Mount Kilimanjaro summited on 8/8/2012

Just got back yesterday (to the Tanzanian city of Arusha) from the most exhausting, exhilarating and inspiring 7 days climbing Mount Kilimanjaro......Tanzania is a beautiful place and the people are so welcoming, humble and relaxed.  The town of Arusha is just chaos, people everywhere, markets full of colour, goats being herded, donkeys
carrying containers of water, the aromatic waft of cooking food in the air, dust, vehicles and motorbikes jostle for space and road rules are an arbitrary thought!  But somehow it all seems to work!!!
Briefly the climb has been extremely challenging in terms of altitude, cold and terrain but I will focus on the summit ascent...
The summit ascent commenced at 1150 pm from an altitude of 4750 mts (Kibo huts) when we woke the tents were covered in ice!!!!!  My clothing for the climb, consisted of 2 x pairs of socks, 2 x pairs thermal pants, 1 x pair outer trousers, 2 x thermal tops, merino vest, merino long sleeve, snow jacket and outer gortex jacket, balaclava, ski gloves and inner thermal liners,  headlamp, boots and trekking poles.
The reason for the night climb is for calmer weather and more oxygen at night - as the sun and temperature rises the oxygen levels drop.
Our team ( x 13 members) and 6 guides began the slow ascent in single file past base camp buildings and into the darkness with headlamps as our guide.  the climb was very very steep up a zig zag trail alternating between volcanic scree (small pebbles like coarse sand) and rocky ridges)thankfully we didn't do this in day light as it is extremely steep and off putting !!!
As we continue to climb I look back down to our team and other teams heading up the mountain I saw trails of the headlamps lights twinkling in the darkness.   The climb continues and it is like climbing a near vertical sand dune and the altitude is causing headaches and breathing is very difficult with your lungs screaming for air - like being
squeezed in a bear hug.  After 2 hrs we move past 5000 mts and stop for a cup of tea.  By this time a couple of the team are suffering considerably and the climbing is very slow.
The air temperature continues to plummet as our camel back water bottle in the back pack freezes and now unable to drink (I have a bottle of gatorade in the back pack wrapped in a sock to prevent freezing - which did the trick) and the backpacks are now coated in a layer of ice.  The last hour before reaching Gilmans point at 5 am (5600 mts - and 2 hours still to trek?) was the most challenging with high winds, blizzard conditions and my trekking poles covered in ice.
My fingers are now unbearably cold and painful, requiring me to place my hands inside my jacket for warmth and restore feeling !!)
Our team doctor has treated 3 of the team for the effects of altitude sickness and they continue in spite of the difficulties.
We traverse the crater rim of Kilimanjaro in cloud and darkness (thankfully because the sheer drop off the track is treacherous and frightening) and blizzard conditions with the temperature at minus 20 !!! with our clothing now freezing, balaclava iced and it takes another 2 hours to reach the summit Uhuru peak at 7.15 am!  We are universally elated,  emotional and exhausted.
We only stay at the summit briefly as the guides are anxious for us to descend asap to reduce the effects of altitude sickness - on the return trip the sun pokes through the cloud to reveal spectacular views of the summit glaciers, snow covered crater and the base camp over  1 km below and beautiful view down to the African landscape
below.
We retrace our steps to return to the base camp and engage in Kilimanjaro skiing (direct descent down the scree in long ski like steps) which affords rapid descent arriving back at camp at 10 am. Cup of tea, snooze for 45 mins then lunch before we walk for another 5 hours to Horombo huts at an altitude of 3800 mts.  We crash into our tents totally exhausted but satisfied the we have successfully met the challenge of ascending Kili.

The next day we trekked a further 21 kms down the side of the mountain through alpine tundra, heath and into rainforest where we saw Colobus monkeys (black and white colour with large plume like tails) and Blue monkeys running along the branches of trees and finally to the National Park Gate -signalling the end of 7 spectacular and challenging days( I now have a severely inflamed and painful Achilles tendon to remind me of the experience - nothing a few Mount
Kilimanjaro beers would not fix!!)

Thank you once again to all my supporters and well wishers.......your words of encouragement and support of Amnesty International Human Rights helpede me greatly in achieving my goal of summiting the worlds highest free standing mountain in the beautiful, spectacular and contrasting African country of Tanzania.

And as my guide said of me.... I am now nguvu kama simba....strong as a lion!

7 days to go

After another week end of traipsing up and down the 1000 steps I am now in the final week before I depart for Africa on 1 August.   A few ‘last minute’ items have now been secured and packed – all good to go!  

I recently had contact with the trip doctor to make sure everything from a medical perspective is sorted and I was a little daunted by the doctor’s comments ….the previous trekking group (13 members) three of them failed to make it to the summit, one woman suffered severe swelling of the brain (High Altitude Cerebral Edema otherwise known as H.A.C.E.) and required rapid descent –thankfully she made a full recovery.   I didn’t need to hear that little gem...????

My itinerary as per below.....

Martin Hardy – Mount Kilimanjaro Challenge 2012 – for human rights and Amnesty International

1/8/2012      
Depart Melbourne

Via Bangkok (Thailand), Nairobi (Kenya) to Kilimanjaro International Airport – Arusha, Tanzania. http://goo.gl/maps/EQsI

2/8/2012                             
Arrive Arusha
Transfer to Hotel – rest and pre trek briefing – prepare gear for trek.

3/8/2012                             
Day 1 – Trek
Depart Arusha for Mt Kilimanjaro  http://goo.gl/maps/F0nc  
3 hour drive –by 4wd to Rongai Gate at village of NaleMoru  (alt. 1950 mts)  ) 4 hour trek
 Group of 11 trekkers plus doctor (for daily medical assessments) and porters (approximately 30)
 Trek via northern route through forest to moorland –overnight camp at Simba camp (alt. 2600 mts)

4/8/2012                             
Day 2 – Trek
Simba camp to Kikelewa camp (alt. 3800 mts) 7-9 hour trek

5/8/2012                             
Day 3 – Trek
Kikelewa camp to Mawenzi Tarn- permanent lake (alt. 4330 mts) 3-4 hour trek.
Steep climb through grassy fields to rocky terrain.

6/8/2012                             
Day 4 – Trek
Mawenzi Tarn – day of acclimatisation –remain at this altitude and undertake short walks

7/8/2012                             
Day 5 – Trek
Mawenzi Tarn to Kibo (alt. 4730 mts)   4-5 hour trek
A sparse moonlike landscape and then rest and prepare for summit ascent starting approximately 11.30 tonight

8/8/2012                             
Day 6 – Trek
Kibo camp to summit and down to Horombo Camp (alt. 5895 mts) 15-18 hour trek 
Begin summit trek at 11.30 pm –navigate narrow switchback trail by headlamp to summit.  Morning sunrise views of ice cliffs, summit crater and African plains beyond.
Descend via southern route to Horombo camp (alt. 3720 mts)   

9/8/2012                             
Day 7 – Trek
Horombo camp to Marangu (alt.1700 mts)
Vehicle return to Arusha

10/8/2012                           
Rest day
Much needed rest and WASH!!
Part company from trekking group to continue on safari

11/8/2012                           
Safari
Fly from Arusha to Serengeti National Park (Distance approx. 300 kms).   Commence safari –game reserve and overnight tent camp  http://goo.gl/maps/riYR

12/8/2012                           
Safari
Continue safari – game reserve (Serengeti) and afternoon Ngorongoro Conservation area via Maasai Boma (village) and overnight stay Ngorongoro Wildlife Lodge http://goo.gl/maps/wg1JD 

13/8/2012                           
Safari
Continue safari  - Ngorongoro Conservation area and return to Arusha.
Depart Tanzania via Nairobi and Bangkok to Melbourne.

15/8/2012                           
Return Melbourne

 Thanks again to everyone for your support and well wishes and in particular supporting Amnesty International Australia –protecting human rights.

16 days to go…

This weekend saw another 3 ½ hrs walking up and down the 1000 steps in conditions far more friendlier than last week end (see pervious post) This time I thought I would try out a new skill that I hope to build upon to capture some moving images when I am scrambling up Mt Kilimanjaro.  So out came the Ipod to give the cinematic skills a brush up!!!!!   Oh well practice never hurt anyone???

Clearly Steven Spielberg I am not……. but atleast you some idea of how beautiful green and lush the bush is at this time of year.  

Please click on the youtube link…apologies you will have to tilt you head…..

http://youtu.be/DrCQh0Cp_rg

22 days to go

Last Saturday July 7th  I resisted the urge to stay in bed...... rose very early and literally brushed the ice from the car on what turned out to be the coldest night/morning in Melbourne for about 4 years (I estimate it was about -1 in Box Hill) and travelled to the 1000 steps.    Backpack on and slowly regaining feeling in my hands I commenced what would be my PB for the steps, completing 6 circuits up/down the stairs!    I can tell you I could well and truly feel all parts of my body at the completion of this session!!!

Some facts on the Mount Kilimanjaro climb.......

Duration:                     7 days

Walking distance:       67 kms

Starting elevation:      Approximately 1950 m

Summit:                 5895 m/19340 ft 

The Summit attempt commences at about 11.30 pm from an elevation of approx 4700 m to Uhuru Peak (5895 m) and then descends to our overnight camp (3700 m/12200 ft)                                      Walking distance: 5 km ascent + 15 km descent Walking time: @ 16 hours ....and then hiking another 20 kms the following day before finishing!

30 days to go

With my fundraising completed now, it is time to concentrate on training and ensuring all my gear is ready to go.

Over the last month I have been heading up to the 1000 steps at Mount Dandenong every week end (and walking around home during the week) for some rigorous training whilst carrying full Mount Kilimanjaro pack.   2-3 hours of going up and down the steps provides excellent work out for legs and lungs. I recently discovered that the 1000 steps is actually only about 770 steps, however from the carpark to the top is about 2 ½ kms and throw in about 300 mts vertical gain represents an excellent work out.

Today I completed a practice pack to see if I can limit myself to minimum gear to ensure the least amount of weight possible.   I am allowed 1 x duffle bag and 1 x backpack – refer to photographs below…….. mission completed!!!

Mount Kilimanjaro hiking gear:  Top left to right

Duffle bag, 35 lt backpack with 4 lt camel back bladder

Dry sacks x 2, hiking long pants x 2, shorts x 1, insulated gortex jacket, gortex jacket, water proof over pants, therma rest mattress , sleeping bag.

Camera, lens, tripod and associated equipment (including spare batteries, memory cards and cleaning , power adaptor, sewing kit, various long and short t shirts, compact towel, balaclava, sun hat, headlamp (and spare batteries)

Merino jumpers x 2, underwear, compression longs/short pants, thermal longs and tops, snow gloves/inner thermal gloves, trekking poles

Hiking boots, socks, Amnesty T shirt, malaria and altitude medications, sun glasses, pass port and vaccination certificates and Kilimanjaro reference book.

Items to be included - ear plugs, ipod, toiletries, sunscreen, wet wipes, small first aid kit, inflatable pillow, leatherman tool, energy snacks and note book.

And all packed....

49 days to go and $10,000 raised so far

It is now only 49 days before I depart for Africa and tonight I have just ticked over the minimum target of $10,000 raised....so a very humble and heartfelt thank you to everyone who has supported me thus far.

I am thrilled to say that I am now more than ever motivated and buoyed by the support of so many people to maintain my training regime whilst supporting Amnesty International Australia’s important mission to disclose human rightsabuses. 

If you know anyone who would like to make a tax deductabledonation to help me go beyond my target please visit my fundraising website tomake a contribution (before27/6/2012):

http://amnestykilimanjaro2012.gofundraise.com.au/page/HardyM


Thank you

Marty

50 days to go

Into the unknown…..which is really a metaphor for my trip to Africa in August.  Cool conditions again and lots of people on this long weekend. Four laps on this occasion and during what is now my regular training hike up the 1000 steps at Mt Dandenong in preparation for Kilimanjaro, I was crossing a road when the cloud rolled in making an eerie scene as the cloud silently engulfed the trees.   

64 days to go

Only 64 days to go until depature to Mount Kilimanjaro!

Went out yesterday to complete 3 circuits of the 1000 steps trail in the Dandenong Ranges National Park.   Good conditions for training, low cloud and about 10 degrees and I was surprised to see soooo many people out on a grey old day.

The track was very busy with walkers of all shapes, sizes and fitness levels but most pleasing of all was that everyone was out and about getting plenty of fresh air into their lungs.

I must have been slowing down on the 3rd leg, because I spied log covered in moss and fungus which was bridging the banks of a small creek that runs parallel to the walking track.   I clambered down and set up my camera and small tripod to capture the image only to be photo bombed by a beautiful small wren (sitting in the background).   

Dear friends,

Unfortunately I have make an early call and cancel the proposed Rock & Roll fundraiser night (scheduled for this Sat 19/5/12) I sincerely hope this does not cause you too much inconvenience and thank you to everyone who offered their support.  

 However, I am extremely humbled and pleased to say that so far with the support of generous friends, colleagues, donations/sponsorships and online donations I have been able to raise $9000.00

 I have just under 6 weeks left to reach my minimum goal of an overall target of $10,000 supporting Amnesty’s important mission to disclose human rights abuses.  

 With only 76 days before I depart Australia to commence the daunting challenge of ascending 5,895m/19,341 ft up Mount Kilimanjaro I am thrilled to say I am now more than ever motivated by Amnesty’s important work and buoyed by the support of many friends to tackle the mountain trek.  I must confess I did check the summit weather station temperature a few nights ago and saw it was mild minus 10 degrees!!!! ……..now where did I put those thermals!!!   

 I am less thrilled to say I recently endured 5…yes 5 at one time……. precautionary inoculations (Yellow fever, cholera etc etc), but, better be safe than sorry!!

 If you would still like to make a donation in lieu of the Rock & Roll night please visit my fundraising website to make a contribution http://amnestykilimanjaro2012.gofundraise.com.au/page/HardyM   (NB fundraising cut off date is 27 June 2012)

For more information on Amnesty’s important work view the Amnesty 50th anniversary video link http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kX-WnlOCvXw    

Many thanks

The Mt Kilimanjaro Challenge Raffle was drawn at midday today and congratulations to:

1^st Prize   iPad 3                      M. Waring of Box Hill.

2^nd Prize Kindle touch              M. Clark of Box Hill North.

3^rd Prize iPod shuffle               C. Rowland of Kew.   

A Big Big thank you to all my friends and colleagues who purchased tickets in support of my challenge.

I am extremely pleased to say that so far with the support of generous friends, colleagues and ‘’new’’ friends via raffle ticket sales, donations/sponsorships and online donations I have been able to raise $8705.00 which is now ever so close to my overall target of $10,000 supporting Amnesty’s important mission to disclose human rights abuses.   

Marty

94 days to go!!

94 days to go....this means that training must now be disciplined and that I am now into the last 3 months of fundraising!!!!  I am so grateful for everyone's support and how many many people have got behind me for such an important cause.

My Mt Kilimanjaro challenge fundraiser raffle for Amnesty International in now in its last week ….to be drawn this Friday (4/5/2012) and I have only 10 tickets left and are desperate sell the remaining tickets to reach my raffle target of $5000 which then greatly assists me reaching my overall target of $10,000.     

A few weeks ago I was able in some small way show my appreciation to GE Australia and New Zealand for their support (GE have generously sponsored my for the sum of $2000) when I spoke to about 60 GE staff  about Amnesty's important work, my fundraising challenge and my career - I know I had a great time and hopefully provided an interesting topic for the group to contemplate. 

I continue to walking and carrying my backpack around the suburbs and soon will be spending a few weeks ends camping -testing out the equipment and my outdoor skills!!!!

Marty

Raffle update -

IPad 2 Raffle last weeks –now you have a chance to win the latest Apple IPad 3
I have been able to secure the latest Apple IPad 3 for the raffle’s 1^st prize –excellent news indeed.
 It is very tempting to take the brand new  IPad 3 out of its box for a fiddle!!!!! (of course I will not do that!)

The Mt Kilimanjaro challenge fundraiser raffle for Amnesty International in now in its last weeks and there are only 15 tickets left.  Don’t miss your chance to win and support me in aid of Amnesty’s important mission to disclose human rights abuses accurately, quickly and persistently; to mobilise supporters to apply pressure on local governments and ultimately stop the abuse.

I have included photographs of the prizes to be drawn on Friday 4 May 2012

1^st Prize –IPad 3 64 GB

2^nd Prize –E Kindle Touch

 

 

 

 

 

3^rd Prize –Ipod shuffle

 

114 days to go

Music night planned for 19 May 2012 :

I am in the preliminary stages of organising a ‘Rock Kili for Amnesty’ music night to be held locally at the St. Francis Xavier church hall on 19 May 2012.   I have been fortunate to have a music band ‘The Degenerates’ to offer their services for a night of music from 60,70 and 80’s – more information will become available shortly.

Raffle Tickets:

The raffle is still going well and with just under a month left to the draw date I only have just less than 30 tickets left to sell.

Training:

My regime of walking and cycling continues and will be tested now the cold weather is upon us!!

Only 114 days to go….!!!

141 Days to go

Great news  - my raffle tickets are selling very well over 50 tickets sold in a couple of weeks.  Thank you to everyone supporting this important cause.

My online donations have now exceed $2000 - a BIG thank you to all these generous people.

This week end (labour day long weekend) has seen me on Saturday complete an 18 km hike with full gear/backpack which was tiring but rewarding to know it was not too bad.   Had my two dogs for company, so the trek may have been a little quicker if I didn't have to stop at seemingly every bush and vertical structure along the way.....it is amazing how much a dog....never mind, it was good to have them there with me.  Sunday walk a less strenuous walk of about 8 kms without the pack and today a lazy 60 km on the bike.   Today was beautiful sunshine and plenty of people out and about - great week end all up.

156 days to go

The blog has been a bit quiet of late but I have been busy...

Running around behind the scene orgainising a raffle (see previous post) and a number of friends and colleagues have already signalled their intention to purchase a ticket -good odds really only 100 tickets and you can win an Apple Ipad2...

I have secured generous sponsorship from GE Australia & New Zealand which is a fabulous gesture and really inspires me to train harder !

I have maintained my walking regime - my dogs are even more eager to join in, now they bring their walking lead to me as a not so subtle hint to get moving......I have been doing lots of cycling too and over the last 2 weekends in particular it as been very very warm (in the 30s) so plenty of water is the go!!!

Raffle Tickets on sale - win a Ipad 2 (first prize)

Raffle tickets now on sale:

$50 per ticket and only 100 tickets being sold.

To be drawn at 4.pm on 4 May 2012 or earlier if all tickets are sold prior.

1st Prize - Apple Ipad2 64gb wifi RRP $799.00

2nd Prize - Kindle eBook readers RRP $185.00

3rd Prize - Apple Ipod shuffle RRP $55.00

Contact me on 0408 553 716 or mhardy101@gmail.com if you would like to purchase a ticket

New Sponsor GE Australia&New Zealand

A big thank you to David Read Vice President Strategic Sourcing and Facilities at GE Australia & New Zealand for GE's generous support for Amnesty International Australia's important and worthwhile charity defending and protecting Human Rights.  

Thanks so much once again for your sponsorship and encouragement.

Training for Mt Kilimanjaro fundraising climb in Aug 2012 - Main Range Track , Kosciuszko National Park, NSW, 2012

Training for Mt Kilimanjaro fundraising climb in Aug 2012 - Main Ridge Track , Kosciuszko National Park, NSW, 2012, a photo by Martins images on Flickr.

Main Ridge Track saddle between Charlotte Pass and Mt Carruthers. Whilst the day was sunny the wind was howling over the saddle but the view is spectacular -the area directly behind my is the Lady Northcote Canyon on the Abbott Range with Lttle Austria peak to the left and The Sentinel to the right.

Roof of Australia -next the roof of Africa!

Training for Mt Kilimanjaro fundraising climb in Aug 2012 at summit of Mount Kosciuszko, Kosciuszko National Park, NSW, 2012, a photo by Martins images on Flickr.

Training for Mt Kilimanjaro fundraising climb in Aug 2012 at summit of Mount Kosciuszko, Kosciuszko National Park, NSW, 2012. Just completed three days of hiking - (1) Kosciuszko summit at 2228 mts from Threadbo village (18 kms and the first 5 kms very steep and all steps),
(2) Threadbo to Dead Horse Gap along the beautiful Threadbo river about 12 kms and
(3) Charlotte Pass along Main Range Track via Blue lake (Australia's highest glacial lake) including crossing the Snowy River about 12 kms. Great weather and location -all the time carrying pack of about 10-12 kgs to replicate what I maight be carrying at Kili.  206 days to go.