Mountain climbing & Liberia

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While Miriam was in NZ unable to fly back to Kenya, Murray conquered Mt Kenya and Mt Kilimanjaro, and then raced off to Liberia for a monitoring visit.

Climbing Kilimanjaro was the fulfilment of a 15 year dream. Murray first set eyes on Kili back in 1993 during a mission trip to Tanzania. And ever since that day has set it as a goal to reach the summit. The expedition team set out from Marangu on the 2nd of March (3 climbers, Murray, Kezia & Rachel, 3 guides, 3 porters and 1 cook). After 3 days climbing, we reached Kibo Hut, 4750m, towards late afternoon. By this stage the effects of the high altitude were beginning to set in. General tiredness, shortness of breath and loss of appetite. After a quick meal we took our diamox altitude sickness pills and settled down for a few hours of fitful sleep. At 12 midnight we were up and switched our headlamps on for the final push to the summit. It was a gruelling climb, up a steep scree slope. With limited oxygen in the air, each step felt like lifting lead boots, and we popped pills to control our altitude inflicted headaches and nausea. After six hours we reached the crater rim at Gilmans Point (4681m) just as the first light of dawn began to break. We stopped for a cup of hot chocolate and then continued on around the crater rim towards the summit. Behind us the sun rose over Mwanzi peak and the grand vista of the crater with its glaciers and ice flows appeared around us. At 7.30am on 5th March we reached the summit of Kilimanjaro, the roof of Africa, 5895m. The weather was perfect and the views amazing.

We are now back together in NZ awaiting the arrival of the new baby.

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Photos

The crew half way up Kili
With Kezia and Rachel

Southern Ice Flow - Kili
These hundred foot high ice flows peel off the summit of Mt Kilimanjaro

Summit of Kili - Altitude 5895m
with Kezia and Rachel

Kibo Hut - Altitude 4750m
Last Hut before the summit

The team back at base camp - Kili
3 climbers, 3 guides, 1 cook, 3 porters

Sail boat and ship wreck at entrance to Greenville Harbour - Liberia
This container ship was torpedoed and sunk during the 16 year war, 1990-2006. The sail on the boat in the foreground is made of sugar and flour sacks stitched together.

Comments

[Bob]

Congratulations Murray
Climbing Kili must have been a wonderful experience.Congratulations on achieving your goal.

[Dad & Mum]

Achievement
Two achievements, really. Getting to the top of Kili - a major physical achievement. Bringing health to people in Liberia is another lasting achievement.

[Rajan & Sadhna]

Climb to Kilimanjaro
Thanks for sharing lovely photos of your adventurous climb to Kilimanjaro. Best wishes for the second one...