camper - retired):
12,000 miles and counting
The Baby Bison (Tow behind toy hauler - retired):
7000+ miles
Maine > New Mexico + adventures in between
The Great White Buffalo (5th wheel camper - retired):
3,000 miles
Free Range (Slocum 37 sailboat - resting; getting overhauled in Nova Scotia):
Traveled 2,400 nautical miles from Oriental, NC > Antigua (end of the road).
