Marc Lurie wrote:
> I summited Kili via Stella Point(Shira Route) in 2003 in poor weather
> (-12 deg C, wind, snow blizzard) . I can't talk for others, but I can
> assure you that there was absolutely no way that I could do any
> adventuring around :-)
>
> It was so exhausting and uncomfortable (not to mention dangerous) that
> DOWN was all I wanted. Even my much fitter friends (one a tri-athlete
> and iron man contestant, and two are marathon runners and cyclists)
> had a tough time of it.
>
> I don't know your level of experience at altitudes above 5200m, but
> unless you have a lot of experience and EXCELLENT guides, don't plan
> to do too much. An inexperienced climber would be totally out of their
> safety zone wandering about on Kili.
>
> Just my 2c worth...
Marc,
Thanks for the post. If we are faced with treacherous conditions like
you described, I don't expect to do any extra adventuring whatsoever.
Congratulations on making the summit.
Do you recall how many days you spent on the mountain? The
conventional wisdom seems to be that 5 days on the mountain (such as
via Marangu route) makes the trip much harder. We are taking the
longest option of 7 days (Lemosho route) to be as fit as possible for
summit day.
Our experience level is moderate, but confined to 4200m and below. Our
fitness level is good (e.g. 2 hr45 marathon). Our style is careful.
Much will depend on acclimatization and weather, but we hope to at
least give ourselves a chance for a very rare opportunity.
By the way, are you glad you went? Was it a good trip?
-Tom
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