http://www.peakclimbs.com My trek to the top of Kilimanjaro Thu, 18 Mar 2010 07:41:42 +0000 http://backend.userland.com/rss092 en I get addicted to this internet thing.  After this moment I will be going 10 days without internet. We had our trip meeting last night.  Our climb is 11 people and a pretty diverse group.  We were introduced to our lead guide and he was very nice.  He explained our itineraries ... http://www.peakclimbs.com/2010/01/17/leaving-for-the-climb/ Ok, a quick trip report before I go to sleep.  They actually have wifi here at the hotel!!  It's 12am and I arrived in Tanzania about 10pm.  It took me 1 hour to get my visa.  Then I was met by a guy holding up a sign with my name ... http://www.peakclimbs.com/2010/01/16/finally-in-tanzania/ Ok, this is why I brought my Netbook.  It's because I have a 5 hour layover here in Amsterdam.  I'm sitting at a McDonalds where I just paid $12 for a 6 piece nuggets, fries and a Coke!  It's 6am over here.  Flying this far is weird because your sense ... http://www.peakclimbs.com/2010/01/15/amsterdam-airport/ Well the day has finally come and I'm about to head for the airport in 6 hours.  I just finished packing and I am carrying a small Camelbak day pack and a larger Osprey backpack.  Together they weigh in right at 29 lbs.  This is not including water.  I think ... http://www.peakclimbs.com/2010/01/12/packing-light-for-mt-kilimanjaro/ Travel insurance was required by my outfitter Peak Planet.  Of course, this is another added cost on top of the trip that anyone doing this trip should plan for.  I should make a post about the total expenditure on climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro because booking the outfitter is only the first ... http://www.peakclimbs.com/2010/01/02/travel-insurance-for-mt-kilimanjaro/ I guess I am doing this ass backwards.  My friend who climbed Kilimanjaro a few years ago asked me what shots I got.  I was like 'huh'?  I'm just bringing malaria pills and maybe diamox.  A quick google search of travel clinics and I had my appointment the next day ... http://www.peakclimbs.com/2009/12/29/what-i-need-shots-for-mt-kilimanjaro/ Now I am starting to get excited about my climb.  I leave in two weeks and the reality is finally dawning on me.  I am going to climb Mt. Kilimanjaro!! The tallest mountain in Africa.  The questions start to mount. Did I train enough? Are my clothes going to be warm enough? How ... http://www.peakclimbs.com/2009/12/24/two-weeks-and-counting/ So I heard from a friend today that Jessica Biel will be climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro. "LOS ANGELES — When Jessica Biel, Lupe Fiasco and Isabel Lucas get together in Africa, they'll have nowhere to go but up.  The entertainers have signed on to climb the continent's highest peak – Mt. Kilimanjaro, ... http://www.peakclimbs.com/2009/12/12/jessica-biel-and-kilimanjaro/ I will be doing the Shira Route on Mt. Kilimanjaro.  You can find more information about the Shira Route on Kilimanjaro Routes.  This is a tough route and should take me 7 days.  I chose this because it's suppose to be less popular meaning less traffic.  Should be fun! http://www.peakclimbs.com/2009/11/19/shira-route/ In addition to my regular workout I started taking Pilates at the local gym.  I figure that my core needs to be strong in addition to my legs.  I will be carrying a 20 lb backpack.  My porters will be carrying the heavy stuff thankfully.  I can tell you that ... http://www.peakclimbs.com/2009/11/17/pilates/