Power To Climb Blog

CLIMBING MOUNT KILIMANJARO – THE CLIMB OF YOUR LIFE

2010-03-22T20:22:00.000-07:00

4th January 2010

Day 1 - Mt Kilimanjaro – Machame Gate to Machame Camp

We arrived at Machame Gate around 10.00 am and after registration and a false start (we’d filled in the registration for a seven day trip when it should have been six), the first major decision was if I should have a porter to carry my back pack up the mountain. The team leader suggested that I carry the back pack myself to encourage a correct posture and to ensure a slow pace. The pack when full weighed about 10 kilos but about 4 kilos of that was water so as I drank that lightened the load as the day progressed. So I decided to carry the pack. We set off then on our first day on the mountain at 11.00 am. It was a fairly easy climb and we were reminded constantly to keep drinking water and to keep snacking. I was feeling pretty good so at one stage I kind of sped up past the other team members but immediately got into trouble from the guides for going too quickly. “Pole pole” from the start became our mantra which is Swahili for “slowly slowly”.

Keeping water flowing was easy as I had a “camel pack” system which is a bag of water with a hose attached which threads through the back pack and you suck on the tube to get the water. By the time I had finished the day’s climb at 4.30 pm I had drunk all of the 4 litres of water that I was carrying, plus a mango juice for lunch. I received an “attaboy” for that, which kind of offset my being on report for going too fast earlier in the day.

We arrived at Machame Camp in the rain which turned the camp into a muddy mess. However dinner redeemed the situation – zucchini soup then filet of fish with vegetable sauce. We all retired to bed before 9.00 pm for a well deserved night’s sleep.

Just before bed we were each handed an envelope. One of our team members, Shean, unfortunately contracted pneumonia just before the trip and hence was forced to stay home. He was there with us in spirit however and he had for each of us prepared a hand written a note for each day, which I read first thing each morning. This morning ritual became an integral part of the climb and Shean’s notes really inspired me each day to keep on trekking.

Our guides, headed by Elias and ably supported by Stanford and Eliakim, were superb. They gave us excellent advice and helped us where the going got tough. For anyone contemplating a trek up Mount Kilimanjaro, Tusker Trail is the only company to go with – they really look after you (this is a free ad).

Day 2 - Mt Kilimanjaro – Machame Camp to Shira Camp

Camp was raised at 6.00 am for packing and breakfast. We were served hot oatmeal, papaya, bread and jam and were feeling really satisfied. That was when the eggs and sausages were served. So we were really full setting out at 7.45 am. Today’s ascent was really steep climbing from 10,200 feet to ultimately reaching 11,600 feet (3,840 metres). The team leader suggested that I use my trekking poles today which was great advice as there were a lot of large steps as we ascended for about 5 hours. I can tell you that to come over that last crest and see the camp was a beautiful sight.

The fact that camp was already set up was in itself remarkable. Each morning we would pack our own gear and leave it outside the tent in the specially designed Tusker gear bag. We weren’t required to touch the tent. Once we started out, our porters (there were about 55 of them in total) would pack up the camp and carry all of it (our gear, tents for everyone, food, supplies, the portaloos, even chairs for the mess tent, etc etc) to the next camp. They would pass us along the trail, each of them carrying up to 30 lbs of gear. They would then unpack everything, pitch the tents, put our bags inside, and have some hot tea and snacks ready for us when we reached each day’s destination. These guys were the real heroes of our trip – without the porters there is no way we city slickers could have lugged all that gear up the mountain.

Today during the climb I learnt a great Swahili phrase “haraka haraka hyena barraka” which means those actions which are taken with haste, are not blessed.

Lunch at camp was as good as a gourmet meal – hot soup and grilled cheese sandwiches.

The afternoon was spent at leisure, stretching, talking about the day’s climbing and playing Texas Hold ‘Em with the boys. We didn’t finish the game as by 6.00 pm we had to line up for our twice daily medical check. We have our pulse and oxygen level monitored twice a day and the guides listen to our lungs each morning. Today for passing the check we each were awarded a black plastic Tusker Kilimanjaro bracelet. That bracelet is now a treasured possession.

Dinner was a magnificent chicken curry. My appetite has been huge on the mountain (which is a good thing) and I enjoyed all of 3 plates of chicken curry and rice.

Bed time was again at 9.00 pm.

Day 3 – Shira Camp to Lava Tower to Barranco Camp

Today was an 8.15 am start with the first four hours being a relatively easy climb up towards Lava Tower. I started with the poles but it quickly became apparent that they were more of a hindrance than a help and one of our guides, Stanford, kindly took my poles for me to leave me free to walk. By noon as we approached 14,000 feet I started to really feel the altitude - it took all of my energy to slowly walk step by step up to finally reach Lava Tower at about 1.00 pm where we stopped for lunch and an impromptu medical check. I did okay in the medical check and ate most of the lunch but still just felt pretty average. But most of the afternoon was downhill so I took back the poles and traversed the rocks and streams down to the Barranco Camp.

Lava Tower is so named because it is the source of the lava flow of the now extinct volcano. I have to say that we descended from Lava Tower (just over 15,000 feet) at a cracking pace which was tough on the knees, hamstrings and quads. Especially the quads. In some respects going downhill was more difficult than trekking uphill but at least the oxygen level was improving as you descended.

When we reached camp just before 4.00 pm, I had my first mountain headache so I took a couple of Panadol and just felt generally poorly. Interestingly my oxygen result that evening was one of the best on the mountain. Go figure? Fortunately I still had my appetite however and I enjoyed a meal of soup (always the soup) and spaghetti Bolognese.

Bed time was 8.30 pm and I’m pleased to say that I slept for 9 hours which left me refreshed, relaxed and on the Tusker scale of mountain climbing, 10 out of 10 for the Day 4 ahead.

Day 4 – Barranco Camp to Karanga Valley

So fortunately after the 9 hour sleep I woke up feeling good again. We had a 30 minute grace period before breakfast today. Breakfast consisted of sweet corn porridge, pancakes, sausages and toast. We then set off up the Southern Circuit down into a river valley, crossed the river and started to climb up a rocky precipice. It wasn’t long before we encountered “suicide ridge” which meant a slow shuffle along a two inch wide ledge, clinging on to the mountain side for each life with one’s fingernails dug into the rocks. Letting go would mean a 1,000 foot plunge onto the rocks below. This was the only time so far during the whole trek that I wished I didn’t have the backpack on my back. But the guides were great and got us through unscathed. “What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger”.

From there on the rest of the day’s climb was relatively easy. We ascended to 14,000feet, descended into the vast river valley, then walked up a steep slope to Karranga Valley. We arrived in the pouring rain to find ourselves stuck in our tents for about 30 minutes until the rain subsided.

Oh how I hate camping.

Anyway, finally the sun came out so we could dry our wet clothes. We were served vegetable soup, cheese and vegetable sandwiches, then chicken for lunch.

We stayed in the common tent to play cards for most of the afternoon. Then the usual medical test visit followed by dinner of the ubiquitous soup (it all tastes the same now) followed by mashed potato with beef stew and lentils. My appetite remains good but the food is becoming wearisome. But what can you expect half way up Mt. Kilimanjaro? Tusker did their very best to make the food varied and nutritious. Sanitation was also a huge issue on the mountain, which is why for the most part the food we ate was very well cooked. We also used our hand sanitizers often.

Day 5 – Karanga Valley to Barafu Camp to Cosovo Camp (16,000 feet)

I slept well again. My PA gave me a Phiten X50 necklace before I left which is supposed to assist sleep and well being in difficult conditions. I think this helps.

After breakfast and getting our gear packed once again, we set off on the uphill trek to Barafu. Not a difficult climb today, a bit of scrambling over rocks but mostly just trekking uphill.

Barafu means ice in Swahili and the camp there is perched on rocky slopes in a fairly hostile environment. Our guides earlier on had suggested that we carry on an extra hour to Cosovo and we were very pleased to have agreed with that suggestion once we saw the barren cramped conditions at Barafu.

So after lining up to “sign in” with the rangers, we started our climb up to Cosovo. As we departed our head guide Elias commented that every step was now part of the summit climb so we were pleased to have at least a small part of the summit climb behind us before the big day. The early part of this climb was quite tough as well as it involved scrambling over slippery rock surfaces.

We arrived into camp in time for lunch. After lunch we had a briefing on the summit climb then headed back to the tents for a nap before dinner. We were back in the sleeping bags by 7.30 pm to try and get a few hours sleep before the 10.45 pm wake up call.

Day 6 – To the Summit

We all forced down a bit of breakfast before assembling for the midnight departure. Fortunately the porters were going to pack up for us so we just grabbed our back packs and left.

I’d been told several times that the big advantage of leaving at midnight was that you couldn’t see the climb ahead and I have to say this was true. Basically for the next 6 hours we just slowly walked up a very steep dirt trail with numerous switchbacks. We did stop here and there for brief rests but it became so cold that stopping for long wasn’t really an option. About an hour into the ascent it started to snow, and whilst beautifying the landscape, it didn’t do much for our demeanor. About 2.00 am the moon rose which was a welcome sign and from then on we were all looking forward to seeing the top – but that was still over four hours away.

You couldn’t really talk much as we all needed the energy for climbing. So most of the time I just focused on the next step and sang nonsensical 70’s and 80’s pop songs in my head. I also sang a few musicals like “Jesus Christ Superstar” and “Miss Saigon”. Why these popped into my head at 17,000 feet above sea level, I’ll never know but quite a few of us were experiencing some level of delirium so I was likely going through some phase of temporary insanity, just to trick my brain into letting me climb higher and higher while the rest of my body was demanding to stop with the craziness.

At some point on one of our frequent brief stops the guides pulled out some white powder for us all to consume which turned out to be pure glucose powder. The guides absolutely insisted that we consume the glucose and watched us eat it. It was like eating a handful of sand from the beach so the side benefit was that we had to wash it down with a lot of water.

I have to admit that the first two hours were very tough but once the moon came up it seemed easier and I just got into a “zone” and trudged up the mountain step by step. Fortunately I didn’t suffer any headaches or nausea (thanks to the Diamox I would think) and my lungs had sufficient oxygen to get me uphill. It was tougher on some of our group and a few of the group needed a shot or two of oxygen from the guides but in the end everyone dug deep and found that little bit extra to get them through. I was mightily impressed by all my fellow climbers’ strength and fortitude.

I had taken up my usual position at the rear of the group and just before 6.00am I looked up to see all my fellow climbers hugging and ‘high five-ing” each other. I thought that they had really been tipped over the edge and gone stark raving mad but it turned out that we’d reached the Stella crater rim, which was a significant milestone in the climb. From there it was a leisurely one hour walk up a gradual incline to the summit. As the sun came up we stopped often to take pictures as the surrounds were breathtaking with glaciers, snow capped peaks and the awesome scenery of Mother Nature at her finest.

Finally at around 7.00 am we all made it to the summit. It was quite a busy morning with about 20 other climbers reaching the summit at around the same time. While we waited for our turn to take a photo at the famous Uhuru Peak sign, we enjoyed the immense feeling of satisfaction to have made it up there under our own steam. In total we spent about 45 minutes at the summit. Having strived towards this peak for the previous 5 days, I wish it would have been possible to spend much more time up there on the “roof of Africa” but we had a long descent ahead of us so all too soon it was time to go. I will never as long as I live forget the feeling of being there at the top.

Uhuru Peak to Mweke Camp

Now came the really hard part – the descent. We had a descent from 19,340 feet to 10,400 feet ahead of us, over a total of about 15km. The first part took about 3 hours down to Barafu Camp. You descend over a different path than what you climb up and it is pretty slippery in part so you need to use your poles for balance and support and one needs to take extra care.

Coming down we were chatting about our being totally over the camp food and that the only thing we really felt like from the camp menu was the grilled cheese and vegetable sandwiches. Well fortuitously when we reached the Tusker mess tent at around 11.00 am that’s what they were serving for lunch.

We hung around there for about an hour before dragging our weary bodies back out on the trail to walk down to Millennium Camp. Of course it started to rain so it became a pretty miserable hike. My boots which had performed very well on the ascent weren’t so great coming down and after a while every step became agony as my toes kept banging up against the front of my boots. But stopping wasn’t an option so we just soldiered on downhill in the rain. Another issue was that we’d put on thermal underwear for the cold ascent and as we lost altitude it became warmer and warmer. We reached Millennium Camp around 1.30 pm and after a brief rest we trekked on downwards towards Mweke Camp. This stage was a huge challenge as most of the walking was through a rocky river bed and every step was potentially a twisted ankle. We walked past a stretcher left beside the trail as if to say be careful or you could find yourself stretchered out.

Finally our hot, sweaty, tired, rain drenched bodies arrived at camp around 3.30 pm. So all in all it amounted to a day of 15 hours of trekking starting out at 16,000 feet climbing to 19,340 feet and then descending back to 10,400 feet.

After a change of clothes (just from one dirty set to another really, the only difference being that we changed into drier clothes) and ditching the boots we met up at the mess tent for a couple of well deserved cold Kilimanjaro beers which the ranger station was selling for US$4.00 per can. The rain was still pouring down and in fact became a river through the floor of the mess tent but no one really cared. We forced down a little of the ubiquitous fried chicken and chips for dinner and then crashed for about 10 hours.

Thankfully that would be the last night in a tent for the trip and I don’t plan to sleep in a tent again for a long time to come.

Day 7 – Mweke Camp to Mweke Gate

Up early at 6.00 am as we were all keen to get out of there and back to civilization. At the guides’ urging I forced myself to eat some egg on toast and we set off at about 7.15 am. One of the guides suggested that I wear my running shoes and after putting on a “second skin” bandage over my many blisters I found that I could walk without too much discomfort. The trail was pretty easy but very muddy at times. We stopped to watch a family of black and white Colobus monkeys jumping around the jungle canopy and finally arrived at the Mweke Gate at 9.50 am. We signed in with the rangers for the final time and then boarded the Tusker bus for the drive back to the Keys Hotel for a shower, lunch and many more beers. Ironically that afternoon I suffered a blinding headache and had to sleep for a couple of hours before I could eat dinner. I guess it was just an accumulation of all the challenges over the week that finally got to me and forced me to sleep for a while.

Summary

Although I had never previously aspired to climb a mountain it became somewhat of a challenge once suggested to me by my good friend and fellow climber, Sam. The fact that we were supporting a very worthwhile children’s charity decided it for me.

Over the seven days we climbed from 6,000 feet to 19.340 feet and back down to 5,500 feet over approximately 60 kilometers. I didn’t do any special training for the climb, but without doubt you need a certain level of fitness to be able to climb Mount Kilimanjaro. I only found out on our return that the Machame Route that we took was the most challenging of the various routes, so that gave me a little extra satisfaction.

Camping out is not at all my thing and this was probably the most uncomfortable aspect for me. I actually enjoyed most of the climb, and the camaraderie with my fellow climbers was fantastic. But of course reaching the summit was a personal achievement. What was interesting to me personally was that the one thing that I was expecting more than anything else, a really tough “out-of-breath” slog to the summit on the last day, didn’t materialize. Then again, I also didn’t experience the oxygen rush on the descent that so many climbers had described to me.

Looking back I guess I mentally determined that I was going to make that summit one way or the other unless it became physically impossible due to altitude sickness. So in the end that is what I did.

Postscript

Pretty much all of the ailments that I managed to avoid on the mountain got me in the week after. First the headaches (these lasted for several days), then the nausea and stomach upsets, and finally I came down with acute bronchitis and had to succumb to a dose of antibiotics to help me to recover. Even now, some 2 months after the climb, I feel that my body is still adjusting back to normality. Interestingly I have just come back from a trip to Ecuador and traveled as high as 4,000 meters (by car this time), with no ill effects, although some of my colleagues did it tough. So my Kilimanjaro experience has left a lingering impact on my constitution, it would seem.

Our team leader asked us at the end to summarize our Kilimanjaro experience in just one word. I can’t recall what if any answer I gave at the time, but for me now it would have to be:

“Attitude”

-David

Reflection & Thanks From Jennifer

2010-03-22T19:58:00.000-07:00

We did it. 19,340 feet. All the way to the peak of Africa.

It was a great week with challenges that don't come close to those faced by the kids supported by Power To Be. But to us, on that mountain, the tests we faced were very real. The cold, the rain and the intense long days were both thrilling and at times overwhelming.

Kilimanjaro was beautiful. Every morning when I faced the climb ahead, I was a little worried and a lot excited. Every day seemed to bring a different mountain. The views and the experience changed so much as we gained altitude. The lack of oxygen affected every one of us in different ways. Some greater than others but everyone felt it.

The night we climbed to the summit was awesome in every sense of the word. The climb started at midnight with a couple hours of sleep and a belly full of yet another great meal prepared by our Tanzanian team. It was a long slow shuffle with few breaks. The temperature seemed to drop with every step and the available oxygen was less and less with every breath. I climbed right behind our lead guide and all I could see ahead was darkness and the glowing headlamps of other groups moving ahead of us.

I struggled with the oxygen reduction differently than I expected. I fought an extreme need to sleep for about 3 hours. I had to have powdered glucose and energy bars and candy every 10-15 minutes. It was not what
I expected but it was manageable so I can't complain too much. Another member of our team made it to the top only with the aid of an oxygen tank supplied by our guides.

The Summit was reached at 7:00am. It was overwhelming and I don't think any of us had dry eyes. Every step had been worth it. The glacier and the clear view of the mountain was something I wish every one of you could experience. I can't explain the beauty and the feeling of being part of something so big.

I want to thank everyone who supported me in our drive to raise funds for the children and youth of Power To Be. It is an extraordinary organisation and worthy of every penny.

Thank you all so very much.

-Jennifer

Reflection & Thanks from Sam

2010-03-22T19:42:00.000-07:00

My Family, Friends and supporters,

We did it, 19340 ft, to the peak of Africa, Uhuru (Freedom) Peak, Mt Kilimanjaro

Now I’ve had time to settle into life back home and had time to let the whole journey sink in, I wanted to express my gratitude to you all.

What can I say, this has to go down as one of the most amazing weeks of my life, and needless to say of the Teams. From the rain forest to the barren landscape midway, to the blizzard on the last day, we went through all the elements. Hot and humid, cold and dry, this mountain had it all, and it wasn’t afraid of letting you know! It definitely wanted to test the endurance of the team yet teased us enough to let us know that what awaited us at the top was worth every ounce of energy we would spend getting there.

I could go on and on, but feel that you all need to know the main event. With limited sleep due to the climb earlier in the day and the lack of oxygen the group assembled at 16,000ft at midnight. This was it, the final push, the remaining 3,340 ft. Exhausted yet silently excited, the team knew what was required. This was the moment of truth, no matter what, we needed to ensure we all made it, 12 climbers one great cause. The evening was clear, you could reach out and grab the stars, we were even treated to a display of shooting stars, with a moon in the background that looked like it was on fire. But for the guides voices, you would have thought you were dreaming, yet the bitter cold told you it was real. It all seemed too good to be true, sure enough, it was, the clouds came in and then the snow. It just added to the drama, one step in front of the other, one breath at a time, head down, oh the monotony. Pole, Pole, slowly, slowly in Swahili, we all thought the same, when will it end?? But that’s part of the experience. And then before you know it, and to your surprise, you’re at the crater rim, hugs all around, we’ve done it. Not that easy, this is just the crater rim, Stella Point, after 6 hours of climbing we’re still not there. The top of Africa lies further afield, another hour away. (We all knew this but inside, secretly we were all thinking about turning around, what’s the point, this is good enough, who will know)? The hike starts again, at this altitude each step takes your breath away, each step takes all the energy you have, but again, all you think about is the end goal. (Not the top of the mountain but the cold beer that awaits you at camp, 10,000 ft below. Only joking, but it’s these thoughts that keep you going).

The blizzard still howled all around yet you don’t notice it any more. Then, as if to give the team the additional boost it needed, the snow stopped, the clouds cleared and the sun rose. The guide informed us that the top of Africa was just around the corner. Uhuru Peak, Freedom Peak. Could this be it, could we be this lucky that the clouds and weather would clear so much that we would be blessed with pure sunshine. Sure enough, upon reaching the summit of Africa, with not a dry eye between us, (we all had sunglasses on but we all knew) we were drenched in the most beautiful light, that shone down upon us, almost biblical, you’ve reached your goal, you’ve achieved what few people can only imagine, the TOP OF AFRICA. All the months of preparation, all the sleepless nights, all the hardship of the previous days, were distant memories. We had all done it, and it was spectacular, words couldn’t express your feelings.. You just try and take it in, the never ending views, the glistening glaciers, pure poetry. You just try to take it in, as best you can. You forget how exhausted you are, who cares about the lack of oxygen, we’ve done it and that’s all that matters!!!!!!!!!

I hope the above gives you an understanding of our journey. It is hopefully my way of thanking you all, this wouldn’t have been possible without you, all your words of encouragement, positive attitude and personal votes of confidence. You were all with me every step of the way and most importantly at the top.

-Sam

Monster Gratitude

2010-01-29T19:14:00.000-08:00

Seven Summits – Mt. Kilimanjaro - as experienced by Donna Carrigan

20 days ago on the rooftop of Africa I had the most beautiful moment of my life. Mt Kilimanjaro served me a piece of humble pie and provided me with a view from the top that made it easy to swallow.

White. Baby clouds white. Dollie White. Fluffy White Kitten White. White white white. The sun shone on my cheeks and glaciers and rolling clouds surrounded me as far as my eyes could reach. I was in a frozen sea of white. I felt like I was inside heaven. Or a giant ever expanding home made marshmallow. Or precisely all of those things at exactly the same time. To speak of the sense of wonderment that filled my body fills my eyes with tears. I can only begin to hint at the greatness of this moment 19,340 feet above the sea, to the frozen sea. The summit of Mt.Kilimanjaro. Filling my tear ducts was a combination of the struggle it was to get to the top and the sheer beauty of the landscape.

Overtaken with joy and nausea, gravity opted for me to sit down on a lonely rock. My head heavy, fell to my feet. My body considered which direction my shoulders would fall if I fainted. My headache was growing and already was splitting the back of my head in two. Just like the honey dew melon halves you see plastic wrapped at the grocery store.

With a deep breath at 70% oxygen my air felt cut short. I felt the panic in my breath that one time I went scuba diving off Ogden Point with my friend Ryan. My buoyancy was all wrong and I was shooting to the surface and forgot for a moment I was on air. My chest felt heavy under an atmosphere of pressure and Ryan reached his hand for me to right my floatation. It calmed me. My breathing calmed to normal. But here I wasn’t underwater and no one was there to reach for my hand. The glacial giants made me feel less alone but I still felt panic. My porter had gone and so had my oxygen tank. My head was pounding and I was fixated on trying to take a deep breath. Maybe 65%. The scenery in my peripheral view distracted me for a moment. The pain seem surreal and giving up on feeling full of O2, I took another half breath and puffed my chest up from the rock. Lifting my chin up into the sky I took another look across the horizon, over my pink nose, of the melting glaciers that surround Uhuru peak, the peak they call Tanzania’s ‘Freedom’ in Swahili.

“This is it” I thought. “Enjoy it” Holding my head up, my vision became wobbly. I felt like I was back in my sailboat playing in the waves. For a moment I was chasing a BC ferry into Pender Island’s Otter Bay Marina, like two summers ago. This waking day dream was a sign that my time at the top was over. My weak knees echoed the thought by beginning to shake uncontrollably. The severe reaction I’d had to Diamox, an altitude drug prescribed to those who attempt high altitude, was raging its effects on me. Delirium, rash, swollen face, nausea, cold sweats…. I was at the point of exhaustion and my body began shaking top to bottom. I knew I had to keep moving and so I turned to the crater and started my decent down the mountain.

As quickly as I saw heaven, it was now behind me, forever preserved. With the moment tucked in my pocket, I could only think of how not to vomit on myself, a danger especially in the cold, and brain power went to how to get my legs to move more consistently.

In hindsight I was risking a great deal strolling the edge of the crater, so delirious, but needed to hike to Stella point where a deep decent awaited. My teammate called out to me, and I found the echo of his voice absorbed in the vacuum of high elevation: “Donna! Donna! ” “Stay to the left!” in his British accent Sam’s voice came to me, clear as a bell.

It was a real warning, I was delirious and wavering along the edge of a steep trail that offered to take me down the side of the mountain at the speed of my existence. “To the left!” I responded with a swagger and then picked up speed. “With Thanks Sam” Deep breath. One more. “‘I don’t feel well”.

“This is how climbers die on Everest.” I think to myself. The combination of driving forward to the summit (summit fever, I suspect) and altitude sickness (the fog of reason, I can tell you with all certainty) made it so the energy needed to climb down the mountain had been forgotten, or seemed absolutely unimportant.

After this thought, the adrenaline of the summit left my body and suddenly I became very cold. I could feel my bones.

That was my last real memory from the summit. Three porters, a tank of oxygen and two slips in and out of consciousness, continued waking hallucinations and a bashed knee was the recipe required to deliver me to camp.

My next memory is holding my head in my hands between my legs. The head splitting had turned into general mashing about with a sledge hammer in all sorts of directions. I am back at camp and despite the noise in my cranium I find myself retelling a blur of memory: an interrupted fall down the mountain in three places, all from exhaustion. Chicken brought to me in tinfoil. A juice box. Defeated, I negotiated the thought that we still had another three hour hike ahead of us to the next camp. My team mates doting on me and supporting me as best they could. Liquid gel advil, warm water easy to swallow for my swollen face.

Honestly, all I could think was three words: “Don’t climb Everest.”

And as sea level came closer, the Mt. Kilimanjaro python that wrapped around my brain slowly let go of its pressure. The lower altitude a silent beacon cooing for it to let go and make room for the next ego filled climber. Soon my thoughts began to expand past three words. My rational now so full of oxygen it announced directly to my eardrums that this was likely the best thing that had ever happened to me.

Why the best ‘thing’? It was the best thing because all told it was the most beautiful experience of my life. And by beautiful I mean that I was given the rare opportunity to push my physical limit and yet feel the absolute safety of a team, which allowed me to cheat the odds and crawl to the roof of Africa. It was beautiful because our hearts were reaching the summit for a cause meaningful to each one of us. The cause: the Power To Be Adventure Therapy Society. It was beautiful because my headache was so intense on Summit day that I couldn't put my pants on. It was so beautiful because I could use the word beautiful eight million times and I would still be describing it.

I was gifted a high altitude lesson from the fourth highest of the seven summits: I learned that if I feel safe, I can push all the limits.

And for that, I have monster gratitude.

A very special thank you to every one on the Power to Climb Team, who each in their own way contributed to my summmit by creating the space for emotional and physical safety. A life time of memories - you are all absolutely da best.

Uhuru Peak. Freedom Peak.

2010-01-25T23:23:00.000-08:00

When I discovered Uhuru was Swahili for “Freedom”, I could not think of a more perfect word to sum up this journey. At 5896 meters, Uhuru Peak is the highest point on Mt. Kilimanjaro, and the true summit of the roof of Africa. I’m happy to say that several days ago, our whole team stood together on this very summit. More importantly, I’m happy to say that each of us is walking away from this having had an incredible and positive life experience. And neither of these things could have been achieved without the selflessness and genuine concern for each other’s well being that was brought to the table by all.

This is truly one of the best teams I have had the pleasure to be a part of, and I feel extremely fortunate that I was able to share this experience with such a remarkable group. It’s amazing how when you have a clear idea of what you want, and you put it out to the world, it can act as a beacon bringing like-minded people together around a common cause.

What started for me as a journey to climb a mountain, has taught me that there’s nothing more important and empowering than friendship. The other thing it taught me is that you never know who you may inspire along the way, no matter how trivial an action may seem. Thank you to all those who supported our cause, and thank you to the youth I have come to know in Power To Be’s ‘family’ - thank you for inspiring me. This is just the end of the beginning.

Mike Schauch

The road to Kilimanjaro

2010-01-03T12:05:00.000-08:00

This is not where I pictured myself sitting last May when I agreed to join the group from Power to Be in their bid to climb Kilimanjaro. However here I sit in my office at home on the same day they start their climb.
Climbing Kilimanjaro has been a 35 year dream of mine. Honestly it has been more like a love affair. Why of all the mountains in the world this one? Well I like to say that's a simple answer but it isn't.For now let us just say that it was an impossible dream when the love affair started. I am not a person to say that I have had a hard life. My life has been harder then some and easier then others. Until just a few short years ago Kilimanjaro to me was just a pipe dream. Oh, I talked about it and even daydreamed what it would be like but never really believed that it would ever happen. When I was told I had lung cancer I still refused to give up this dream. I knew the chances of me ever climbing Kilimanjaro were slim but heh who was it hurting to hang on to this silly idea anyways. Cancer and I had an amazing journey where I was given the chance to start becoming the person I always knew I could be. Cancer taught me to let go of my anger and to live each day as if it was my first and my last. Most of all it taught me to soften the walls around my heart.After five years of dealing with cancer I was told that I was cancer free. What a relief those words were to hear. I hadn't thought much about Kilimanjaro during that time and it wasn't until one rainy Saturday morning two years later that the subject had come up.
I had enrolled a team in an endurance race being held by this group called "Power to Be". I really knew nothing about them. I was asked if I would help set up the course and that this guy named Tim would meet me Saturday morning.Well we met and talked for about five minutes, Tim told me about "Power to be" and I knew that this was not only a cause I could support but was also a man I could see as a life long friend. We decided it was raining to hard to set up the course and that we would try again later. Then out of the blue Tim told me that they were also organizing a trip to climb Kilimanjaro in January to raise money for Power to Be. I told him right then that I would be going! Here it was a chance to fulfil my dream and make a difference at the same time. Wow, could it get any better.Over the next six months I got to meet most of the rest of the team and to really grow to love them. These are people who put their hearts into what they believe in.I also got the chance to grow as a person by learning to stay connected with them,something I haven't been good at in the past.
The last week of November came and we had a real rainy couple of weeks.I caught at the time what I thought was a cold. The cold over the next couple of weeks keep getting worse even though the doctors put me on all kinds of medince. In the end I wound up in the hospital with pneumonia. The doctor told me that it wasn't a good idea to climb for at least a month to six weeks.I can honestly say that in that moment I was crushed.Here I was just a week away from fulfilling a life long dream and it was taken from me,so I thought.
That night I prayed. I am a man who not only believes in God but also has a one on one relationship with him. So I am sure you can guess what I asked. "Why?"
I am not one to feel sorry for myself so the question was asked o try and understand.The answer I got in return surprised me. I found that all these years that i had daydreamed about climbing Kilimanjaro I had never once dreamed of the mountain.It was always the people that I climbed the mountain with. I know you might say "OK, but now you aren't climbing the mountain with them either." That's what I said at first too. I meditate every day and the following morning this is what came to me. The mountain was never about climbing to the summit,it was about being part of something greater than myself, I found inside of me that I didn.t need to be on the mountain with my new family in order to be part of their experience. In the past when the chose had been made to not do something I would just quit trying to be apart of it and withdraw back into myself. This time by choosing to do things to help make the trip a better experience for those who are going I found that I changed my life for the better. The out pouring of love and support of my fellow team mates was heart touching. I found that it is not about showing up in person but is about showing up in heart. Do I miss being on the mountain with my friends today? No,I miss my friends. I know I am there in their hearts as they are here in mine.

Live,Laugh,Love Shean

Moshi, Tanzania - Sunday, January 3, 2010

2010-01-03T05:43:00.000-08:00

We arrived safely at midnight at our lodge in Moshi on January 1st 2010! Yesterday our guides took us on a tour of Moshi town where we were able to sample the local markets and culture – a quaint town with very beautiful people! Pop ~160,000.

Today things got a bit more serious with orientation day on the agenda – guides took us through the itinerary and conducted a gear check. We’re off on our 7-day trek in 15 hrs – big hug to all of our supporters at home – wish us luck!

Happy New Year from Amsterdam!

2009-12-31T14:37:00.001-08:00

The Power To Climb Kilimanjaro 2010 Team wishes all of our supporters from around the world a very Happy New Year from Amsterdam, and all the best for 2010 - what will be the best year yet!!

Kilimanjaro here we come!

2009-12-27T23:58:00.000-08:00

Christmas Day marked our last little hike before take-off for Amsterdam and then Tanzania. We went up Lone Tree Hill in the Highlands of Victoria - what a gorgeous day it was - wow! Mike and I are leaving for Amsterdam in less than 20 hrs and almost all of the Kili summit team members will meet us there before we all continue on to Moshi, Tanzania on January 1st. In fact, we'll be spending New Year's Eve in Amsterdam - yahoo! Once on our Kilimanjaro trek, we'll be posting clips and updates to our YouTube video channel and this blog so stay tuned to http://www.powertoclimb.ca/ to follow our adventure. Over $140K raised with less than $10K to go to meet our target for Power To Be! -CS

Our campaign is gaining momentum...

2009-12-19T09:12:00.000-08:00

In exactly 16 days, we will start our trek up the highest free-standing mountain in the world. As I reflect on the challenge ahead, I feel tremendous amount of energy and excitement. It is hard to concentrate on anything other than our campaign and the climb ahead. I am itching to take off! Our campaign has also taken off – our momentum is gaining as we get closer to reaching our $150K target – donations are trickling in from all over the place and I’m super excited to report that we’ve so far raised 135,000 dollars towards Power To Be’s Lower Mainland expansion. WOOT, WOOT! Thank you to all of you who have supported us in all different ways to date. You have no idea how much this means. Onward and upward (literally). We will surpass our target! -CS

Tim Cormode speaks from the heart at Rotary Vancouver

2009-12-17T23:02:00.000-08:00

Tim Cormode, Executive Director of Power To Be and fellow Kili climber, spoke from the heart about his organization at Tuesday's presentation for the Rotary Club of Vancouver. Over 80 business executives and community leaders were in attendance at the Terminal City Club downtown to listen to his story. Watch a short clip of his speech under our video clips on www.powertoclimb.ca or our YouTube channel.
-CS

Shean's Reflection

2009-12-12T17:57:00.000-08:00

I could have used a program like this when I was a kid. I’m talking about the Power To Be Wilderness School. I had a tough start to life. I came from an abusive family, was living on the streets of Edmonton at only 10 years of age, eating out of garbage cans, and spent a lot of time thinking that the only person I could count on was myself. I’ve been learning not to feel that way now. And this Kilimanjaro trip is helping me with this goal. My hope is that this program can teach others. I have rarely chosen an easy path in life to follow, and climbing the tallest free standing mountain in the world is no exception.

Why did I choose Power To Be over other worthwhile charities? Because I believe we need more organizations that look after our own children. A local charity was important to me. I first encountered Tim, Executive Director of Power To Be, at the corporate challenge event called Power To Play put on annually by the Society. I was invited to put together a team from my demolition company, and was then roped into volunteering to set up a course. It was that Saturday in spring 2009 that I met Tim. Tim introduced the Power To Climb project spearheaded by volunteers Mike and Chantal Schauch and for me, it was the perfect timing. Kilimanjaro has been a 30-year dream that started in front of a black and white TV set where I saw a picture of the mountain for the very first time. There was something unmistakable in the television announcer’s voice as he described the mountain - a remarkable passion. At that moment I fell in love with the mountain. At the time I was dead broke and didn’t know how I was ever going to get there, but I just refused to let go of the dream.

Eight years ago when I was diagnosed with lung cancer, I reinforced the promise to myself to realize my dream of climbing Mt Kilimanjaro. I didn’t entirely believe at the time I would be able to climb because my cancer was stage four, and for those who have faced cancer know, this is the stage where doctors tell you that you are likely to die. But I overcame the cancer and ended up meeting Tim that fateful day at the Vancouver Island Technology Park. Tim offered a perfect situation to climb Kilimanjaro. The summit day will be my 8th year since diagnosed with cancer. It will mean a lot to stand on the top of the world with my fellow summit team members – I cannot even start telling you! I know we will all make it.
-Shean

Power To Be Christmas Party and Kili Team Send Off at The Oyster, Victoria

2009-12-12T15:27:00.000-08:00

Simple Nutritional Tips for the Kili Trek Ahead...

2009-11-30T22:10:00.000-08:00

As a Naturopathic Doctor, I wanted to offer some simple nutritional tips to all the climbers before the big trek ahead. As you will all be subject to stress and fatigue during the climb you will want to make sure you prepare your bodies physically, emotionally and nutritionally to optimize your strength and ensure that you recover quickly. Muscles and joints heal better and faster when the proper nutrients are supplied, whether as part of a healthy diet or through supplementation. The following are just a few of my top vitamins to help maximize your performance. Vitamin C is essential for the repair of connective tissue and to help reduce inflammation. Take 1000-3000 mg daily or till bowel tolerance. The omega 3 essential fatty acids are important for tissue elasticity, muscle flexibility, joint motion and regulating the inflammatory response. Omega 3s are found in fish and flax seed and oil. I usually recommend the Nordic Naturals brand “Pro EPA”. The homeopathic Traumeel is effective for muscle soreness and strains and sprains with bruising and pain. Traumeel is available in topical cream as well as oral tablets and drops. Be sure to start the oral drops or tablets 1 week prior to climb as well as throughout the climb and after. To help with endurance and the stress of the climb start on a good B complex as well as make sure you stay well hydrated with water as well as electrolytes. I really like the Vega electrolyte formula found at most health food stores.

I hope that you find this information useful and I wish you all the best of luck!

This is truly a wonderful cause that will bring many more children the support and guidance that they deserve.

Dr. Marita Schauch BSc. ND

Team Training Drill at Studeo55!

2009-11-23T23:36:00.000-08:00

In preparation for our big climb, the Kilimanjaro Summit Team 'stepped up' for a team challenge/team building day at Studeo55, infamous for its intense and vigorous (and 'fun') "Drill" programs. Expert fitness trainers Mike Averill and Kevin Laface led us through a series of challenges that not only gave us a great workout, but more importantly tested our ability to work together as a team, especially when faced with new and unexpected challenges.

Our experience, I believe is best summed up from comments by trainer Mike Averill:

"With many years of being involved in team building activities of all ages and situations, your group emerged as the best one I've ever had, and I'm still buzzing over it a day later. You are all exceptionally driven, and passionate individuals with regards to everything you do. That commonality will be the strongest link between you all on this trip, and I can't tell you how excited I am for what I know you are going to experience because of that. If I didn't know any different, I would have assumed you had all known each other for years, as the comradery was outstanding."

After pulling, pushing, and carrying each other through various obstacle courses, relying on each other for trust and support, and continuously working together as a single force, not only did we emerge stronger as a team, but have become even more resolute in our cause: to climb the heights of Kilimanjaro, so that other youth can climb to the heights of their dreams.

As team-mate, friend, and climber Shean says "Nobody cares what you know until they know that you care!" And I can honestly say with absolute conviction that today showed just how much care and respect we share for each other, our cause, and of course the kids and families who will benefit from Power To Be.

Thank you Jordan for offering your time to snap some awesome shots and capture the day! Thank you Mike and Kevin, and Studeo55 for your generous support, and offering your time and facility to help us reach our summit!

-MS

Every (baby) Step Counts...

2009-11-20T23:42:00.000-08:00

The opportunity to undertake this climb came at a time when I was feeling the need for an adventure - when I wanted a challenge that would force me out of my comfort zone. So here I am - climbing Kilimanjaro with a group of relative strangers, for a cause I had never heard of until a few months ago. My father’s reaction when I told him what I was doing was, “You know people die up there.” It was a statement, not a question and not particularly open for discussion. But my parents are accustomed to me doing things a bit differently and following my gut first.
Since that initial reaction, my Dad has been a huge supporter; boasting to all our friends and family about my undertaking. My emotional response to the whole thing has changed since I first said, “I want to do this.” Initially it was a selfish thing. I wanted an adventure. The more I learn about Power To Be, the more I feel that my gut response to the challenge was a perfect fit with what Power To Be is about. I wanted an adventure so I opened myself up to finding one. Simple. If only it was that easy for everyone. Power To be is setting out to do just that, and I think that is pretty admirable. I’m proud to be a small part of it.

The reality is that most of us are really busy. My story, while I own it and love it, is a pretty average story. I’m a single mom of a 15 year old son named Teigan. Oh geez teenagers- but that is a discussion for another day. My training for this climb must accommodate driving my son to sports practices and games, nagging him about studying and exams, feeding the plethora of teenagers that are always hanging around, an occasional manicure/pedicure (I didn’t say that I wasn’t my own worst enemy), Christmas shopping, time for family, and of course my demanding full time job. It’s a busy life. So when the heck am I supposed to fit training in? A coworker just swung by my office to suggest I get out to the Grouse Grind 3 times a week. Are you kidding? I have functions - work related and otherwise, and every night for the next 5 nights. And it’s not stuff I can get out of either. Ok, well I could skip the hockey game but how much sacrifice is reasonable here? I’m not complaining; I have the best life around.

So I think maybe “baby steps” is the answer, both here and on the mountain.

Thanks to Mike who took me shopping for my boots and some of my gear. MEC is overwhelming and it was great to have Mike walk me through what I needed, what I didn’t need, and what he and Chantal are bringing. I’m wearing my boots now with some serious, “no kidding around” socks. I’m not sure how much breaking in they’ll get here at the office, but it will all help I’m told.

My training is going to be somewhat limited to the gym. Besides, to quote Mike, I’m a big believer in being part of the “race to get to the top last”. My biggest fear, as most of my teammates know, is the altitude sickness. When our guides yell, “ Pole, Pole, Pole” (Slowly, slowly, slowly)they won’t be talking to me. I’m going at a snail’s pace if it helps keep that altitude sickness at bay.

Surprisingly, Teigan gave me a great hiking tip. As you take each step straighten your leg fully; it will allow your leg muscles to rest for a fraction of a second before you take the next step. It helps on long hikes. I tried it out and go figure, it really does make a difference. I guess they really do learn something in Outdoor Ed at school.
My next steps are to get the rest of my gear, train as much as possible, convince my Dad that people don’t really die up there, and get through the holidays as stress-free as possible. I’ll keep you updated. I’m sure I’m not the only member of the team feeling the crunch. I mean the time crunch - not the sit ups I did last night. Although those are making themselves known today too.
Jennifer

Amani Orphanage: Visiting Marginalized Kids in Moshi, Tanzania

2009-11-15T20:56:00.000-08:00

While our 2010 Power To Climb Kilimanjaro adventure is focused on raising awareness and funds for our marginalized kids in British Columbia, we thought it important to also understand and experience the situation of marginalized kids in the country we are visiting. On Monday, January 11th, one day after our climb, we'll be visiting Amani Orphanage in Moshi.

Amani Children’s Home is dedicated to the protection of Tanzania’s most vulnerable population: street-children and AIDS orphans. It is estimated that there are 2.5 million orphaned children in Tanzania.

Since its founding by Tanzanians in 2001, Amani has rescued hundreds of children from the perils of life on the streets, where they face a high risk of HIV transmission, malnutrition, and abuse.

Amani, which means “peace” in Swahili, provides healthy food, education, counseling and medical care for every child who turns to Amani for help.

Believe In Your Own Ability To Fly

2009-11-15T20:48:00.000-08:00

Throughout our lives we travel many journeys bereft of solace that these journeys end is where we set out to arrive at in the first place. There can be no doubt that some of these journeys in themselves to some degree, will be within our own control although many will not, as external forces steer us on a path that we struggle to stay off due to the emotional, psychological and sometimes physical cost to our individuality and all that this entails.

Many of us will come to a place on our journeys when we are standing on the edge of the light with nothing but darkness before us. We know we have to move forwards into the darkness and to do this we need to step off into it at some point in time. Stepping into the unknown for many of us can be a frightening experience but we only allow ourselves to do so when we feel we have an inner Faith.

This Faith is based on us knowing that when we step into the darkness one of three things may happen

We fall into oblivion that is the darkness, or there will be something solid to stand on and our journey continues, or we are suddenly gifted with the knowledge and ability to fly.

Either way, it is having Faith in the outcome that you wish to experience that makes us take that first step forward into the darkness before us ignoring learnt prejudices and biases towards that which we fear the most – our own ability to make such decisions and humanity to follow the flow of our ‘heart’ and desires.

Getting to the summit of any mountain is just such a journey that we may well be confronted with this darkness. Confront it now and leave all self doubt at home.

Believe in your own ability to fly!

Frank Grant

Bonding Hike

2009-11-08T21:54:00.000-08:00

I was in Victoria this weekend and asked Donna to join me for a bonding hike up Mt. Work in the Highlands. The fresh air and peace on Mt. Work has given me many insightful hikes in the past and this day was no different. The rain had stopped and the sun started peeking through the clouds, allowing for steam to come off the cold, damp rocks. What a beautiful day it was for November. Not the all to familiar low cloud and dreariness. Donna and I, in a short amount of time, were able to share some genuine personal insights and give each other honest feedback and tips for personal growth, our Kilimanjaro Journey ahead, and life after the big adventure. Time out for such personal reflection and friendship is truly special and I just got reminded of how often I neglect such "me time" living over on the mainland in the 'bigger' city. Thanks for sharing the morning today Donna!

-CS

The Kilimanjaro Journey: An Opportunity to Explore the Inner Self – PART 2

2009-11-08T21:31:00.000-08:00

Suggestions to help you get the most out of this unique ‘journey’:

Allow your inner self to be present, to shine through the facades you may be wearing so that what you put into the challenge, rewards you in many ways that are irrelevant to others.
When you feel/think it is too much and want to give up the challenge, stop feeling sorry for yourself and think of someone you know who has had to overcome real life challenges, and convince yourself that in the same circumstances, you too could overcome the same challenges.
Remember that within all of us lies a hidden ‘us’, one that has been made to be different because of external influences and this is an opportunity to allow that inner ‘us’ to live and breath as we want that inner ‘us’ to live and breath.
We are all worthy of success, we are all worthy of feeling positive about ourselves and we are all worthy of enjoying our ego emotions both internally and externally.
There is no failure to taking up any physical or emotional challenge in life, it is what life is all about. It is not what we do in life that matters but how we do it and what we feel about ourselves afterwards that counts.
What you feel on the inside is not necessarily the same as what you feel on the outside, and in this respect you can harbor fear, anxiety and pain but have the potential to use your humanity to overcome these feelings if you accept and acknowledge that you are a wonderful exquisite human being and that success or failure is a natural every day human occurrence.
When you feel you have reached the ‘end’ and can no longer go on, remember that nothing is more easier than putting one foot in front of the other, ignoring the external world and having at your side, your inner self.

-Frank Grant

The Kilimanjaro Journey: An Opportunitiy to Explore the Inner Self – PART 1

2009-11-08T21:23:00.000-08:00

There can be no doubt, that the quality of life for any individual is a prerequisite for positive change to take place as we travel through our sometimes complex and ever changing life’s journey. Many of us experience a less than perfect childhood development not least as a result of our own parents living their lives with their own barriers, issues and distractions as they too ravel through their own journey of life.

We may experience being told to try harder at school, or to hurry up and get things done, or to do things differently to the way we may feel things should be done, after all, we are constantly told in childhood that ‘adults know best’! All these things coupled with the ‘normal’ throes of having to develop and grow through childhood, adolescence and then into the wide market place where so many of us become bogged down in a rut through no fault of our own, adds to the possibility of individuals suffering issues and barriers which impinge and infiltrate our developing psyche which controls who we are, what we are but just as importantly, how others view us.

As we journey the chaotic, ever changing road of life, sometimes, just sometimes, opportunities come along which allow us to explore this inner self, this psyche which determines and influences who we are and what we are, giving us unique opportunities to think about making changes to our behavior, psyche or life styles. In addition, such opportunities give us chances to come to terms with what we have recently or currently experienced within our lives and which have had some positive or negative impact on our one and only life’s journey.

For me it is the chance to address several ‘dreams I have had for decades - to visit the continent of Africa, to climb or attempt to climb its highest mountain and to make an impact on someone else’s life journey. This opportunity has presented itself in the shape of this charity climb with Power To Be.

I have thought long and hard about how I can prepare myself for this challenge, which whilst I see and accept may well be a physical one, will undoubtedly be an emotional one as well given the fact that it is the first mountaineering expedition I have done since the sudden and unexpected death of my soul mate, best friend, wife and business partner. Coping with grief and living with a major hole in ones life can sometimes be the final straw that does ‘break the camel’s back’ but I have convinced myself that I can and will cope with it unconditionally.

It is this human resolve that we all have, both you and me, that drives us on to overcome those issues and barriers that present themselves to us along our life’s journey. When you feel that the challenge is too big or too demanding of you, remember your darkest hour, that time when you felt that life had nothing positive to give you or that whatever you did would end in failure and think about those whose problems and issues leave your own issues and barriers standing still in a race to find a place on the chart of pain, hurt and hopelessness. Remember your resolve when you overcame something that to you was huge but to others may be insignificant and remember that inside us all lies our inner self that can rise above physical pain and hurt just because it is inside of ourselves and not vulnerable to the outside world, only if we allow it to.

Getting to the top of Kilimanjaro is of course a target, the aim of the charity event, but it is also a unique opportunity to allow yourself to be the real you not the one who hides behind a facade irrespective of whether it is a professional facade which you need to get through your working day, or a personal facade which you need to cope with the interpersonal relationships that sometimes tie us in emotional knots or a personality facade that you hide behind because you cannot be or are not allowed to be the real you.

-Frank Grant

A message from Warren MacDonald

2009-11-01T16:48:00.000-08:00

A message from Warren MacDonald - best-selling author, professional keynote speaker, and first double above-knee amputee to climb Mt. Kilimanjaro!

www.warren-macdonald.com

Trial run on Mt. Seymour

2009-11-01T16:05:00.000-08:00

Looks like it was team 'Sami' (only Sam & Mike) on Mt Seymour today - but was a great training run nonetheless! Varied terrain and some iced up sections made for a more interesting climb. 3.15 hrs round trip with a 5 min break on the summit to snap some shots!
-MS

Booted!

2009-11-01T15:36:00.000-08:00

A great pair of boots is going to be absolutely critical for our journey on Kili. If you don't already have a good pair, for everyone in Van/Vic, I recommend to go to Robinson's in Victoria (one of our sponsors), or if you're unable to make it there, to Mountain Equipment Co-op in Vancouver. It's good to try on at least 3-4 pairs to get a good idea of which feels best - although you'll likely know when you try the right one. Here are my tips when choosing a pair of boots:

- My personal brand preferences are La Sportiva, Scarpa, and Asolo (I have a pair of each)
- For socks, I recommend a thin base layer (they'll point you in the right direction when you go to one of the stores mentioned above), and then a thick wool sock overtop. You'll also want to get a couple spare pairs of each for the seven day journey.
- For enhanced fit, you may want to try replacing the sole that comes with the boots with this one: http://www.mec.ca/Products/product_detail.jsp?PRODUCT%3C%3Eprd_id=845524442622532&FOLDER%3C%3Efolder_id=2534374302734275&bmUID=1256525903703

- When trying on/testing the boots, it's important to test them on an incline (both up and down) - watch for heel slippage on the way up, and toe jamming on the way down (both will cause blisters and toe jamming can cause bruised toenails - if either of these occur, after 5-6 hrs of hiking over multiple days, this can get EXTREMELY painful to the point you will want to hurl the boots off the mountain and never wear them again.
- Your foot should be snug, but not uncomfortably tight. You don't want your foot swimming/shifting around in the boot (will likely cause blisters), or too tight that it cuts off blood circulation in your toes.
- I also recommend a boot with a Vibram sole.

You'll be glad you took the time to find the right pair - it's like being in 4x4 while you're walking!

Check out this link for further info on boots:

http://www.mec.ca/Main/content_text.jsp?CONTENT%3C%3Ecnt_id=10134198673220787&FOLDER%3C%3Efolder_id=2534374302886150&bmUID=1256525798893

-MS

Travel Vaccinations: A little Pain for hopefully a lot of gain

2009-10-24T17:54:00.000-07:00

So I finally got all my shots done for Tanzania. I decided to go to the Vancouver Travel Clinic rather than my GP as the clinic is totally current and set up for this. They can give the Yellow Fever shots which apparently GPs can't. Since I already had my Hep A & B shots done (recommended) over 10 years ago and they last for life, I "only" needed 4 vaccinations - 2 in each arm. And boy oh boy, were they ever soar by mid next day. I couldn't take my shirt off without help! I'm now set with Typhoid, Meningitis, boosters for Tetanus & Measles and Yellow Fever. They also set me up with an oral vaccine for Travellers' Diarrhea which I can take at home a couple weeks before I leave - figured I don't want to take any chances - imagine on the climb?!?! Better not. In addition, I got prescriptions for Diamox (altitude medication), Malaria and Antibiotics. The Dr. there said that most people get affected with some level of altitude sickness and she personally recommends taking it for the entire climb. While some books recommend to try out the drug before the climb, she says not to worry - I shouldn't have any problems other than maybe tingling in my fingers. I have many friends who've climbed Kili within the past couple of years and the ones that took Diamox seemed to be able to handle the altitude the best. All of them summited but several that didn't take Diamox got quite ill at the summit.

Now while I'm sure it will vary from person to person, I want to recommend that you get your vaccinations done close towards the end of the week or before a slower day. In addition to being sore, I felt extremely exhausted the next day - the type of feeling that you get when you think you're coming down with a cold. The clinic warned me about that but said I'd probably feel it in about a week. We'll see if the Yellow Fever vaccine will kick in then or if this was it...

Next week I'm heading down to see my GP for an overall check up. I've also booked a dentist appointment for cleaning and check-up as I definitely don't want to run into any difficulties while on the mountain...

-CS

Successful ascent of Mt. Cheam!

2009-10-18T20:10:00.000-07:00

As part of their training, John, Darren, and friends and family have successfully ascended the 6,925 ft Mt. Cheam! Onwards and upwards!

Power to Visualize

2009-10-15T18:47:00.000-07:00

"Imagination gives you the picture. Vision gives you the impulse to make the picture your own."

- Robert Collier

In my experience, a key component to achieving goals is through visualization. Specifically, 'creative visualization' or some times called 'sports visualization' is the process of creating a positive mental image or intention of what you want to happen or feel. I put this process to the test over the past two days preparing for a skydive on Oahu's Northern Shore in Hawaii. I am not a fan of heights and have never considered myself a person who would jump out of a plane. A friend suggested the idea and I was open to the opportunity. I used visualization as a tool prior to the jump. I felt the wind on my face, the arch in my back, the rush of taking in a view of the Hawaiian islands from 10,000 feet. It took a little work at first, to really create this mental image. I stretched my arms out, would open and close my eyes and practice. Then I would shake it out and land back into reality where work was waiting and so was the surf.

This morning came jump time. What I experienced was that the visualization exercises provided me with the space to feel calm, despite the nervous energy of those around me. I felt as though I had experienced the jump already, hundreds of times over in my mind. So off we went. I took in the view, noticed the orange bobble on my belt with curiosity, soaked in the black and metal straps of my harness and jumped fair weather from roughly 10,000 - 14,000 feet. I was in awe at the gratitude I felt for landing safely to the ground. Life is amazing. We each have the power to create it, just as we envision it.

Donna Carrigan and Instructor Chad Sanders

As we prepare to summit Kilimanjaro this visualization can take shape in many ways. Creating a mental image of the climbing route, horizon from the summit, the cold on ones cheeks, a feeling of accomplishment rush through the body. This is up to each individual to determine the most authentic way.

The power of one’s thoughts can be extremely significant, so why don’t more people take advantage of this knowledge? It's hard to prove just how far our thoughts can shape our future, although many authors have encouraged us to consider its importance, including Roald Dahl a children's author who writes in his book, The Twits ,"If a person has ugly thoughts, it begins to show on the face." Don't just take my word for it, I encourage you to do some self research and speak to a high performance athletes or business individuals that you admire and hear their experiences with visualization as a foundation for realizing success. I encourage you to read about visualization and see how this tool can best serve you on your journey!

Visualization as per Wikipedia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Creative_visualization

12 steps to Visualization eHow: http://www.ehow.com/how_2021935_visualize.html

Visualization for Rock Climbing: http://www.rock-climbing-for-life.com/power-of-visualization.html

Successful Power To Be Vancouver Event!

2009-10-12T00:06:00.000-07:00

Over $7500 dollars was raised for Power To Be and a good time was had by all at the Vancouver awareness/Power To Climb Kilimanjaro launch event held at the Blue Water Cafe in Yaletown. The success of the evening will contribute towards the expansion of Power To Be's programs in the Greater Vancouver area, reducing waitlists and helping more disadvantaged kids, adults and their families living in The Lower Mainland of British Columbia.

Warm up in the Rockies

2009-08-23T21:52:00.000-07:00

Check it out, check it out!

I’m super excited to share that I made my mountaineering goal for this summer with a successful climb of Mt. Temple (Rockies) at 11,600 feet on Friday, August 7th! It is the third highest mountain in the southern Rockies and the toughest, most demanding (physically and emotionally) climb I’ve ever done – 12 hr round trip. It was time to step it up a notch and see what I could do before Kilimanjaro 2010. Onward and upward...literally...the next one is 8,000 feet higher but I've got 4 additional days to get up ;)
-CS

Planning a Kilimanjaro Expedition the Monty Python Way???

2009-08-23T21:29:00.000-07:00

I'm in the middle of getting our summit team organized from the planning and logistics side of things - we've got just over four months now to get ready - it's time to get down to business and get serious so I figured the following is just what we need...watch this!

-CS :)

Welcome to the Power To Climb Blog

2009-07-28T11:32:00.001-07:00

Welcome to the Power To Climb Blog!

As we're getting ready for our Kilimanjaro 2010 Climb in support of Power To Be Adventure Therapy Society and throughout our climbing journey, we'll bring you updates, stories, pictures, links to clips of our video journal and more...

Stay tuned for what will be an adventure of a lifetime for an amazing cause - helping kids to learn and grow in nature.

Every Step Counts!