Climbing Kilimanjaro in Nov...any takers?

Discussion in 'Off-Topic Discussions' started by beachhoppr, Apr 21, 2005.

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  1. beachhoppr

    beachhoppr New Member

    So!

    I finally decided on my pre-midlife crisis trip and in November, I am going to attempt a climb to the top of Kilimanjaro. The trip is actually not very expensive...oh but the gear...that's another story. I am currently involved in creating a scheme ,with myself, to be able to purchase the gear and get it into the house without major spousal knowledge :D She doesn't care about me going on the trip but when she finds out how much a North Face Denali or Mountain Hardware Sub Zero is...she might ;)
     
  2. JLV

    JLV Active Member

    beachhoppr, olé tus cojones...!!!!!

    I´d be interested to do that too. Problem is that I have never ever climbed anything in my life, and have no cash to finance such an expedition. Nevertheless I have something in mind which is similar in scope but much cheaper, somewhat less exotic, and probably less risky although equally challenging. I am planning to walk the Camino de Santiago in Northern Spain, a traditicion that dates back many centuries. The journey is long, about 1,600 Km (about 1,000 miles) from the Pyrinnees to Galicia. It is sort of a spiritual quest (never mind your religion or your lack of it), with a lot of time to think and refflect, culminating with your arrival at Santiago, where you hug the Apostle (the tradition says James, the apostle, is buried there). The journey lasts about a month. There are literally thousands of pages in the net regarding this option. (Just in case your wife figures out that you´re not going camping with te Boy Scouts :D ).

    In any case, I applaud your idea, appreciate your courage and wish you the best. I hope you can keep us informed.


    Regards

    Good luck!
     
  3. beachhoppr

    beachhoppr New Member

    JLV,
    The beauty of Kilimanjaro is it is not a technical climb. This means you do not need mountaineering experience nor do you need ice or rock gear. It is simply a long, strenous hike up to 19,300ft.

    The biggest issues to encounter are:
    Acute Mountain Sickness (everyone gets it but you can be acclimatized to get better)

    Cold (hence the sub artictic gear)

    Fitness (ya gotta be able to hike up a mountain for 8 hours a day for 5 days)

    Scree (ya gotta be agile enough to deal with loose rocks, etc)

    15,000 attempt every year, about 50% make it to the summit with 90% of the 50% who turn back due to alititude sickness.

    You can do it!
     
  4. GUNSMOKE

    GUNSMOKE New Member

    Hey! Count me in!

    Sounds like GREAT FUN!

    But, if you don't mind, I'll just take the elevator!

    :p
     

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