Leanne prepares to climb Mount Kilimanjaro

My brother, sister-in-law, my father, and my aunt are planning to climb Mount Kilimanjaro this fall.  I hope to highlight their trip here so those who never plan to make the climb can still experience the adventure.

Leanne, my sister-in-law, age 27, is my first interviewee.  

I asked Leanne why she wants to climb Mount Kilimanjaro, as this is no ordinary vacation.

"I like to challenge myself", she responded, "and try new things. To tell you the truth I am a little anxious about the whole trip, but that is what makes it worth doing.  It is good to push yourself."

Mount Kilimanjaro is located in Tanzania, Africa.  It is the largest freestanding mountain in the world, The mountain is actually a giant volcano, but other than a bit of steam and sulfur release, the volcano has not been active in modern times.

The quest for the summit takes the form of a long upward hiking climb.  No climbing equipment is required, making the mountain a popular destination for "ordinary" outdoor enthusiasts.

The foursome decided the best plan of attack is to climb the Shira 7 night route.  This allows them more time to adapt to the altitude, and they hope this decision will increase their chances of reaching the summit.  

Found on their tour company's website, http://www.africatravelresource.com , their selected route is described as "the best non-technical route on the mountain".  The site goes on to describe the scenery: "The route that this climb takes is the most diverse and interesting of any of the climbs that we operate. For the first four days it travels through some pretty remote and little visited areas, especially some of the additional acclimatisation walks, which explore the Northern Icefields beyond Moir Hut and the spectacular scenery around the camp at Lava Tower at the base of the Western Breach. On the fifth day the trail joins the Machame trail, passing below the Southern Icefields before ascending to the pre-summit camp at Barafu. From here it is a slow up and a quick down, overnighting on the lower slopes before the finish."

Leanne explained that they are travelling in a group, and she is hoping this will provide them with good support and conversation.  Their chosen route also offers side trips on most days from the locations where you sleep so if you have extra energy (extra?) and want to see all there is to see, you can tackle a side trip.

I asked Leanne how she was preparing for the climb.  "I was going to the gym 4 - 5 times per week since October of last year, but after August 19th's storm just a few weeks ago, my gym was flooded and will be closed until the beginning of October.  So, plan B is to start hiking as often as possible, as our trip starts October 7th. (approx. when my gym is scheduled to re-open).  I have been going for hikes through the paths near my house, a couple of times, with different lengths.  Some hikes last an hour, some a few hours.  Throughout the year I have also played floor hockey, which is quite good for the cardio, and baseball.  Although, I don't really count the baseball as training, just fun.  I have also lost 30 lbs over the last year."

Properly equipping themselves for the climb is another key to help increase their chances of success.  

"I have purchased hiking boots which I think are very important.  If your feet will be comfortable, you will be able to tackle more.  During my hikes I have been wearing my hiking boots in order to wear them in before we trek.  I still need to purchase a good coat (with lots of layering), and sleeping bag, for minus 20 at the top, and hot weather at the bottom...hmmm, where do I find that?  I should get some good sun glasses I think.  I already have a good pack from my backpacking trip in Europe a few years ago.  I think I shall spend some serious time just going over exactly what I need.  To date I haven't done that.  But I suspect I will talk about a lot of what is still
needed for our trip over the upcoming long weekend."

Leanne and her group are planning an extended trip by going on a Tanzania safari before the climb, and are planning a stop in Amsterdam on the way back to Canada to visit relatives.  

Leanne is most excited about the African animals she is going to see.  "I can't wait to see animals in their natural habitat, but I am most excited to have the achievement under by belt of climbing Kilimanjaro.  I believe this will be a mental, physical, and spiritual journey and once complete, I believe this will help me get through many things in my future."

Sheh admitted that she is most anxious about her preparation.  "I am concerned that I will be too hot, or too cold, that the animals will be in their natural habitat and I am intruding, that my preparation won't have been enough or that I will have forgotten something at home, as it is a far way to go back for anything!"

And what does Leanne have planned for when she reaches the top?  She plans to take a picture with the sign located at the summit.  And then take in the view!

Submitted by Lisa - Friday, September 02, 2005 00:22:18

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