May 16 2008
Going to Mt Kenya
Friends, I will be taking a short break starting tomorrow to attempt the third highest peak of Mt Kenya. It is the second highest mountain in Africa at 17,058 ft high and having done it 4 times before I know how thin the air is up there (and I was a fit young spring chicken back then!). It’s not unusual for people to get mountain sickness or mountain madness, finally I’ll have a good excuse for my crazy ways. I’m taking a different route this time, through the Sirimon trail and back down the Chogoria trail which is apparently stunningly beautiful.
The purpose of course is to get to Pt. Lenana, 16,355 ft. This peak is named after a Masai Paramount chief. My itinerary for that day which comes after 4 days of climbing reads
“Kick off at 3.am to reach pt Lenana 16,355 ft in time for the sun rise.
The climb starts on frozen scree and continues on a rocky track with some very minor scrambling. With a good Moon you barely need a torch. Without a Moon, then the pollution- free sky bangs on the ground giving you as good a view of the stars as almost anywhere on Earth.
The climb takes 3 -4 hrs and to add to the exhilaration, Kilimanjaro is also visible from the horizon.
Descend to Minto’s hut for full breakfast. After a short rest descend further to Mt Kenya bandas lodge through the gorges valley for dinner & overnight.
You can enjoy log fires, hot showers and bed at the lodge.”
Damn they have good marketers! It sounds so good - especially the log fire (poor trees) and ‘full breakfast’ … somehow I doubt a big meal will be quite as well appreciated as at lower altitudes, but my adrenalin is already flowing. You can read about adventures on Mt Kenya blogs here and here
Mount Kenya is a spiritually important place in Kenya, and I feel massively compelled to climb. Part of me wants to witness what is happening on the mountain, it is a National Park, a National Forest and a World Heritage site that is very well protected. However, scientists say it is also horribly affected by climate change with the glaciers melting at fantastic rates, we have already lost 45% of our glaciers, and its predicted to be gone in 15 years. I want to see the snow again before it’s gone. As usual I’ll get you some photos and perhaps a podcast about the adventure. I’m meant to be on leave for that week long climb, and although I’m doing it for fun I’m sure there will be a huge amount of pain involved, I’ll probably need another break afterwards!
Wish me luck!
Oh, and finally, I’ll be up the mountain when the Stockholm Challenge results are announced. Please please monitor it and let me know if we win anything!
10 responses so far
wonderfully exciting — good luck…..
Gosh Paula, this is so exciting…you deserve a break and we all hope you have a fantastic time. A pod cast is a grand idea, plenty of pictures too! Safe and happy travels, Theresa p.s. we’ll keep our fingers crossed, for the Stockholm Challenge…WD deserves to win!
Thanks for your support guys, I’m at Nanyuki acclimatizing now and we head up the mountain tomorrow. We’re expecting temperatures of minus 15 C, spectacular scenery and a full moon at the peak!
Hi Paula, good luck! I did the same route Sirimon up and Chogoria down a few years ago. It is STUNNING. There have been clear skies on Mt Kenya over the past few weeks and I am sure you will have an amazing view from Lenana.
And one of the main things I learnt was to walk at my own pace and ignore everyone running up the mountain! In the end they ended up with blisters and I didnt…:) All the best!
Have a wonderful time. I’m sure you will do well :>)
dear friends of wildlifedirect
please visit the site http://www.brainforest.org and sign the international petition to save the Kongou Falls , in the Ivindo National Park, home of lowland gorilla and forest elephant
Be safe and enjoy the climb. I think you’re crazy but I’m down here in Florida basking in heat and humidity - as God intended!
s.
Good good luck adorable “crazy” Paula! I can’t wait your amazing news.
LOL! Sheryl you are too funny! Paula, I thnk it’s fantastic what you are attempting. I just watched a special about Mt. Kenya the other evening. A young woman hiked it and she had to get up at 3am on the second or third morning to make the summit. It looked really tough, but she said it will definitely be one of the highlights of her life. I think it’s awesome! I wish you good and safe travels. Can’t wait to hear all about it! Lisa
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