June 25, 2010

The dog is sore - he has a stiff-legged gait - and he's skinny. I've increased his daily helping of kibble. My work out motivation is dwindling, but I am planning one last hike tomorrow at Torrey Pines State Park.

Our hike up Mt. Kilimanjaro begins soon. We will be taking the Machame Trail.

Trail Facts: Elevation in feet/ Elevation Gain/Loss /Miles /Hiking Hours
Day 1 5900-9850 +3950 6.2 7
Day 2 9850-12600 +2750 3.8 7
Day 3 12600/15000/1950 +2400 -2050 9 7
Day 4 12950-13100 +150 2.5 3.5
Day 5 13100-15200 +2100 2.5 4
Day 6 Summit 15200-19340 +4140 3.2 8
Summit to Crater 19340-18500 -840 1 2
Crater to Millennium Camp 18500-12000 -6500 6 5
Day 7 12000-6000 -6000 7.5 6

For a total of 41.7 miles. The up and down on day three helps with altitude adjustment.


My packing list:

Hiking boots; comfortable shoes for camp
All clothing wool or synthetic material
Lower body layers - two pair long underwear;hiking pants, rain gear
Upper body layers - two pair long underwear; fleece jacket; down jacket; rain gear
Hats - one for sun, one for warmth
Socks - at least two pair heavy hiking socks
Gloves - two pair for layering
Day pack
Duffle bag with lock
Sleeping bag rated 10 degrees or lower
Sleeping pad
Trekking poles
Headlamp/extra batteries and bulb
Water bottles - Hydration bag + 1 bottle or three 1-liter bottles
Toiletries and roll of toilet paper
Hand towel
First aid kit with bandages and moleskin, also an Ace bandage
Meds - antibiotics, malaria, Diamox (for altitude), Pepto Bismol, ibuprofen
Sunglasses, sunscreen, lip block.
Pocket knife/watch
Camera
Journal, book, playing cards
Favorite snacks - no more than one 1lb
Tips for guides and porters
And last but not least - a great attitude backed by tons of will power and thoughts like the little engine that could "I think I can, I think I can." =)

My next blog will be from the slopes of Mt. Kilimanjaro!