Cheers everyone and thanks for all your support.
Monday 20 September 2010
Breakfast in Amsterdam
Cheers everyone and thanks for all your support.
Sunday 19 September 2010
Treats
It was only after we pulled onto the main road, Russ realised one of the little blighters had knicked his sunglasses!
Tipping
One of the most annoying things on this trip has been the requirement to tip. I don't mind tipping if it is deserved and you show your appreciation of the service but here you tip for everything and I mean everything.
At the first hotel after you had ordered your drinks the waiter refused to leave the table until you tipped him and this was for every drink. The same was for food, even when they brought you the wrong order and it took over an hour they expected a tip.
But by far the worse is at the hotel we're in now. This place is set up as something fancy but really doesn't pull it off. There are more employees than guests. You are constantly surrounded by up to 3 people. If you even talk to them they expect a tip. Now I know and appreciate that they get basic minimum wage and it is basic, but quite frankly the behaviour over requiring a tip is merging on being quite threatening. If they don't feel that the tip given is enough the wait 'til you tip them more.
When we arrived yesterday evening our bags were carried to the room by a kind lady. We had been on a bus for 3 hours having trekked for 7 hours that day, so we were not in the best of moods and we just wanted a shower. When it was clear we had no change, she proceeded to close all the windows, turned the lights on, then re made the made beds, then did something in the garden, came back in did something in the bathroom, then started drawing the curtains, at this point I told her to stop. leave the curtains. I didn't want them drawn and that I was sorry I don't have any change until I had been to reception and at this she left. But it didn't end there Simon went to reception to get some change they said they hadn,t got any but out of nowhere appeared our chalet girl. 'I have. I have' she said, and proceeded to change Simon's 10 dollars all in exchange for a 1 dollar tip.
And again at lunch today, the waiter gave Simon the change however he had to wrestle it out of his hands. It is sad to see this desperate state of poverty and like I said I don't mind tipping as what is £1 to us is £100 to them but it begins to wear you down.
At the first hotel after you had ordered your drinks the waiter refused to leave the table until you tipped him and this was for every drink. The same was for food, even when they brought you the wrong order and it took over an hour they expected a tip.
But by far the worse is at the hotel we're in now. This place is set up as something fancy but really doesn't pull it off. There are more employees than guests. You are constantly surrounded by up to 3 people. If you even talk to them they expect a tip. Now I know and appreciate that they get basic minimum wage and it is basic, but quite frankly the behaviour over requiring a tip is merging on being quite threatening. If they don't feel that the tip given is enough the wait 'til you tip them more.
When we arrived yesterday evening our bags were carried to the room by a kind lady. We had been on a bus for 3 hours having trekked for 7 hours that day, so we were not in the best of moods and we just wanted a shower. When it was clear we had no change, she proceeded to close all the windows, turned the lights on, then re made the made beds, then did something in the garden, came back in did something in the bathroom, then started drawing the curtains, at this point I told her to stop. leave the curtains. I didn't want them drawn and that I was sorry I don't have any change until I had been to reception and at this she left. But it didn't end there Simon went to reception to get some change they said they hadn,t got any but out of nowhere appeared our chalet girl. 'I have. I have' she said, and proceeded to change Simon's 10 dollars all in exchange for a 1 dollar tip.
And again at lunch today, the waiter gave Simon the change however he had to wrestle it out of his hands. It is sad to see this desperate state of poverty and like I said I don't mind tipping as what is £1 to us is £100 to them but it begins to wear you down.
Bored
As you can most probably tell by the recent blogs we are REALLY bored now. We all want to get home. Some have already left. Stephan has just caught the bus to Nairobi 7 hours he must be mad, Ed, Karen and Anna are on a 1 day safari, Arrund and Carmen left after breakfast and we're just sitting in the garden with Toby and Johnny before they leave, most of us blogging for something to do and pass the time!
We have organised to go into Arusha to kill more time and find some souvenir's for the family as there was nothing at the Kilimanjaro national park shop , well not unless you wanted last years edition of the guinness book of records, which was the centre piece of the window display! Plus the hotel shop was not much better and I refuse to pay 20 dollars for two fridge magnets, especially when the wages of the poor people that made them was most probably about 50p!
This part of any type of trip I hate. You've done what you came to do and you just want to get home as fast as possible! Our flight is not until this evening so have quite a lot of time hanging around still! Wish the taxi would hurry up so we can have a look at some more tat!
We have organised to go into Arusha to kill more time and find some souvenir's for the family as there was nothing at the Kilimanjaro national park shop , well not unless you wanted last years edition of the guinness book of records, which was the centre piece of the window display! Plus the hotel shop was not much better and I refuse to pay 20 dollars for two fridge magnets, especially when the wages of the poor people that made them was most probably about 50p!
This part of any type of trip I hate. You've done what you came to do and you just want to get home as fast as possible! Our flight is not until this evening so have quite a lot of time hanging around still! Wish the taxi would hurry up so we can have a look at some more tat!
finally got some chips
We forever seem to be waiting, killing time doing nothing, so a cheeseburger from the bar was gratefully received and I think my chips finally arrived.
Accommodation
Mr Kilimanjaro himself
Saturday 18 September 2010
dessert?
Utter Disappointment to say the least!
Then dinner. Very limited menu choice of 3 so I choose the fish, but ask for chips as well as potatoes. The fish arrives, no chips. The fish is full of bones, in fact I calculate half my fish is not edible. Russ and Simon are rubbing in how nice their lamb and especially the chips are and I cannot repeat my few choice words said in response! Oh and to make matters worse the vegetables are raw. Oh to be home for a decent meal!
The Morning After
Yesterday was made up of two achievements, firstly Simon and my summit attempt which took 6 hours 36 minutes. Our guides told us later that they had slowed us down as we were on track to reach the summit in the dark. The second is the impressive achievement of Russ to reach Gilmans point. Those of you that have either climbed or attempted to climb Kilimanjaro will know how tough that is and those of you that know Russ will know that walking up very steep mountains is not what he's built to do, but he did it and it was a monumental achievement. The only thing I beat myself up over is that as I met Russ on my way down I should have put my foot down with the porter and turned round and gone back with him. It may have avoided Russ's complete physical exhaustion and AMS that he suffered, as throughout the whole trek I have been reminding him when to snack when to hydrate, when to take gel packs etc, still whats done is done and Russ is down safely. Mate I am immensely proud of your achievement.
To our amazement this morning having been stretchered the 9km from Kibo to the last camp, Russ is looking amazingly well much to our relief. The big concern is the final part of our trek to the Marangu Gate, its about 20k there is no way he will make that. Charles the guide has organised for the park rangers to collect him at around 15k, but still is 8 hours walking for him.
Once again a beautiful sunrise greets us, the camp is busy, as its the last day. There is a traditional tipping ceremony after breakfast. We are sang to, then the items that we have donated are handed out to the deserving porters, I left the KIM pillow, and then all 39 of the crew receive their tips. I had been nominated by everyone to make a speech and hand out the tips, interestingly when the crew knew I was the accountant as they call it, they became extra nice to me! It was great to be able to thank them for all their hard work as none of us would have been there without the Porters. They are an amazing bunch of men!
Out of our party of 11, 9 made the summit, 1 to Gilmans and 1 to 5,150m, so all in all not bad. Everyone had their own reasons for being there and their own demons to fight against on Summit day. Mine was altitude sickness as after Mont Blanc I was really worried. However thankfully I only suffered from a mild headache, which I know was sinusitus not AMS. Our summit day lasted only 8.5 hours, a breeze compared with the 18.5 on Mont Blanc.
We all left camp at the same time, but very quickly got separated. Simon and I stayed with Russ for the first hour, then we were told we had to leave him, to ensure we arrived at the gate at the same time. We were not happy about this, but our protests were turned down flat. I asked Russ if he was ok with it, and as usual he was, we just agreed whoever got down first got the beers in.
As has every morning been it was hot again, still different scenery to admire and general good company to pass the time with. Simon has again hurt his knee, but has developed a wonderful knack of using his walking pole as a cross between a splint and a walking stick. Put it this way he's going to be fine when he's 70 and needs a stick.
It takes us about 5 hours to cover the 20k's descending through the rainforest, we saw another Colobus Monkey on the way and many streams and the odd waterfall. We all then had to sign out of the park. However Russ wasn't back, so this gave us time to have a beer etc and look in the shop. Kilimanjaro national park really needs to get smarter commercially as there is nothing to buy as presents for kids and loved ones, not even a fridge magnet.
Russ arrives about an hour later. We are all very pleased to see him. He is back to his old self again and his wit has fully returned today. After a cold beer the one liners are pouring out of him.
We're back in the bus on the way to our hotel in Arusha. Russ is desperate to charge his iphone, hence he hasn't blogged for a while!
Back home on Monday a few days rest then training continues for the New York Marathon. 2 challenges completed 1 to go. I think Simon will rest for a week, but then get back into training. We both feel now that our goal is in sight as the first 2 challenges had lots of variables out of our control, like the weather, mountain sickness etc. Whereas the marathon is about staying fit and having the right mental strength. I think Simon and I have both proved we have the mental strength, we just need to stay fit!
Finally, it is so good to be able to say I've climbed Kili!
To our amazement this morning having been stretchered the 9km from Kibo to the last camp, Russ is looking amazingly well much to our relief. The big concern is the final part of our trek to the Marangu Gate, its about 20k there is no way he will make that. Charles the guide has organised for the park rangers to collect him at around 15k, but still is 8 hours walking for him.
Once again a beautiful sunrise greets us, the camp is busy, as its the last day. There is a traditional tipping ceremony after breakfast. We are sang to, then the items that we have donated are handed out to the deserving porters, I left the KIM pillow, and then all 39 of the crew receive their tips. I had been nominated by everyone to make a speech and hand out the tips, interestingly when the crew knew I was the accountant as they call it, they became extra nice to me! It was great to be able to thank them for all their hard work as none of us would have been there without the Porters. They are an amazing bunch of men!
Out of our party of 11, 9 made the summit, 1 to Gilmans and 1 to 5,150m, so all in all not bad. Everyone had their own reasons for being there and their own demons to fight against on Summit day. Mine was altitude sickness as after Mont Blanc I was really worried. However thankfully I only suffered from a mild headache, which I know was sinusitus not AMS. Our summit day lasted only 8.5 hours, a breeze compared with the 18.5 on Mont Blanc.
We all left camp at the same time, but very quickly got separated. Simon and I stayed with Russ for the first hour, then we were told we had to leave him, to ensure we arrived at the gate at the same time. We were not happy about this, but our protests were turned down flat. I asked Russ if he was ok with it, and as usual he was, we just agreed whoever got down first got the beers in.
As has every morning been it was hot again, still different scenery to admire and general good company to pass the time with. Simon has again hurt his knee, but has developed a wonderful knack of using his walking pole as a cross between a splint and a walking stick. Put it this way he's going to be fine when he's 70 and needs a stick.
It takes us about 5 hours to cover the 20k's descending through the rainforest, we saw another Colobus Monkey on the way and many streams and the odd waterfall. We all then had to sign out of the park. However Russ wasn't back, so this gave us time to have a beer etc and look in the shop. Kilimanjaro national park really needs to get smarter commercially as there is nothing to buy as presents for kids and loved ones, not even a fridge magnet.
Russ arrives about an hour later. We are all very pleased to see him. He is back to his old self again and his wit has fully returned today. After a cold beer the one liners are pouring out of him.
We're back in the bus on the way to our hotel in Arusha. Russ is desperate to charge his iphone, hence he hasn't blogged for a while!
Back home on Monday a few days rest then training continues for the New York Marathon. 2 challenges completed 1 to go. I think Simon will rest for a week, but then get back into training. We both feel now that our goal is in sight as the first 2 challenges had lots of variables out of our control, like the weather, mountain sickness etc. Whereas the marathon is about staying fit and having the right mental strength. I think Simon and I have both proved we have the mental strength, we just need to stay fit!
Finally, it is so good to be able to say I've climbed Kili!
Friday 17 September 2010
King Julian
Well as luck would have it on summit day of all days there causing mischief in the crater was King Julian, he apparently was visiting from Madagascar, and somehow he knew I had a message from Kian, and this is what he said.
Kian you should be good for your mum and dad most of the time, but in answer to your question yes you can come to Africa, however if you want to climb Kilimanjaro then you have to be 10 years old. Got to go now Kian I've heard the penguins are causing trouble again, King Julian over and out.
Last Camp
My trusty boots what a state!
Foot Damage
Considering the battering they have taken over the last few days, very little damage indeed, just the big toe on my left foot which is bruised and has fluid under it, very painful to the touch and 1 more day of walking, oh well its not like I'd be doing any dancing.
Kili summited!
We left for the summit at 12 midnight, the plan was to get to Gilmans Point by sunrise at 6am. The climb is in two sections, the first is to reach Gilmans point (5,681m) and this is the longest part and should take around 5-6 hours. Then if you are fit enough it is another hour or so to the true summit, Uhuru at 5,895m.
The going was easy to start with and was not particulary steep, but as the mountain got busier it was hard to keep a rhythm going, after a couple of hours our group had separated into two, stronger ones at the front weaker at the back. It was at this point that I did not realise was this is where we had lost Russ. Simon, Ed and myself were allowed to push on. we made surprisingly short work of the swithbacks on loose scree (imagine zig-zagging up sand dunes) and we arrived at Gilmans Point at 5am, an hour ahead of schedule, a few photos a hot cup of tea and off to the summit. At this point Ed and I are suffering with bad headaches, and then Ed throws up, which seems to cure him, no such luck for me, the additional 200m to the summit are going to hurt.
What I was not expecting when standing on the crater rim was the shear beauty of this mountain and its surrounding glaciers.
At 6.36am, the three of us and our guides stepped foot on the summit of mount Kilimanjaro some 5895m above sea level. Words cannot describe how I feel. I think of my family back home and my dad. I honestly didn't question once if I wouldn't make it, I was very determined this time. I believe I have probably pushed my body to the limits though of high altitude climbing this time, and maybe this is enough.
We passed Russ on the way down at 5500m. He had set himself a target of Gilmans point at 5681m, however if I know Russ I cannot see him stopping there. I reloaded him with gel packs and we gave him words of encouragment and wished him luck. As always he'd informed us he'd still had time to blog inbetween bouts of throwing up! Simon, Ed and I have our fingers crossed as he deserves to make it, he has worked so hard this week and gone along an emotional rollercoaster. Come on Russ.
We carried on down and when we got onto the scree, we 'scree-ran'down and once we got the hang of it it was quite easy and a lot quicker than walking down!
The rest of the guys will be late back and Russ later, what they don't know is that they face a 9km walk to our camp for the evening.
I suppose I had better sort the tent out and try and get rid of some of the dust, i cannot describe how dirty everything is, I have never been this dirty and it just doesn't come off, I am then going to assess the damage to my feet, as coming down only took 2 hours, most of it skiing down the screen slopes I can feel my 2 big toes bleeding now.
Simon has done his knee in again so that will be painfully for the next few days.
As much as we are proud of what we achieved today, my hat goes of to the man we passed just coming off the summit, he was on crutches due to only having one leg!
I'm sure there is more I have forgotten, but I will fill in the gaps over the next few days, cannot wait to get back to the hotel tomorrow to get properly clean and am now desperate to see the boys and especially Rachel. I managed to phone her twice, once on our way to Gilmans Point then again after we had summitted! And yes Rachel both Simon and myself can NOW call it Kili!
Am I glad that I did it? Without question Absolutely! Would I attempt it again? At this moment in time No. I've been higher than I have ever been before and possible ever will be under my own steam. It has been quite an experience and one that I will never forget. A lot of sole searching has been carried out on this trip and hopefully I will return home with a new and rejuvinated perspective on life and appreciate more those close to me......
Thursday 16 September 2010
Day 4 - 5 Hours to departure
I'm as ready as I am ever going to be, am coping well with the altitude have kept my appetite, which has surprised me. Just breakfast at 11.30pm and then off we go.
I am hoping we get a signal on the way up as have missed talking to Rachel and the boys.
Right sock issues now to resolve!
Day 3 Mawenzi Camp 4,330m
Breakfast is the same and the porridge is still awful but I smother it with jam and lots of sugar to mask the taste and eat it as fast as I can!
Today was tough mainly due to the heat, it was extremely hot and just zaps all of your energy. I think I was still suffering from heat stroke from yesterday so today I am completely covered, but still have my headache,was hoping it would have gone. Told the head guide Charles and he told me to take diamox which I did.
I can see Russ is struggling big time today so Simon and I give him as much moral support as we can, he has done brilliant so far and we will encourage him all the way to the top.
We're actually walking away from the mountain towards Mawenzi a beautiful jagged peak. Mawenzi is one of the three peaks on kilimanjaro. Mount Kilimanjaro is on our right bathed in sunshine, it actually looks like a bloody big ant hill, good job its not as the ants would be huge and the Anteater would be the size of a dinosaur! The vegetation is also really starting to thin out now. Although its been tough to this point the way to the top looks very steep. If we get that far it will be a long 12 hours to get to the top, I pray to stay healthy.
I spoke with Rachel early this morning as was not certain we would get a signal, even managed to get to talk with Ethan and Kian for a few minutes later on, then lost service for the rest of the day, but it was great to hear their voices, I read the photo book they gave me every night and it brings a smile to my face. I can't express how much I am missing them all and long to give them all a hug.
We eventually arrive at camp at around 1pm, after leaving at 8.30am this morning everything is set up as usual by the brilliant porters. We get a hot lunch consisting of soup, potatoes and salad, and plenty of hot tea. There was fruit for dessert, water melon today, pineapple yesterday, not bad considering we are at 4330m. We then get a welcome rest before we leave on the acclimatisation walk to 4550M, my head still hurts, I have taken everything there is yet nothing will shift it. I collapse in the tent for a well earned rest to try and shift it.
The rest was quick lived though and off we plodded, and I mean plodded, off on our acclimtisation walk. You are supposed to climb high and sleep low to help your bodies get used to the altitude. Not something that you want to do as you are so bloody knackered but you know you have to give you the chance of reaching the summit. It was very very steep, but we all made it and headed back down for 'wash wash' as they call it.
I'm not feeling particularly great so go for another lie down, that lasted 10mins before the first bout of diarrhoea which was quickly followed 30 mins later by another bout. This really is not pleasant at this altitude and I won't go into detail! Stephan gives me some tablets to take that should kill the bug. I was the butt of all jokes (no pun intended!) over the pasta dinner! It would seem that the side effect of diamox for me is to wee constantly, 15 times today so far and diarrhoea, so basically no more diamox for me.
Its now 8pm everyone is in their tents trying to sleep. Its cold tonight, bloody cold.
Day 4 - Kibo Hut 4,700m
My stomach feels better and I have drunk my 3 litre quota of water today although I keep peeing, but its clear so thats a good sign and shows that my body is accilmatising.
It feels weird camping at 100m below the summit of mont blanc. Have started to develop a headache as its so hot. We have 3 hours rest before dinner at 5.30. And then breakfast at 11.30pm.
After lunch Charles outlined the route and expectations. It's going to be bloody hard that's for sure.
Apparently their is a phone signal 50mins higher than camp, however, Charles recommends rest so as not to jeopardize the summit attempt, I hope rachel and the kids understand. I know Rachel worries if I have no contact.
The plan is to leave at midnight to give us a chance of reaching Gilmans point by 6am to see the sun rise over the crater rim, and then hopefully if we feel fit enough onto the summit by 8ish.
I am now in the tent. We have packed everything for the summit bid so hopefully no faffing around when we get up in a few hours and are wearing our clothes to sleep in! It is extremely cold again tonight and ice has already formed on our tent. It is going to be below zero when we leave tonight.
Time to try to sleep I am very nervous, this is it what we have come for and it is just in our reach. Within half hour I will be higher than I have ever been before.
Not sure whether will get much sleep and my fingers are crossed that I can speak to Rachel for that last bit of encouragement.
Wednesday 15 September 2010
Day 2 - Kikelewa Caves 3600m
At around 6.30 we were awaken by porters, who had a bowl of water for us. Managed to get about 7 hours sleep last night which was good. At breakfast we had our first taste of kilimanjaro porridge. Porridge is one thing that I do not have at home and I am not sure what it is supposed to taste like but it was revolting! But you eat it as you know you have to keep eating and drinking whilst you are trekking, so I forced it down! YUK!
It is was quite steep this morning, not really hard compared to Mont Blanc, so Me and Si seemed ok with this. The landscape is also getting drier and the red dust is changing to grey/black volcanic dust which is most probably not doing our lungs any good. We stop to take regular breaks of snacks and water. We arrive at Second Cave for lunch and have quite an appetite. The terrain this afternoon is more rocky as we amble slowly on the path through moving around the rocks and boulders. This is our first taste of what lies ahead. THe guides also tell the group that we might start feeling the effects of altitude sickness as we go abovfe 3,000m for the first time. As we know from Mont Blanc he is right, what looks like a small hill becomes more difficult to climb up as you try and catch your breath. Russ and Karen particularly found today tough going, Russ had a second wind after the gel pack, and his SPO2 stats were not to low at 79. I think he needs to try and eat more which is hard at altitude but will get harder. Karen really suffered and her stats were very low we are going to giver her some dex tomorrow to see if things improve.
I am conscious that tomorrow is just going to get harder and harder, so while I still feel good I will eat and drink as much as I can. Managed to consume 4 litres of water today, and despite that still have a raging headache, so far Ibuprofen and paracetamol have not worked I am hoping to sleep it off tonight, again I am not to concerned as my stats have an SPO2 of 95, I think its just sunstroke a bit although did have buff and cap on all day.
Managed to speak to Rachel and the boys today which is always a boost, the phone signals are very few and far between, and I don't know how long this will last. Fingers crossed.
Spent alot of today thinking about dad too. I think this was because I had decided to attempt this mountain following his death, which to me still seems like yesterday. I think getting our first glimpse of this beautiful mountain this morning brought all the reasons to the forefront of my head. I am hoping that I can try and come to terms with his sudden death and am partly doing it for dad. You also need to take your mind away from the trek, as the terrain and view is constant, i,m sure it gets better higher up.
Apart from the headache and the heat, the dust has been unbearable it gets everywhere, and you cannot get it off, I have never wanted a warm bath more than I do now.
The one thing that is always a sight of ore is the porters carrying the equipment on their heads to the next camp, its an incredible sight and they do it at 4 times the pace you can walk at!
I think I have been nominated as the accountant for the trip which means at the end of the trip I have to collect in all the tips and distribute to all the helpers, all 28 of them, with a little speech, Pete where are you when we need you!
So tomorrow we head to the foot of mawenzi peak, this takes us to 4330m. Its short but a steep hard climb apparently and then we will do acclimatisation climb of a few hundred metres before returning to camp for a well earned rest! This I know won't be pleasant above 4000m, two camps at this altitude its going to be tough and we should have a good idea who is and isn't going to make it.
Tuesday 14 September 2010
Max Height Today
Is this king Julian's lair?
hello boys
Knackered
Great to get the messages from home of support
Day 1 Evening Dinner
Memory is going not sure whether I have already said about dinner? -
Tonights meal was pretty impressive considering where we are.
menu
Soup of some sort but very nice.
Fried fish, roast potatoes, vegetable stew and spinach.
Papia - god that stinks.
Finished off back at the tent with a chocolate Hobart nob!
Briefing
Charles our lead guide briefed the group on tomorrow's trek and then checked to see if all ok. Only Karen, Ed's mum was suffering from headache. Both Anna and Stephan have already started taking the diamox.
Simon and I are going to wait and see how tomorrow goes, max height tomorrow is 3750m camping back at 3400m we have both been higher so feel confident we should be ok, we just need to ensure we maintain our appetite and drink plenty of fluids.
Right time for bed, apparently we get a cup of tea in bed tomorrow (I don't even get that from Rachel!)
Tonights meal was pretty impressive considering where we are.
menu
Soup of some sort but very nice.
Fried fish, roast potatoes, vegetable stew and spinach.
Papia - god that stinks.
Finished off back at the tent with a chocolate Hobart nob!
Briefing
Charles our lead guide briefed the group on tomorrow's trek and then checked to see if all ok. Only Karen, Ed's mum was suffering from headache. Both Anna and Stephan have already started taking the diamox.
Simon and I are going to wait and see how tomorrow goes, max height tomorrow is 3750m camping back at 3400m we have both been higher so feel confident we should be ok, we just need to ensure we maintain our appetite and drink plenty of fluids.
Right time for bed, apparently we get a cup of tea in bed tomorrow (I don't even get that from Rachel!)
Day 1 Commence climb to Simba Camp (2600m)
The first half hour was full of innuendo's and laughter however that soon petered out to a strange kind of silence as we walked through a pine plantation. I guess this is part of the group bonding and getting to know each other.
What we weren't expecting was the dust clouds that were being kicked up, I'm glad I bought the buff, and yes Simon, Russ I'm sorry I Didn,t get you one. We soon began to look like the locals covered in red sand.
Surprisingly we ran into the colobus monkey quite early on, about an hour in.
After an hour or so the pine plantation gave way to rainforest and then just before lunch we came across some local kids. Russ gave away his jelly babies much to their delight. The condition of these children is quite heartbreaking and it makes you realise how lucky you are.
We set off way before the porters, however it wasn't long before they passed us going up the mountain and coming back down to get some more supplies and bags! They really are quite incredible.
We stop to eat our pre-packed lunch at a picnic table (we could have been at Coombe Park!) which consisted of a buttered cob, carrots, soft ready salted crisps, 4 biscuits and a bar of dairy milk.
The afternoon walk was not hard and was fairly easty but with the heat and dust it wasn't pleasant. A few steep rocky stretches then we arrive at Simba camp and what a site, tents pitched, choose your own, mess tent up, cook tent up, a whole hive of activity. Simon informs me that these are better tents than what he was expecting and is pleased. We choose a tent and then get our bags and are introduced to our personal porters, Simon's and mine are brothers.
We set off again on a small acclimatisation walk, walk high, sleep low, I was surprised we only went 100 m higher and then back to camp.
The porters greet us with a bowl of boiling hot water to wash in, it was heaven particularly bathing the feet after. This will be close to a shower as we are going to get on this trip!
Its then time for tea and popcorn in the mess tent (folding camp chairs and tables), its all a bit strange but very much appreciated!
We are to go back to the mess tent at 6'30pm for dinner. Our gourmet dinner consisted of a tasty soup, again with bread and butter, some kind of fish in batter, roast spuds, spinach and a veg stew. Followed by fruit and washed down with lots of tea! and after dinner we are briefed on tomorrow's day, we rise at 6.30, then breakfast at 7 and we leave by 7.30 sharp. Apparently it will be harder, 6 to 7 hours walking, going up to 3700m and will be steeper in the morning section and then back down to sleep at 3400m
Currently feel ok, my back hurts a little and my knee is hurting will probably go for the full knee support tomorrow. The camp is now in silence with people either sleeping, reading or listening to their ipods!
Day 2 Breathtaking
Monday 13 September 2010
Day 1 - base camp
Frustrating that we have been here 3 days now and still haven't seen the summit as thick cloud hides her from our sight. But perhaps it is a good thing that we can't see what monumental task lies ahead and we can avoid the mind games that she will throw at us once we see her in her entirety. At the moment we are full of enthusiasm but most of all optimism!
Day 1 - Porters
Day 1 - Rongai gate
We're just filling out some more forms then the trek will begin. We say goodbye to toilets with seats, beds with mattresses, cool iced beers, showers and we say goodbye to all the things that make us soft and pliable! (god that makes me sound like a toilet roll!)
Day 1 - I'm being blogged
I imagine by now Russ and Simon will have updated their blog on my toilet break, but hey when ypuv'e got to go you'e got to go. What goes around comes around Mr Kew!
Day 1 - Departure toMount Kilimanjaro
Monday 13th September 2010
Todays the day we get our first sight of the mountain, it seems ages since we arrived so am looking forward to getting started.
Not a particularly great nights sleep about 5 hours, was up twice in the night as seem to have developed a mild fever, hopefully a couple of beechams and that will disappear.
Breakfast was short but filling a couple of bananna's rice crispies and a sausage sandwich. Feel better now all packed and just worrying as always that I have forgot something but am sure I haven't.
One last thing sprang to mind, Kian asked me to give King Julian a message if I see him, however he never told me what the message was. Will call home this morning as its likely to be the last signal we get.
Just met the last 2 people from our group Karen and her son Edward, they all seem nice but everyone a little nervous.
Todays the day we get our first sight of the mountain, it seems ages since we arrived so am looking forward to getting started.
Not a particularly great nights sleep about 5 hours, was up twice in the night as seem to have developed a mild fever, hopefully a couple of beechams and that will disappear.
Breakfast was short but filling a couple of bananna's rice crispies and a sausage sandwich. Feel better now all packed and just worrying as always that I have forgot something but am sure I haven't.
One last thing sprang to mind, Kian asked me to give King Julian a message if I see him, however he never told me what the message was. Will call home this morning as its likely to be the last signal we get.
Just met the last 2 people from our group Karen and her son Edward, they all seem nice but everyone a little nervous.
Sunday 12 September 2010
Mr Russ Blog
Time to turn in and get a good sleep in a decent bed, will probably pack again, although pleased rucksack weighs 8 kilos and bag for porter 12th kilos.
Scenery from afternoon trek
Kilimanjaro briefing
Well we have just finished our Trek briefing and met 5 other members of our group, Stefan, toby, johnny, armando and carmen with 2 more to join later. we have been allocated 1 cook, 1guide leader, 5 assistant guides,8 porters and 24 assistant porters thats 39 in total helping our group of 11!
Our guide apparently helped Chris Moyles to the top so there is hope for us yet! They make it sound easy but when you have climbed it 180 times I guess it would be. We have been informed that we will be well fed, and should not expect to loose weight. Not sure that Russ will agree with the first bit! Nerves are starting to kick in now and I try and put altitude sickness to the back of my mind. Positive mental attitude!
The group will meet again at dinner this evening then hopefully a good sleep (not sure whether Russ managed to catch and dispose of the cockerel whilst myself and Si went on our trek earlier!)then a 9am meet in reception tomorrow morning.........
Not sure If I will be able to do a regular update on the blog as the signal will be intermitant, so love you boys, bahave and take care of mummy for me x
Our guide apparently helped Chris Moyles to the top so there is hope for us yet! They make it sound easy but when you have climbed it 180 times I guess it would be. We have been informed that we will be well fed, and should not expect to loose weight. Not sure that Russ will agree with the first bit! Nerves are starting to kick in now and I try and put altitude sickness to the back of my mind. Positive mental attitude!
The group will meet again at dinner this evening then hopefully a good sleep (not sure whether Russ managed to catch and dispose of the cockerel whilst myself and Si went on our trek earlier!)then a 9am meet in reception tomorrow morning.........
Not sure If I will be able to do a regular update on the blog as the signal will be intermitant, so love you boys, bahave and take care of mummy for me x
trial trek
The climb was not hard but I did notice my hands had swollen, on checking my spo2 levels however they are at sea level normal. I think I am a little tired and hungry.
We received a text from the group who left this morning apparently there is a lot of waiting around at the base of the mountain and it is cold. Just want we want to hear.
Just having some lunch now and watching the grand prix, cannot do any more preparation I'm either ready or not. Did have chance to speak with Ethan who told me that the Eagles had won 1 - 0 that's 2 out of 2, excellent well done Ethan and the team, I was with you in spirit.
Right need to eat then at last things are beginning to happen we have our trek briefing where we will be our fellow travellers.
Bored and frustrated!
Didn't sleep well last night. The cockerel started at 3am telling us it was sunrise and time to get up, yes in a different time zone maybe but definitely not here! and then only shut up when it passed the baton on to the dogs who started at 4am, and then the monkey on our balcony thought it would be highly hilarious to join in and continue until we got up. Yeah ha ha ha really funny!
Went down for breakfast late, Russ already eaten and swam, my god he'll be taking up mountaineering for real at this rate. We see the other 2 groups off with a little envy we're ready to go now so all this waiting is frustrating. We just want to don our walking boots, put on our rucksacks, slap on that suntan lotion and get going.
We double check with the hotel who else is on our trek. We're in a party of 11 and Russ knows who is new tent mate will be; a german guy by the name of stephan schwienstieger. I bet he's related to the lady on the plane he sat next to.
We then checked out the gym. Everything broken, the massage table stained (mmm let's leave that to your imagination!), the sauna is big enough for one, steam room broken, jacquzzi cold, well that's that idea out of the window. So another day of R&R which we are not looking forward to as we are now desperate to start our trek. I think we are going to make a pack of playing cards as forgot mine!
Went down for breakfast late, Russ already eaten and swam, my god he'll be taking up mountaineering for real at this rate. We see the other 2 groups off with a little envy we're ready to go now so all this waiting is frustrating. We just want to don our walking boots, put on our rucksacks, slap on that suntan lotion and get going.
We double check with the hotel who else is on our trek. We're in a party of 11 and Russ knows who is new tent mate will be; a german guy by the name of stephan schwienstieger. I bet he's related to the lady on the plane he sat next to.
We then checked out the gym. Everything broken, the massage table stained (mmm let's leave that to your imagination!), the sauna is big enough for one, steam room broken, jacquzzi cold, well that's that idea out of the window. So another day of R&R which we are not looking forward to as we are now desperate to start our trek. I think we are going to make a pack of playing cards as forgot mine!
Saturday 11 September 2010
Kit Check
As you can see however Si got a little carried away and is now confident of climbing everest!
Another member of our trip
Russ has fitted in like a duck to water. He's been extremely popular with the local girls, he puts it down to having more girth. And yes even though he didn't bring any he still went swimming and I think the lycra shorts are even tighter now. This sight I assume lured the girls down from their balcony. It was a text book dive from all accounts, however, on surfacing she was now without her top. I wasn't sure if Russ was looking to the left or right, he claims up, I'm assuming he was thanking god, I think he likes Tanzania.
Anyway we met Anna in the bar area just before dinner, she's from Manchester, has a 7 year old boy and 5 year old girl. We think we're on the same trek as we all leave on Monday. She has become our new best friend as she tells us she has paid for bottled oxygen with her guide company! Strange we never got offered it but it does use 10 kilos of your 15 kilo allowance.
Chillin' in South Africa
Hi Boys
Thankyou Thankyou Thankyou boys what a wonderful gift which I will treasure whilst I am here (you will have to give mummy a big hug from me) but I will have to decide if I am going to take it up the mountain as I don't want to get it damaged as it is so special.
And yes Kian if I see King Julian (from the film Madagascar) I'll give him your message. I have asked Simon and Russ to keep an eye out for him as I don't want to miss him!
Daddy at the base of kilasiya waterfalls. Love you x
Russ you could have waited!
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