The head guide for our Kilimanjaro trip is Mark Tucker. I haven't met Mark or “Tuck” as he’s called but check out his resume:
- 10 expeditions on Mt. Everest (29,035’): Five-time Expedition Leader, Member, Tri-nation Peace Climb (summit 1990)
- 100 summits of Mount Rainier, Washington (14,410’)
- 6 expeditions on Mount McKinley, Alaska (20,320’)
- 23 expeditions on Kilimanjaro, Tanzania (19,340’)
- Ecuador Volcanoes: 1 expedition on Chimborazo (20,208’), 3 expeditions on Cotopaxi (19,348’)
- 12 expeditions on Aconcagua, Argentina (22,841’)
- Mexico Volcanoes: 8 expeditions on Pico de Orizaba (18,410’), 2 expeditions on Popocatepetl (17,930’), 4 expeditions on Iztaccihuatl (17,160’)
- Bolivia: 12 expeditions on Huayna Potosi (19,870’), 5 expeditions on Illimani (21,201’)
- 5 expeditions on Mt. Blanc, France (15,770’)
- Gunnjornsfjeld, Greenland (12,168’) - Tallest peak in the Artic Circle
- 8 expeditions on Mt. Elbrus, Russia (18,481’)
- 4 expeditions on Mt. Vinson, Antarctica (16,067’)
- Antarctic Peninsula (ski mountaineering)
- Mt. Aspiring, New Zealand (9,944’)
- Carstanz Indonisia
- 5 summits of Mount Hood
- 3 summits of Mount Baker
- 4 summits of Mount Adams
- 4 summits of Mount Whitney
- Mount Shuksan
- 3 treks/climbs on Dolimites Via Ferrata
- 2 climbs on Island Peak, Nepal
- Peak Loboche, Nepal
- Mount Kenya, Africa - Technical route up Nelion
That’s right…he’s done this Kilimanjaro trip 23 times and Everest 10 times and McKinley and Aconcagua. It’s amazing but this isn't the only impressive list of accomplishments at RMI. Rainier Mountaineering Inc was founded back in 1968 by Lou Whitaker, twin brother of Jim Whitaker, the first American to summit Mt. Everest in 1963. Lou led the first ascent of the North Face of Everest in 1984, and the first American ascent of Kanchenjunga, the world's third highest peak, in 1989. This sort of thing seems to run in the family.
Also, at RMI are legendary guides like Dave Hahn who has climbed to the top of Mt. Everest 12 times and Ed Viesters who was the first American to climb all fourteen of the world's highest mountains (elevations over 8,000 meters) without the use of supplemental oxygen. RMI is the best and their guides are like the rock stars of the mountain climbing business. Check out the A-team right here: RMI Guides.
Monday, January 31, 2011
Back at it...
I finally, I got a chance to get some exercise this weekend. I’ve been a bit under the weather for about the last week with what felt like a cold (laryngitis, etc). According to the doctor, it was your basic, garden-variety virus…whatever is going around. Not bad enough to stay home but I wasn’t a 100% either and I thought getting some rest would be best. If I was going to get sick, I was happy I was getting sick now and not when I was boarding the plane for Africa in a few weeks. I’m feeling better and should be able to get in a few good workouts between now and the 12th and be good-to-go when the time comes.
After all the shots I’ve had recently, getting ready for this trip, I really thought I was bullet proof. In addition to a flu shot, I’ve had shots for Tetanus, Hepatitus A, Hepatitus B, Typhoid, Polio, Yellow Fever & Rabies. Evidently, what I picked up was immune to modern preventative medicine. Had I been bitten by a rabid animal or stepped on a rusty nail, I would have been covered.
RMI last week sent out the list of people who will be in our party. There will be 10 of us, in all, plus guides and porters. It looks like a great group. In this blog, I’ll be referring to them as David, Nathan, Philipp, Jan, Will, Birgitta, Gary, Dave & Bob…first names only to respect their privacy. That’s it, our merry band of mountaineers ready to conquer the tallest mountain in Africa. We’re getting better acquainted through e-mail and, at the end of all this, I’m sure we’ll know each other real well. There is nothing like living in close proximity (tents) with a group of people 24/7 for 2 weeks to break down social barriers. Our head guide will be Mark Tucker. More about Mark and the other RMI guides tomorrow.
After all the shots I’ve had recently, getting ready for this trip, I really thought I was bullet proof. In addition to a flu shot, I’ve had shots for Tetanus, Hepatitus A, Hepatitus B, Typhoid, Polio, Yellow Fever & Rabies. Evidently, what I picked up was immune to modern preventative medicine. Had I been bitten by a rabid animal or stepped on a rusty nail, I would have been covered.
RMI last week sent out the list of people who will be in our party. There will be 10 of us, in all, plus guides and porters. It looks like a great group. In this blog, I’ll be referring to them as David, Nathan, Philipp, Jan, Will, Birgitta, Gary, Dave & Bob…first names only to respect their privacy. That’s it, our merry band of mountaineers ready to conquer the tallest mountain in Africa. We’re getting better acquainted through e-mail and, at the end of all this, I’m sure we’ll know each other real well. There is nothing like living in close proximity (tents) with a group of people 24/7 for 2 weeks to break down social barriers. Our head guide will be Mark Tucker. More about Mark and the other RMI guides tomorrow.
Friday, January 28, 2011
And the prep continues…
Traveling to a remote area in Tanzania requires a lot of preparation. I have a long list of things I need to pack because you can’t just run out to the local African Walmart to pick something that didn’t make it into the duffel bag. There is no Walmart (at least not yet) so you have to take everything with you and I mean everything. I’m spending this weekend going through my list and picking up things I need and next weekend picking up the things I forgot to pick up this weekend. Let me tell you, the local Adventure 16 store loves to see me coming. The feelings are mutual. I love walking through that wooden door, smelling the campfire and entering “Adventureland”. That’s right, the place smells like you’re sitting around a campfire even though there isn’t anything burning for miles around. I’m sure it’s the new aroma marketing a lot of businesses have employed to get you in the mood to buy. I remember when I walked into the new Aria Hotel in Las Vegas a while back, the lobby smelled like freshly baked cookies even though grandma wasn’t back behind the slots baking up a fresh batch. You’ve got to love it.
Lately, when I walk into Adventure 16 it’s “Hi Steve! What is it today?” with a big smile. They’re smiling because, in this place, I’m a high-roller. I’ve bought jackets, insect repellent, ear plugs, gloves, socks, shirts, shorts, underwear, outer wear and that was just last Wednesday. I’m going to have to climb a lot of mountains just to justify buying all this stuff.
Right now, it’s off to bed. I’m getting up early to get in a run and some stair work. Then, it’s off to Adventure 16.
Lately, when I walk into Adventure 16 it’s “Hi Steve! What is it today?” with a big smile. They’re smiling because, in this place, I’m a high-roller. I’ve bought jackets, insect repellent, ear plugs, gloves, socks, shirts, shorts, underwear, outer wear and that was just last Wednesday. I’m going to have to climb a lot of mountains just to justify buying all this stuff.
Right now, it’s off to bed. I’m getting up early to get in a run and some stair work. Then, it’s off to Adventure 16.
Thursday, January 27, 2011
Where there's a will, there's a way.
There’s a lot to do to get ready for one of these trips. For instance, when I first mentioned that I would like to climb Mt. Kilimanjaro to my wife, she said, “Not without a will, you’re not!” Not exactly the encouraging words I was hoping for but she was right. Everyone needs a will, especially if you have kids but it’s something I had been avoiding for some reason. Actually, I know the reason…it sounds so damn final. I’ve had a hard time wrapping my head around the whole “will’ thing. Is it really time to do a will? Really?
At any rate, I called a lawyer and he came over and we discussed trusts and probate and disclaimer trusts and his fee. It’s one of the few times in my life that I’m actually glad I don’t have Bill Gate’s money. I don’t have to worry about how I’m going to dispose of billions. It was a fairly short meeting.
As we were wrapping up, my wife mentioned that we were doing this because I was climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro to which he replied, “I climbed Kilimanjaro a few years ago”. Ok, now the meeting was suddenly more interesting. Here was a guy in his mid 50’s, I would guess, and he made it to the top even though he had done something to his ankle and had actually been in a cast until a few weeks before the climb. I hesitate to even tell you this since I want you to think this is going to be an extremely difficult endeavor but in an odd way, the news was encouraging. He highly recommended using Diamox which is harmless drug which makes your blood more acidic and fools your brain into thinking your body needs more oxygen. I guess that’s how it works. No real side effects except a little tingling in your fingers and frequent urination. I can do that. He said there was a couple from Colorado on his trip who didn’t think they needed the drug until they got to about 15,000 feet and suddenly developed splitting headaches and an overwhelming urge to heave. They decided to give it a try and were good as new the next morning. Good to know. I’ve written Diamox on my “To Do” list and put a check next to “Last Will & Testament”. Now on to more immediate concerns (I hope).
At any rate, I called a lawyer and he came over and we discussed trusts and probate and disclaimer trusts and his fee. It’s one of the few times in my life that I’m actually glad I don’t have Bill Gate’s money. I don’t have to worry about how I’m going to dispose of billions. It was a fairly short meeting.
As we were wrapping up, my wife mentioned that we were doing this because I was climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro to which he replied, “I climbed Kilimanjaro a few years ago”. Ok, now the meeting was suddenly more interesting. Here was a guy in his mid 50’s, I would guess, and he made it to the top even though he had done something to his ankle and had actually been in a cast until a few weeks before the climb. I hesitate to even tell you this since I want you to think this is going to be an extremely difficult endeavor but in an odd way, the news was encouraging. He highly recommended using Diamox which is harmless drug which makes your blood more acidic and fools your brain into thinking your body needs more oxygen. I guess that’s how it works. No real side effects except a little tingling in your fingers and frequent urination. I can do that. He said there was a couple from Colorado on his trip who didn’t think they needed the drug until they got to about 15,000 feet and suddenly developed splitting headaches and an overwhelming urge to heave. They decided to give it a try and were good as new the next morning. Good to know. I’ve written Diamox on my “To Do” list and put a check next to “Last Will & Testament”. Now on to more immediate concerns (I hope).
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
In just a few weeks...
In a little less than 3 weeks, February 12th to be exact, I’ll jump on a plane for Africa to climb Mount Kilimanjaro, the tallest mountain on that continent and what is known as “the roof of Africa". I’ve always wanted to climb this mountain and I feel that now is the time. They say that the glaciers, the “Snows of Kilimanjaro” may be gone by 2015 because of global warming and this may be the last chance to see this natural phenomenon. And, I’m not going to be around forever, either. And finally, it sounds like a lot of fun.
I’ve done a little mountain climbing in the past. I’ve climbed Mt. Rainier 3 times (2 summits and one attempt called off because of bad weather) and Mt. Blanc, the highest mountain in Western Europe in Northern Italy. I didn’t make it to the top of Mt Blanc for a number of reasons but it was an incredible trip. Mt. Kilimanjaro isn’t a difficult climb, technically, but we’ll be gaining a lot of altitude. Altitude affects people differently. They just carried Martina Navratilova off the mountain in December when she was diagnosed with high-altitude pulmonary edema, fluid accumulation in her lungs. She’s fine but it goes to show that even an athlete like Martina can have problems up high. I came across a great piece in the New York Times a while back, Climbing Kilimanjaro which is reporter Tom Bissel’s account of his accent which includes a video blog and his heart rate and oxygenation levels on the way up. It really illustrates what happens to your body on one of these trips. He didn't seem to have a lot of fun on the way up but he made it. We’ll start our trek at 5,380 feet and climb to the top at 19, 340 feet and if you do the math, that’s almost 14,000 vertical feet. It makes me a little light-headed just thinking about it. There’s always Diamox (more about that later).
We’re taking the Machame Route which is also known as the Whiskey Route, “because the views are so intoxicating”, which is a line someone must have written for a brochure somewhere along the way (I love a good copywriter). I’ll be going with RMI, Rainier Mountaineering Inc, which is a great guide group out of the Northwest. I climbed Mt. Rainier all 3 times with RMI and they are simply the best.
Whenever I mention that I’m going to do this, the first question people usually ask is, “Have you been training?” “Are you in shape?” The answer is, “Yes” and “Maybe”. I mean I’ve been working out everyday, running, doing stairs and leg and core exercises. Every weekend I go out and hike for six hours with a 40 pound pack in the Santa Monica Mountains. I think that should get me in shape but I guess I won’t know if I’m really “in shape” until I’m standing on top. I don’t think I’ll have a problem with the actual hike (40 miles over six days) but there is that altitude thing…14,000 vertical feet. Whatever happens, it’s going to be an amazing, once in a lifetime experience. Now that I finally got this blog off the ground, I'll be making daily entries going on and on about all aspects of this project. If your interested, check in from time to time. Tomorrow..."Where there's a will, there's a way".
I’ve done a little mountain climbing in the past. I’ve climbed Mt. Rainier 3 times (2 summits and one attempt called off because of bad weather) and Mt. Blanc, the highest mountain in Western Europe in Northern Italy. I didn’t make it to the top of Mt Blanc for a number of reasons but it was an incredible trip. Mt. Kilimanjaro isn’t a difficult climb, technically, but we’ll be gaining a lot of altitude. Altitude affects people differently. They just carried Martina Navratilova off the mountain in December when she was diagnosed with high-altitude pulmonary edema, fluid accumulation in her lungs. She’s fine but it goes to show that even an athlete like Martina can have problems up high. I came across a great piece in the New York Times a while back, Climbing Kilimanjaro which is reporter Tom Bissel’s account of his accent which includes a video blog and his heart rate and oxygenation levels on the way up. It really illustrates what happens to your body on one of these trips. He didn't seem to have a lot of fun on the way up but he made it. We’ll start our trek at 5,380 feet and climb to the top at 19, 340 feet and if you do the math, that’s almost 14,000 vertical feet. It makes me a little light-headed just thinking about it. There’s always Diamox (more about that later).
We’re taking the Machame Route which is also known as the Whiskey Route, “because the views are so intoxicating”, which is a line someone must have written for a brochure somewhere along the way (I love a good copywriter). I’ll be going with RMI, Rainier Mountaineering Inc, which is a great guide group out of the Northwest. I climbed Mt. Rainier all 3 times with RMI and they are simply the best.
Whenever I mention that I’m going to do this, the first question people usually ask is, “Have you been training?” “Are you in shape?” The answer is, “Yes” and “Maybe”. I mean I’ve been working out everyday, running, doing stairs and leg and core exercises. Every weekend I go out and hike for six hours with a 40 pound pack in the Santa Monica Mountains. I think that should get me in shape but I guess I won’t know if I’m really “in shape” until I’m standing on top. I don’t think I’ll have a problem with the actual hike (40 miles over six days) but there is that altitude thing…14,000 vertical feet. Whatever happens, it’s going to be an amazing, once in a lifetime experience. Now that I finally got this blog off the ground, I'll be making daily entries going on and on about all aspects of this project. If your interested, check in from time to time. Tomorrow..."Where there's a will, there's a way".
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