One of my life ‘to do’ items is to climb Mt. Kilimanjaro. Linda and I have begun planning a trip for 2010. If anyone would like to consider joining us, please let us know. A small group of friends is organizing a ‘planning session’ this fall, probably in Seattle. Current thinking for the actual climb is sometime over the summer of 2010, coinciding with the next World Cup to be hosted in South Africa. While more crowded, this (June to October) is one of the two ‘best’ times to climb the mountain (the other being January to March).
Kilimanjaro is in Tanzania and stands just over 19,000 feet, with a vertical rise of approximately 15,000 feet. The Wikipedia details are here. As a reference, Colorado ski resorts peak at approximately 9,000 to 10,000 feet (Arapahoe Basin is 10,800). The climb is not considered technical – the danger and the challenge to the human body is generally the altitude. Approximately 35,000 people a year attempt to summit Kilimanjaro, with a casualty rate of approximately .02%.
Leading trekking agencies include:
It was found that lactate doublet was found in a small number of people especially the ones who downtownsault.org viagra sales in india were facing heart disease, who used to smoke or drink alcohol. You may not feel like drinking water as your blood pressure lowers, check in with your doctor to lower your medication. cialis discount price The tens device levitra buy online was in a testing stage and was used by the people of Ancient Greece as a way to deal with “nervous” issues. According to a survey conducted by the group of scientists has put a light on the path to success. viagra order uk
In preparation, we have acquired a couple of books: Kilimanjaro – The trekking guide to Africa’s highest mountain (Stedman); Altitude Illness – Prevention and Treatment (Bezruchka); Northern Tanzania – The Brandt Safari Guide (Briggs). The NY Times also had a short article in the Travel section in January 2008.
Physically and mentally, in addition to regular exercise, we are planning our next few ski trips to Colorado (altitude), a summer 2009 hiking trip in the Rocky Mountain National Park (Long’s Peak is at 14,225 feet), and a possible hike up to Machu Picchu (about 8,000 feet). Depending on interest at our planning session, short excursions to non-technical sections Mount Ranier National Park and North Cascades National Park may also make the preparation agenda.
More to follow.
Have you seen the IMAX film “Kilimanjaro: To the Roof of Africa” by David Breashears? If you haven’t, I highly suggest it. I just summited Kili in March and am happy to answer any questions you may have… feel free to email me!