2005 - A year of Travel and Adventure
Truely I have travelled more in 2005 than any other year in my life. After completing my BA, I thought that my life would become boring, just working and nothing else. Little did I knew what God had instore. Travelling to 3 different continents, accepting newer ideas and wisdom, embracing newer friends and, surprisingly, extreme financial diffulties. Life took big turns. There was a major event every other month.
The climbing and trekking trip to Kilimanjaro was great. Not only I saw different world vegatation and climate every 1000m up, but also made some very nice friends.
Day 1 - Adventure started in the bus itself. The bus ride was to be 7-8 hours but the driver lost track in the jungle! It was very dark, the road wasnt built and we almost ended up in another country (Kenya) !!! Finally, the big driver gave up his pride and asked locals for directions. We setteled in a lodge and didnt reach our destination.
Day 2 - Early in the morning we saw what we have been seeing in TV, books, posters, etc - we saw a first hand breathtaking view of the mighty Kilimanjaro. In a matter of minutes, it was covered by clouds. We reached our base camp ‘Rongai’. It was too late to climb. We slept in the tents/camps for the first time. A good chance for ice breaking for a group of 60 fro
m various cities.
Day 3 - Again the tour operator was late in bringing the mountain climbing equipments. 15 people left the trip and headed for the nearest town. We enjoyed each others company. I taught people how to play Mafia. Started climbing at 4pm and erected tents at 7pm at the first campsite. Because of hunger and cold, the dinner was great. I SAW TWO (YES TWO) SHOOTING STARS IN 10 MINUTES!!! Had never seen so many stars, believe me.
(More pictures at http://public.fotki.com/husseinhw/ )
Day 4 - The night in the tent was chilly. The morning sunrise was great. Had a quick breakfast and headed uphill. Because we were one day behind schedule, we had to climb the next two days’ climb in this day. We reached the second cave, had a break, saw some awesome scenery, and headed to the third cave after 7-9 hours and camped there. Now we were above the level of clouds. Most experienced breathing difficulties and nausea. There was one or two rescue mission. It was too cold but we slept in tents, hugging each other. It was not that great to walk inside clouds.
Day 5 - The mountain summit looked jokingly near. We started uphill early in the morning. A small group of us easily reached ‘Kibo’ point in 4 hours. We felt good but only for 1/2 an hour. Soon less oxgen in the atmosphere started taking its toll on us. Many vomited, shivered, had extreme headeach. 5 gave up climbing any further. There was one rescue mission.
Day 5 and 6 - At midnight, we set out for the final ascent. From ‘Kibo’ to ‘Gilmans’ point (5 hours) and from ‘Gilmans’ to ‘Uhuru’ peak (2 hours). Uhuru peak is the highest point in Africa. The only place in the Equater which is covered by ice all year round.
Final climb from Kibo-Gilmans-Uhuru must be done at night because the height is too high and the sides of the mountain are extremely steep. Anybody with the fear of heights will collaspe instantly. The other reason is extreme sun rays. There is no protection against the sun at 6000 meters above sea level. They burn the skin instantly without proper gearing.
People started quitting the climb every few minutes. Mountain guides had to take them back to Kibo. My 5 hours climbing became 6 then 7 then 8 and so on. The was no sign of ‘Gilmans’ point. There was no oxygen in the blood and brain. 9 hours … 10 … 11 and we literelly collasped. I started dreaming that I’m buying a Christmas Card while I was getting sunburned. I had no energy to hold my can of RedBull. Finally after 15 hours, the guide came and forced me down. We resisted but to no avail. That was my Christmas Day.
Went back to Kibo holding guide’s hand. Slept several times on the way down. Reached Kibo and ate a little. The weather was getting bad and were forced downhill to ‘Horombo’ base. Had no body balance - less food, water, sleep, oxygen. Just dragging ones body while passing through Alpine Desert. With blisters, torn nose and facial skin, bursted lips, and cramped muscles, I got a well deserved bed. No energy to get dinner - silly huh?
Day 7 - Now everyone regained full consciousness in the morning. Took a group picture. Headed downhill from ‘Horombo’ camp to ‘Marangu’ camp and then to ‘Gate’ which took 6-7 hours. Glad to see some signs of human civilisation. Went straigt to a hotel. Ate and drank a Sprite (ahhh…) and slept. There were many rescue missions in those 2 days.
Day 8 - Took a shower after 8 days. Personal record. Was horrified to see my disfigured and swallon face. Feet were swallon too and mobolity was limited. After breakfast, set on the bus straight to good old and hot Dar-es-salaam.
It was worth it guys. Built new great friendship up there on the mountain and cemented old ones. Regreat not reaching Uhuru (short by 500m) but am sure of conquering the mighty Kili in my next trip. What great memories. I’ll never forget this trip.
