Kili Update March 2010

 

When we decided to go to Tanzania we did a lot of research to choose when to go.  January, February and March were said to be the best months with clear blue skies and the occasional fluffy white cloud.

We arrived, very late on the 17th February.  The following morning it was blue and sunny and the mountain top was peeping out from the clouds.  That afternoon it rained - heavily - for an hour at 3 p.m.  The following day we set off to climb Meru.  A cloudy, overcast day but pleasant for walking, it rained heavily during the night.  On the 20th we set off for the Saddle Hut, again it was overcast, we arrived at lunch time and in the afternoon climbed Little Meru (12,533 ft) - with no problems but also no views as there was thick cloud on the top.  It was decided that we would get up at 12.30 a.m. to climb Meru.  At the appointed time it was raining heavily, so we delayed the start for an hour - it was still raining heavily, we delayed until 3 a.m. - it was still raining and we decided to abandon the climb as we were already 3 hours later than originally planned.  Unfortunately, we found that some people were not planning to leave until 5 a.m., by that time it was clear and they had a good climb.

That afternoon we went down to the lower hut.  At 3 p.m. it rained as it only can in Africa and after 2 hours we were soaked through.  We made the hut and left puddles on the floor when we put our rucksacs down.  The following day was overcast again and a pleasant walk down until 1 p.m. - it rained and took us an hour to get to the van but it continued to rain until we got nearly back to Moshi.

We then had to make a decision.  We would be camping for 7 days, with a tent with no flysheet.  Whilst we had been in Africa it had rained more heavily each day and we did not feel that we had the clothing to cope with such extreme weather.  We therefore decided to abandon the climb and changed to go on safari.  This resulted in us seeing 270 species of birds and the rain continued to fall.  We realise that if we had been in a large group we would have had no choice but to continue but as we had a choice we decided to make the most of an expensive holiday.

I would like to thank everyone who had faith in me and was willing to sponsor the climb.  I apologise for letting you all down and we have decided that if anyone wishes to have their money back we will personally refund it so that the BTO does not lose out.  - If on the other hand you would like to sponsor us for the number off birds seen all offers will be gratefully accepted!!

Safari Update

We visited a Chagga Village to see how the locals really live, very interesting and thought provoking.  The safari took us to Lake Manyara, the Ngorongoro Crater - lots of animals and birds, Serengeti - 2 cheetahs, 2 leopards, 14 lions, + birds, Lake Natron - 8 hour journey along flooded/muddy/washed away roads, ending going down the side of the Rift Valley with 17 sharp hairpin bends, the water had obviously been streaming down the hillside at one particular spot which we kept crossing with difficulty as it looked as if part of the hillside was about to slide downhill from the size of the cracks in the 'road'.  Lake Natron had distant flamingos and some waders.  Then off to Tarangire National Park home of 25000 elephants (we saw about 12).  Still overcast, the last evening saw torrential rain and we got soaked trying to get to the dining room where the staff were valiantly sweeping the water away.  The following day was our last game drive - we crossed the only bridge over the river, went birding and in less than 2 hours we went to re-cross the river, water was streaming over the top, we waited, another van arrived and a tourist decided to wade across, the water came up to his knees and he removed the logs on the bridge and waved the van on.  They crossed and we followed.

Just to finish off the holiday, on the way home we nearly missed our connection in Paris as they would not accept the hand written boarding cards issued in Tanzania.  We arrived in Birmingham, the bags didn't.  We stayed overnight in Birmingham and then got home 2 hours before our bags arrived and when we walked into the house the dining room ceiling was on the floor!  Sometimes you just think that you should never go away.

 

 

20 Years ago I tried to climb Kilimanjaro - I failed!

So now, 20 years older I am trying again.

This time it is just me and Don, helped by Classic Journeys who have planned the route and organised the staff.

So we are climbing Mt Meru 4566m (14980 feet) and Kilimanjaro 5895m (19341 feet) and also raising money for the BTO.

Fitness is being achieved by covering tetrads for the BTO Atlas and we will be adding Roving Records from Wales and the Lake District during our training walks.

All contributions will spur me on so -

Will I make it?

Will I celebrate my birthday on the summit?

Watch this space!

 

January 10

The training continues, the week in Wales was snowy but sunny and we managed 5 walks and saw lots of very sad redwings.  We have completed 16 tetrads in North Lincolnshire and have now completed our injections!

 

February 10

We made the top of Coniston Old Man (twice) in spite of the snow and ice.  Had tawny owl at the camps site, lots of siskin and a snipe on Coniston Water

 

The summit bid is now planned the day after my birthday - We leave tomorrow!!!!!!

 

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