Mount Meru Itinery (Days 3 & 4)……

DAY 3   (19^th February 2012)

An early start at around 2 a.m. to climb steeply to Rhino Point (3,800 m), and then continue along an undulating ridge of ash and rock to reach Cobra Point (4,350 m) around sunrise. 

The views are stunning: the cliffs of the Crater rim, the Ash Cone rising from the Crater floor, Kilimanjaro floating on the morning clouds and west towards the Rift Valley  if the weather is clear. 

The summit of Socialist Peak (4,566 m) is an hour more on a superb but often steep path. The route back to Rhino Point in the sharp morning light on a narrow ridge between the sloping outer wall of the crater and the sheer cliffs of the inner wall is one of the most dramatic and exhilarating walks in Africa. 

We rest, and have brunch at Saddle Hut before continuing the descent to Miriakamba Hut (2,514 m). [10-12 hours walking]

Note: The ridge between the summit and Rhino Point is not suitable for those suffering from vertigo. In icy conditions or in strong winds, it may be impossible for anyone to progress beyond Rhino Point.

            

                   

DAY 4   (20^th February 2012)   

      

We take the direct route down towards Momella through open grassland and mixed forest, with good chances of seeing wildlife. 

This trail has excellent views back towards the crater and over the plains of the National Park. We should reach Momella Gate by late morning. [2-3 hours walking]

Mount Meru Itinery (Days 1 & 2)……

DAY 1   (17^th February 2012)

We start from Momella Gate (1,500 m) in late morning passing through open  grassland, with a good chance of seeing buffaloes and warthogs, continuing with a steady climb through montane forest. 

We take lunch at, or near, the Fig Tree Arch, which is big enough to drive a car through! 

After lunch, the route continues through less dense forest, where there are an abundance of birds and monkeys (the black and white colobus monkeys are particularly fascinating to watch).

 By mid-afternoon, there are the first closer views of the towering cliffs and the Ash Cone. 

We reach Miriakamba Hut (2,514 m), situated in an idyllic grassy glade, in time to enjoy the last of the afternoon sun and beautiful views over the surrounding plains towards Kilimanjaro. [5-6 hours walking]

DAY 2   (18^th February 2012)

The walk from Miriakamba Hut to the saddle below Little Meru is a short day but a steep and sustained climb all the way. 

We walk through attractive, open, and lush montane forest to reach the halfway point of Elephant Ridge. This has excellent views of the summit ridge and across most of the crater floor. 

Whilst resting, you might spot elephants or other animals from here. 

The path continues uphill through giant heather and other moorland vegetation to reach Saddle Hut (3,570 m), where lunch is waiting for us.

The afternoon is free to rest and enjoy the views. The more energetic can make the short climb to the nearby summit of Little Meru (3,820 m) for superb views just before sunset. [3-6 hours walking]

Love is in the Air….

Ever since I first started telling people that I was doing Kilimanjaro one of the questions that keeps cropping up is whether Claire is going to do it as well.

It’s a question that makes me smile because although the answer is a straight forward “no” the reality is a little different.

Walking and camping isn’t really Claire’s thing well at least it wasn’t until we spent a week in Snowdonia this summer and she suggested that we should climb Snowdon.

Yes she found it tough and with a strong fear of heights she pioneered ways across some of the more exposed stretches that I wouldn’t have thought possible unless I had seen it with my own eyes!

But it was undoubtedly one of the proudest and most satisfying days of my life, to be able to share one of the things I love doing the most with the person I love the most was a privilege that I will cherish forever.

In spite of the pain and the fear I think she came out of that week with a much deeper appreciation for what I get out of my time in the hills.

However even without this understanding she had been supporting and encouraging me towards my Kilimanjaro dream.

It’s her support and encouragement that has gotten me through my training, that has helped organise the logistics and driven forward the sponsorship.

And so whilst she may not physically climbing Kilimanjaro with me she has already been a bigger part of my adventure that I ever could have dreamed.

And that’s why I love her!

“All my bags are packed, I’m Ready To Go” (part 2)……

HOLD BAGGAGE

CLOTHES:

 

Belay Jacket – Montane Prism - Primaloft jacket, so light, warm and water resistant, great for putting on during cooler breaks.

Windproof – Paramo Fuera – Light and thin to take the edge out of a cool breeze without adding insulation.

Merino Baselayers – Smartwool, midweight & Heavyweight – As before functional and stink resistant!

Wicking Baselayers – 2x Synthetic performance shortsleeve tees – Best for when it’s warm and humid, dries a lot quicker than merino.

Boxers – Paramo Cambria – As before

Long Johns – Nike Profit – Not strictly long johns but I won’t need anything warmer when combined with the Parmo Velez trs.

Socks – Bridgedale Endurance Trekker – As before + 1x pair heavy weight.

Trousers – Haglofs Shale pant – Lighterweight softshell with plenty of stretch.

Sunhat – Outdoor Research Elios – I’m not a big fan of hat’s like this, but then I’m not a big fan of sunstroke either!

Gloves – Extremities Velo – Lightweight and still effective wet.

HEALTH & HYGIENE:

Toilet Paper – Yes it’s red!

Baby wipes – Because there are no showers, no soap and little water.

Suncream 

First Aid Kit

Tablets – Malaone – Anti Malarial

              Amoxicillin – Broad Spectrum Antbiotic

              Ciproofloxacin - Broad Spectrum Antbiotic

              Acetazolamide – Also known as Diamox, helps acclimatisation.

              Paracetamol, Ibouprofen – AMS = HEADACHES!

Chapstick

Bodyglide – Chaffing is no ones friend!

Purification tabs

Toothbrush/Toothpaste

Contact lenses

Compeed – I hoping to avoid blisters but just in case!

Throat Lozanges – Dry, dusty air = Sore throats

Nunn Hydration Tablets – Covers the taste of water purification tablets and adds essential salts/minerals lost through sweat.

Hand Sanitzer

Insect Repelent – 50% Deet

Roll On Deodarant

ACCESSORIES:

Camera Bag

Pee Bottle – Yep, that’s PEE bottle, because in the middle of the night when it’s freezing cold you really don’t want to have to leave the tent!

Insulated Water Bottle – Homemade insulated cover to stop water freezing.

Travel Towel – Paramo Cambria – Very absorbant and quick drying.

Gorrila pod

Dynema – Very strong, very handy cord for tying things!

Travel mirror

Travel plug - For the rare occasions when there is a sink.

Headtorch – Useful for nights around the campsite, ESSENTIAL for the night time starts on summit days.

Carabiners – Good for clipping things to the outside of rucksack such as clothes/towel for drying.

Maps/Map Case/Compass – Whilst guides will be leading the way I’m a geek and like to have them!

Guidebooks

Playing Cards

Journal – For old school blogging!

Power Monkey Charger & Solar Panel – To keep all the gadgets going.

GPS – I’m a geek and love to know how far, how high & how long!

Kindle eBook/Headphones/iPod

Walking Poles – To spare my knees on the the long punishing descents.

FOOD:

Whilst all our meals are provided snacks and treats are essential for maintaining energy throughout the day and boosting morale when you most need it.

Homemade trail mix – Made from dried fruit, nuts and breakfast cereals, snack on it throughout the day to maintain energy/sugar levels.

Wine Gums – When you’ve hit the wall or just reached another false summit a handful of these will keep you going. 

Boiled Sweets

Green & Black’s Chocolate – Become everyone’s friend after dinner!

So that's it, my bags ARE packed and I am ready to go, now all I have to do is get there!

“All my bags are packed, I’m Ready To Go” (part 1)……

When sorting out my kit I’ve generally split it into two categories, that which I consider essential to the safe climbing of the mountains and that which is just necessary!

So when it’s come to packing I’ve tried to ensure that the “essential” kit is covered between what I can wear whilst travelling and what I can fit into my hand luggage.

That way, if (and hopefully it’s a big IF) the airlines mislay my baggage I should be able to complete the trek albeit in less comfort and ending up a lot smellier at the end of it!

This is the kit I’m taking, it’s not meant to be a definitive list of what you should take but it’s what I feel I need to give me the best chance of a safe, comfortable (?) and successful trip.

WEARING:

Socks – Bridgedale Endurance Trekker ­– Quality wool sock, warm & comfortable even when wet.

Socks – Compression Flight socks –Who wants DVT?

Boots - Mindle Burmas - German Engineering, for your feet!

Boxers – Paramo Cambria – Highly wicking pants, they even advertise that they can be worn inside out!

Buff – Headcover, sweatband, hat you name it!

Fleece – Paramo Summit Hoodie – Warm and virtually waterproof!

Trousers – Mountain Equipment Ibex – Water resistant, hard wearing & stretchy for ease of movement (like squatting over long drop toilets)!

Waterproof Jacket – Paramo Velez Adventurre Light  - More breathable than Gore Tex & quieter too!

Baselayer – Smartwool Lightweight Merino (longsleeve, zip) – Warmer than synthetic tops and takes longer to dry but will smell a lot, LOT better after several days wear!

  

HAND LUGGAGE:

Sleeping Bag – PHD Minim 400 – Great quality down bag, comfort rated to -5 and packs away to almost nothing.

Down Jacket – Rab Summit – Like the bag very warm and packs down really well.

Waterproof Trousers – Paramo Velez Adventure Light – Will also double up as insulation on the colder days/evenings.

Gloves – Mountain Equipment Guide – Very warm and virtually waterproof.

Wooly Hat – Embers Merino – Chunky, warm & red!

Gaiters – Outdoor Research Crocodile – Not strictly essential but fill a convenient gap and will eep scree out of your boots.

Sleepmat – Exped Downmat 7 – A down filled “lilo”, warm & comfortable, what more could you want!

All of which will go into (somehow):

Crux AX47-X rucksack – Comfortable and virtually indestructible. I prefer simpler more streamlined packs rather than those with lots of pockets (because I’d forget where I’ve put everything)!