climber_don's Journal
[Most Recent Entries]
[Calendar View]
[Friends]
Below are the 20 most recent journal entries recorded in
climber_don's LiveJournal:
[ << Previous 20 ]
| Tuesday, October 4th, 2005 | | 7:20 am |
| | Sunday, October 2nd, 2005 | | 4:51 pm |
Hospitalization
Hi all, if any of you are bored enough to still be checking this, I thought I'd give you an update on my hospital visit.
It turns out it was unrelated to the climb. Massive attempts at rehydration improved nothing, so that apparently wasn't an issue. No African bacteria was found in a plethora of blood samples. However, I apparently had been losing blood through an ulcer in my small intestine that was caused over the long-term use of my Rheumatoid Arthritis meds. My Blood pressure (BP) was a persistent 75-80 over 45-50 which for me is quite low. Go figure- good timing though. So, we add another med to offset that, 2 units of blood, and off I go again with BP of 120/80 like always.
I'm home and trying to catch up....
I'm really trying to figure out how to do streaming video from my website, so stay tuned every week or so. I've got some good and fun stuff from the volcano molten lava walk from '03, zip line video from this year, and I'm looking through the Kili video today to see if there is anything worth keeping. | | Sunday, September 25th, 2005 | | 10:31 pm |
Contact me off line...
For those of you who would like to contact me directly or not this publicly, please use the "Contact Us" link at the top of our webpage. It should bring up your email program and put our email address in a new message.
Thanks.
Don | | 9:10 pm |
Checking in...
Well, I'm back in town at least for a week or so. While in Georgia, I was again approached by several who mentioned they had been "checking in" with our progress. I'm pleased that so many felt as though they were right there with us. In many ways, you were. This whole website thing was nearly an after-thought, but seems it provided a shared sense of community from people who would never otherwise know each other existed.
I have already received emails from people very interested in the trip's logistics. One father/son team is considering replicating this trip almost exactly in January of 2007. I can't think of a better way for a father and son to spend some time together working towards completing a challenging common goal.
Others are asking if I would share with their group or organization highlights of the trip from various perspectives. One is focused on the local culture, another is focused on using this as an example of planning and organization for middle-school students. Yet another is focused on the performance of a 50-year-old Rheumatoid Arthritis patient with an artificial knee. The local paper emailed interest in doing a follow-up story. All can be accommodated with plenty of material for discussion.
This was the point of the trip for me at least from a public perspective. From a personal perspective, it's thrown wide open the door that got just a crack back in 2003 when standing in melting tennis shoes I poked molten lava literally with a stick - and woke from a sleep that long forgotten thrill of adventure. The moment revealed a glimpse of the answer to the previously frustrating question I occasionally asked myself: What am I doing when I am truly having "fun"?
I now know it's when I'm engaged in something with just enough risk, danger, and excitement that the potential for personal failure is there, but the rewards of success can be shared with those who might not have quite the daring heart to do it themselves, but can get excited because they personally know somebody that did, and they can contribute in very real ways to be able to walk away with their own legitimate claim to a shared piece of the prize. That is what defines "fun" for me.
If I got nothing more from this event, that clarity would be enough. I at least get that now. That's the model I want to apply to all else I do. So now, the primary focus changes towards a venue where that model can most effectively be leveraged...
Don | | Friday, September 23rd, 2005 | | 10:44 am |
...some updates (... or the rest of the story)...
OK, having read through the blog (short for web-log)one more time, I was struck by the dischord the infamous "bickering" update provided.... You all need to know that was a carefully contrived and scripted written message from John and Mike that I was to deliver word for word. The concern was that things were going so well that people would become bored and lose interest. While some good-natured (well, that's probably too strong) verbal sparring did occur between these two friends of nearly 20 years, the "bickering" message was to address our concern of falling "blog" ratings by creating some drama on our reality show. As the designated delivering messenger, I'll apologize for all of us if that caused more concern than anticipated.
Also, I've put some first draft pictures on the "Photos" link of my main page. They are not in any particular order yet, not titled, not edited, or color-corrected, and there are some errors at the end that I haven't pursued yet. But, enjoy... I only made a one-pass attempt to at least have most of them right-side-up. These are about 600MB of photos compressed down to 30MB so our dial-up friends do not get choked with traffic issues.
Let me know your thoughts. As always, they are appreciated.
Don (referred to as Babu in the final days of the journey by the porters) Babu has several meanings, but I think the intent was to reflect comparatively on my age with the rest of the group. Still, I'm liking it. Gideon responded to me today, and mentioned that he's preparing to do it all again. There are but two trips left this season. I can't even imagine. Then, he comes to America to see what America is. Let's pray very hard that goes well for him and Wilbert. Neither have ever left Tanzania, been on a plane, or seen a culture such as they will be exposed to in several of the largest US cities.
Don | | Thursday, September 22nd, 2005 | | 5:56 am |
It's good to be home
Hi all, I must ditto what John added (Tkd_Climber). We each had our time of trial in our own ways at our own times, but the others were there in active support- emotionally, "medicinally", and in very real physical ways. John was the cohesive glue that was always optimistic, always an encourager, and always physically capable to inspire when needed. Our companions from England (Dr. Fred, and his daughter Sarah) provided much welcomed and needed diversity in conversation, the sharing of cultures, perceptions, opinions, and great jokes. Both Fred and Sarah are amazing people. Their wit, wisdom, and delightful personalities will remain with me always.
I echo John's thanks to all the Kili-Warriors, well-represented by Justin and Gideon for their unrelenting concern for our safety, well-being, the dreaded oxygen "tests" at every meal, and their ability to take our jokes. There will always be a special place in my heart for all the Kili-warriors, wheverever they may go. I'd put any one of them against the world's best athletes, and know they would always have their smiles, and be running up and down the mountain with duffles on their backs as they crossed the finish line first among them.
Before arriving I wondered why it took 32 guides and porters to support five climbers, but I now very much understand. I wouldn't give up any one of them - especially now with my perspective of underestimating the physical demands of the descent!! Thank-you Justin, Gideon, Edward, and Esau. Without any one of you, I wouldn't have made it.
I've likely climbed my last mountain, but if John or Mike were to ever plan another adventure and were looking for a partner, I'd be honored to again participate with them. People with better character or more heart than Mike and John consistently demonstrated throughout some incredible adversity would indeed be difficult to find.
I am honored and grateful to have been a part of this magnificant adventure.
Don (Babu) | | Tuesday, September 20th, 2005 | | 10:30 am |
On their way home.......
From Don................
We did make.... we just had a nice meal at the KIA lodge next to the airport and am heading towards home in just a few mintes... many many many stories to tell. We're all ok, but two of us have a very hard time walking... due to very stiff leg muscles... we anticipated the ascent, the descent was very very difficult. again....many many stories... probably 1,000+ pictures and at least 5 hours of video....it was a great trip, but I won't recommend it for those not willing to prepare.
Kili-warriors was clearly the best outfitter on the mountain... we could not have done better.
Should arrive, all things going as planned at Peoria airport at 5PM Wednesday.... will not be in contact again... I'm very tired, very drained, but feeling great in general. Mike is also very stiff and sore, but John is fine. Bottomline: We did it. Many didn't. | | Monday, September 19th, 2005 | | 5:55 am |
The Call from the summit!
THEY MADE IT!
John called Pam, and Don called me, and they made it!!! Don said they will have hundreds of stories to tell about this adventure. They are fine and are starting down, and everything is fine! Yea! | | Sunday, September 18th, 2005 | | 12:30 pm |
Sept 18 Update
Don called this morning, and they are camped at 18,537 feet. John and Mike are doing OK, but Don was noticeable out-of-breath, and he said breathing was hard at this altitude. Todays climb was harder than they expected, but tomorrow is the SUMMIT--19,340 feet! | | Saturday, September 17th, 2005 | | 6:56 pm |
Update for Sept 17
No call from Don today. However, Karin forwarded this message from Mike for us:
"I am in arrow glacier camp. Feeling very good." | | Friday, September 16th, 2005 | | 11:32 am |
Sept 16 update
Just heard from Don--no codes today! He said they hiked up to 16,000 feet to Lava Tower, and it is obvious that Mike and John are well-prepared for this! Although John experienced some vertigo, they are all very confident about the remainder of the climb. Don has even stopped wearing his knee braces (a sure sign he is doing well). The weather is cold and windy, but they are comfortable in the clothes they brought.
Here is an message from Karin:
"I just got a call from Mike and he said everyone is doing real good. It sounds like he might have slept a little better last night! I didn't get much more from him as he wanted to keep it brief and we aren't as clever as you guys to develop a system!!!"
Thanks again for all the encouraging words.
Sue | | Thursday, September 15th, 2005 | | 12:00 pm |
Sept 15 update
Greetings! Quality of sleep seems to be the main difficulty, whether from the altitude or lack of comfy beds. Don indicated breathing was getting a bit harder, but still quite manageable. The difficulty of the day's climb is getting harder for all of them, and that may be a combination of the poor sleep and the altitude. The overall mood seems good, and Don feels they were well-prepared physically and in their choice of gear. Mike's energy level was the lowest of the three, but that, again, may be his quality of sleep. Weather must be better, as the photography rating went up a bit. None of them are reporting much muscle pain, or anything in the way of injuries. My itinerary shows two nights in Sheffield camp, but the phone reception was not as good today, and I thought Don mentioned Lava Tower Camp as their location.
Rich---if you are following this, Don applauds you for your training program that prepared him for this. He feels well equipped to deal with the physical demands of this trip! Bravo!
Drs. Hagen & Oliver--Don wanted you to know the artifical knee and the re-built toes are performing beautifully! Well done! | | Wednesday, September 14th, 2005 | | 12:44 pm |
They are at 12,900 feet!
They are camping tonight at 12,900 feet, and the temperature is near freezing at night. Don said everyone is happy with their gear, clothing, food and the guides. He would highly recommend Kili Warriors to anyone contemplating this trip. Although there has been considerable cloud cover (they have yet to SEE the peak), they have taken lots of photos. The group dynamics were GREAT today, and although everyone's legs are tired, their spirits are high. Don was concerned about how his artificial knee and arthritic feet would hold up, but he said he feels great "tonight". The climb is progressing on schedule and they are happy with their progress and the way they feel after today's climb.
More tomorrow......... | | Tuesday, September 13th, 2005 | | 1:28 pm |
The latest from the mountain
They are camped at Shira 1 Camp tonight. All the team are reporting mostly ones in each category--indicating the best of possible conditions. Don said he took a fall, but only rated the injury a 2 (minor). John has rated the food taste an 8 (just shy of BARF) so I am not sure what local delicacies they have been offered! John is sleeping the best of any of them, but they all rate the difficulty of the climb to be pretty much as they expected. All those trips to the park and climbing the steps in the parking garage seem to be paying off! Don said the lighted frisbee has been a source of great entertainment for the bearers. Mike rated his breathing as good, and he is pleased with his choice of gear. | | 11:13 am |
Update from Karin re: Mike
I wanted to pass on to all of the Kili Supporters a message from Karin Collins. She reports that Mike is doing fine! | | Monday, September 12th, 2005 | | 12:17 pm |
Update for Sept 12
Greetings from the West Lafayette Kili-Warriors cheering section! Don called in a little while ago with an update, and the team is doing great! Using the multi-topic code he developed, we were able to communicate a wealth of information in less than 30 seconds! (Of course, we did rehearse before he left!) I could hear plenty of laughing and talking in the background, so spirits are high.
The team is spending the night at 8600 feet at Forest Camp. Of the 17 possible categories, 15 were "Good/Easy" ratings. Don indicated that the "Difficulty of the Climb" was "As Expected" and the "Photography Opportunities" were "Not much". The climbers are excited and are pleased with the professionalism of the guide team.
(As a side note so those of you who are so kindly asking how Kevin & I are holding up: we are doing well. Kevin went on a 15 mile Boy Scout canoe trip this past weekend, and came home happy and sun-burned. We pray every night for the safety of the climbers and their support team, and are lifted up by the knowledge that there are many others doing the same.)
See you tomorrow!
Sue | | Sunday, September 11th, 2005 | | 11:13 pm |
Mike arrived...
Probably the worst case of air travel scenarios, plane was over 1/2 way here, Mike's plane had to turn around and return to Amsterdam because engine couldn't be repaired here.
Regardless, Mike, and all the other climbers arrrived at the hotel at 11:00PM tonight, with their gear and in great spirits. The climb will proceed as originally planed.
Leaving now for a celebration. This really will be last entry... stay tuned for Sue's interpretation of our communications.
Don | | 1:28 pm |
Last entry until after the climb
Our gear is checked... mine by Wilburt himself (owner). He added significantly to my confidence substantially by his appreciation for my "preparedness" (previously referred to by some as "overpacking"). Both frizbee's are going and he was excited by their technology (they run on batteries). He said they'll be a lot of fun for the porters. He particularly liked my clothing, tool kit (already needed for another climber), and my first aid kit. I'm leaving almost nothing behind and it all fit into the duffle I rented, though John thinks mine is bigger than his. I think he's right.
After our gear-gear check, we all (the 4 of 9 of us that are here) gathered for the pre-climb briefing. The entire schedule was discussed, and the issues critical to success. While the consequences of subtle errors or inattention are sobering, I left the meeting encouraged and confident. I feel well-prepared and ready. John certainly does as well.
I'm still fighting the years of mental conversations playing in my head from Mayo Clinic, the quantity of needed surgeries, and the feelings of inadequacy when listening to the other climbers' tales of their many mountain conquests, but I've been well-trained both physically and mentally, and know I'm among the most determined of any who will be on the mountain.
I took time today to read the replies to my previous entries and took great encouragement from them. Thank-you all. They are very much appreciated.
The climb plan remains exactly as I've described in the past or posted on the maps. It's the Western Breach Route 1, beginning with the Lemosha route. Tomorrow will be an easy day. We arrive at the main Park Gate, pay our fees, sign things, and drive back about 1/2 to the trail head. Our hike will be about 3 hours. They will literally teach us how to walk, and take a step, rest, step, rest, etc. so that good habits form early. The briefing was done by our actual guide (Fararji - Fa rod gee). He's climbed this route over 100 times and quickly inspired confidence in all of us. He's articulate, well-trained, medically trained by the American Medical Institute, and has a personality that puts one at ease very quickly. (He's one of the guides on the DVD set.)
It's 2PM and I just realized I haven't eaten lunch yet. I've eaten many things, much of which I think used to be alive but am not quite sure. However, all was delicious.
It's Sunday and many services can be heard simultaneously. People here can sing. They can sing very well and very loud... wish I had a CD. I like it, though I don't recognize most of it.
We're assuming Mike and the other climbers will be in tonight. While I would guess they might be stressed about missing key pre-climb logistics, Wilburt is a pro. He has Plan B, C, and D if he needs it. They will be fine. Though if they do not come in tonight and we have to go to Plan D, those 5 will climb together in a slightly compressed plan, and the 4 of us here will begin as planned. Regardless, it's all part of their Kili story.
This will be my last entry. From this point on Sue will translate the 17 codes I'll call into her daily. On most, but not all days, I should be at camp (done for the day) by 4PM, however, I'm not sure yet how long from that time until I'm actually calling home. But, I'll probably get a feel for some consistency by the end of the 2nd day - one of the longest. Stay tuned.
Again, thanks to all for your support from all of us. We'll see you in a couple of weeks.
Don | | Saturday, September 10th, 2005 | | 9:45 pm |
Incredible day... but
What an incredible day. Both John and I assisted the local economy with the vigor and enthusiasm you probably expect from us. Remarkably, everything we purchased today was purchased from the person who made it. We were treated to an uphill climb to a very small and clearly intimate Maasai tribe family's house (hut). We learned several customs that might have merit in USA. Our guides were outstanding, but the children were incredible.
Though they live in small dung huts with dirt floors, they were clearly happy. Children's laughter could be heard constantly and everywhere. I saw the school of 600 where our school supplies will make a big difference. It's about an hour's ride at 1 MPH on roads that would challenge a govt-equipped Hummer. Once again, Swahili was quite useful. Most we encountered spoke no English, but our feeble Swahili was enough to communicate well with several -8 year-olds. It was a heart-warming day. We returned to our hotel with 2 fellow-climbers (probably not specifically in our group), but great people. We were all set to meet Mike tonight with a Kilimanjaro brand beer on ice, only to find his KLM flight didn't happen at all. Apparently, the plane took off, had some mechanical problem and returned to Amsterdam where he is apparently spending the day and night. I'm told KLM typically provides a tour for this, though our guide has not heard of KLM ever cancelling a flight before. Some delays but never cancel. Though we're concerned for Mike in general, he might have an advantage of having a good night's sleep between two 8+ hour flights. And he should be in the Kilimanjaro time cycle since it's only 1 hour difference from Amsterdam. So, he and the other 300 passengers of his flight, plus the normal flight of 300 more passengers will all converge on the little Kili airport tomorrow night about 8PM. Having seen Peoria, it's about 1/3 the size of Peoria, and slightly smaller than Purdue's airport. That will be a challenge for all concerned when it comes to probably 2,000 pieces of mostly climber's luggage. So it goes... it's just part of what will be the whole Kili story.
I still can't get over the culture here. You feel incredibly safe... also confirmed by several guides now. Children are part of the family economy as early as they can carry things on their little heads. It's not exploitation, it is an honor and age of accountability. Wilburt (our trip outfitter owner), is himself an incredible success story. Today, he took us to his home, his mother's new home, and his land. From a starving porter a few years ago, to an employer of probably 15 people building his new house (after he had his mother's rebuilt (very nice) all poured concrete interior and exterior walls. His company is growing and he is very well-organized and clever. Wilburt's focus on making life exceptionally good for his clients has enhanced his lifestyle and all those on his team. He treats them well, pays them well, and the loyalty returned is strong. However, hard-working men are not necessarily the norm. We saw several places where the women cooked, farmed, made trinkets for sale, raised the kids while the men literally layed in the fields and drank wine. Our guide found this rather annoying.
Tomorrow is gear-check day. I'm somewhat stressed about this as my comfort zone depends on having clothing options. However, if I have to carry them all my zone may stretch a bit. Really, I'll leave behind food before warm clothes. I'm sure it won't be any problem. After gear-check the day is ours. I have my eye on a very intricate hand-carved piece of absolutely gorgeous art. However, it's asking price prior to negotiation is just past the top of what I'm willing to pay so we're going to walk about 8 blocks north to town for other shopping opportunities. John's got his eye on something as well, but hasn't pulled the trigger yet either. I've another options but it would have to be in a room with a 12-foot ceiling :) and I'm not sure how to ship it.
I did get something for E T Smith today, that only a few in the world exists. Once I bought one, our 3 other companions bought one too. He'll love it. I burned an entire Olympus battery today on over 250MB of pictures. However, we've still not seen Kilimanjaro yet... the mountain view I have from my room window is Mt. Neru. It's over 20 miles away and both John and I thought it was Kili. But, it's a mere 15,000 ft? Oh my, it's high.... 19,340 must really be up there. Once we realized that, it was a shared shock and awe moment.
The only Cat equipment we saw today is the apparently fairly new Cat generator to provide power for our Impala hotel. (We've been here two days and have lost power twice.) It will be tested often.
While I can't say today only was worth the travel, it was an incredible day. I dare not be allowed near an orphanage or I'll come home with more than stuff and pictures. I will say the months of Swahili CDs was worth it today. Many children had the biggest rewarding smiles when we could communicate with them in the only language they knew.
Once again, I'm out of Internet time.... sorry for typos as I have no time to proof and fix... If I get to the internet tomorrow, it will be my last until I return from the summit.
Don | | 8:31 am |
Saturday morning
Only 4 minutes of computer time left.... slept very well. I'm now on local time physically. All hints of a potential chest cold I thought was developing yesterday are gone. Whew!! Shopping opportuntities appear to be plentiful. Should be a good day of getting into the local culture. Will update again in about 16 hours.
Don |
[ << Previous 20 ]
|
![[info]](http://p-stat.livejournal.com/img/userinfo.gif){kind=small}
climber_don's journal