Monday, December 31, 2007

NY Times Article on Mt. Kilimanjaro

Tom Bissells account of his climb up Mt Kilimanjaro (this is a great interactive video up the mountain - visit http://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2007/10/26/magazine/20071028_KILIMANJARO_GRAPHIC.html#step2

4 comments:

Randy said...

I have just come across this site and wish you luck in your attempt to summit Kili. I summited on 6/30/07. I watched the N.Y Times video posted here and it is as difficult as it seems physically although I did not suffer the headaches. Do not delay the Diamox, start taking at least by Shira camp 2. Also be warned, do not lean yourself to much in your training, you will need the weight to burn off, especially the last day of accent. I started at 203lbs and returned home at 180lbs. The more muscle you have the more oxygen you will require at the top. Number 1 type of people who fail; runners. As learned from our head guide.

Rule 1: Water
Rule 2: Food
Rule 3: You fall behind, stay behind. Never try to catch up.

Good Luck, Randy

Michael Wood said...

Hi Randy

thanks so much for your great advice regarding my upcoming hike to Kilimanjaro - your information was very helpful and you can bet I will follow it!

I also wanted to congratulate you on summiting in July.

Michael Wood

Randy said...

I look forward to reading your post after you complete your trip. One last thought, go online and read previous travelers experiences to mentally prepare. Although physically challenging it is your mental state of mind that will get you there. On the last day choose your most important reason for going and never let it go. After you rest at Stella Point get ready for the thrill of going farther than you ever thought was possible.

I wish I were going so I could experience it all over again.

Randy

Michael Wood said...

Hi Randy

we maybe trying to send back some info to be posted as I'm climbing - trying to get a sat phone form Thomson Safaris who is doing the trip.

This comment was very helpful - thanks

"On the last day choose your most important reason for going and never let it go."

my reason for going is to raise funds for my daughters scholarship fund and Friends of Tanzanian Schools. This is the 5th anniversary of Olivia's (she was a twin) passing - When I get back it will be her sisters 13th birthday -I'm praying I get up (some luck and adjustment to altitude) will help!

Many thanks for all your comments -I leave on 1/31 and will be back on 2/13.

Michael