New computer

I'm so sorry I haven't posted pictures yet friends!  I finally got my new computer and am now trying to get photoshop to switch my software platform to MAC so my photos (RAW) can be actually read...

Day 3

This picture is at the Barranco Camp, day three ~ 30 miles of trekking by now and yes that is Kili in all it's glory behind me.

* The altitude was already affecting me heehee. There is something going on with the format of the picture I will repost later so you can actually see me!

I DID IT!

I made it to the roof of Africa on the morning of July 30th 2011!!!
It was one of the hardest and most incredible things I've ever done.  I really did feel the positive energy of you all and needed it.  I will put more details and photos on the climb daily.
Thank you all so much for your support!
Jules

Thank you all for helping me get to Kili!

Well folks, I can't believe it's here.  When I first signed up for it all it seemed like a semi distant date, however I don't even know where June went!

I leave Denver tomorrow morning and get to Moshi, 40 kms from Kili, around 10:55am Denver time on Sunday, 7:55pm Tanzania time.  It's been such a wonderful journey.  I've met many great people along the way, have trained my arse off (actually it seems to have increased in size or lifted I guess lol) and always kept an "enjoy the journey" mind.

Unfortunately not being able to go out made me miss out on the first half, of summer of fun with some friends, but I've had fun in the sun in different ways.  It's been wonderful, and the generosity of most has just really touched my heart.  Thank you all for your support!  Thank you so much for helping go through this journey, I couldn't have done it without you!

I will be trekking with my heart filled with love and positive energy, from all of you my dear friends and the energy of the ones I'm dedicating my climb for.  My darling gradma Cleo I have no doubt you will be with me to the top.

I'm so very excited!  Thank you!

Kite Lake

Camping at Kite Lake was great!  I felt pretty comfortable even though by myself.  There were families and other groups of people around.  It was funny rolling in driving the MINI.  Most had big trucks with lifts lol.
It rained a little bit right after I got my tent set up and another time over night but not too bad.  I stayed on top of Cameron for about 1 1/2 hours and headed down.  Again the clouds were rolling in and just about as I left it started pouring, around 12:30pm.
I definitely felt the altitude a bit staying over night, hoping my RBC concentration sticks around for a while!

Preparing for High Altitude - Altitude Acclimatizing

I’m camping out by Alma tonight, will be sleeping  at about 12,300ft.  I’m planning on waking up nice and early and get a couple more 14ers done tomorrow.  This will be my last big hike before Kilimanjaro.  

Why camp at altitude?  

One major reason is to increase my red blood cell count.  Red blood cells are designed to pick up oxygen from the lungs and release it into the tissues of the body.  Even though the oxygen levels do not change at altitude, staying at 21%, the barometric pressure lowers, and to get enough oxygen your body produces more RBCs.  This higher concentration of RBCs is supposed to stick around for 10-14 days, so I could be at an advantage when I start Kili.

TEN DAYS TO GO!

This week has been really good, working out twice a day.  Turbo Fire (high intensity cardio) before going to work, then a run/elliptical or weights, or a mix in the pm.  Going to sleep super early to fit the first work out in before work.  I’ve been sore for a while I actually can’t remember the last time I wasn’t sore, but it’s a good sore.  Hurts really good.  I’m feeling strong and prepared.

I will be doing these work outs until Friday and will try the “circuit of 3” mountains on the Mosquito Range, Cameron, Lincoln and Bross.  After that will be just an easy run or elliptical until it’s time to travel.

I can’t wait to see her up close and personal again!!!  She is so beautiful!

Special Thanks to Alan Haynes

Many many thanks to Alan, whose donation of $1000 help me achieve my goal!  I can now finish getting all of my gear and tighten the remainder loose ends before I leave.
Words can't express how grateful I am.
Thanks Alan!

Mt Democrat

I did Democrat this past Saturday.  My goal was to do either the "circuit of 3" or 4 over there.  You can do all four on that side of the Mosquito Range, Democrat, Cameron, Lincoln and Bross, however there were so many storm clouds moving in that after consulting with just about everybody we passed we decided to go down instead.  It was fun easy one.  I definitely want to go back this Saturday to do the
other 3 :-)
Thanks to L for joining me, you are a bad arse!

Mt Sherman

This past Saturday I got another 14er under my belt, Mt Sherman.  It was a weird mined mountain.  Loose rocks from bottom to top which made it more difficult than I thought it would be.  Also my Mini could only go so far before I needed more rock clearance so the trek ended up being about 8 miles.  It was a beautiful day, very warm, however my energy level was not up to par, I was slow and took many breaks; conclusion: bigger breakfast next time!  I was also trying a camera bag I borrowed for the first time, it was major pain going both up and down but I don't have another solution, it will have to do...

There are still patches of snow and on the last snow area on the way down I went on a butt shoot instead of doing the walk down.  That was probably the most fun of the day.

Thanks again to Sara for coming along!  Like she says, GO BIG OR GO HOME!  LOL

Live laugh love!

Gear/Enjoy the journey!

Got my sleeping bag in yesterday.  My new Marmot friend is awesome!!!  It's a 0 F, so fluffy and comfortable.  I think it will be just fine it’s sleeping time on the mountain!  I also exchanged my little pack for a larger Gregory 38 liters 2500 cu in, however I’m thinking it might be too small.  I think I would rather go larger and shrink the pack and not actually fill it up but have the extra space just in case…the backpack has been a process!  So many different opinions and when I finally get to what I need they don't have it...oh well I'm sure I will get a good solution!

I’m also looking for a solution for my camera as far as cold weather is concerned for the last 2-3 days of the trek.  I found a front drop backpack style bag at REI yesterday but still need to try the borrowed hip one to see how it works first…

Still need to get the polartec 200-300 jackets/fleece and the beautiful Julbo Colorado glasses and that will be it as far as big stuff goes.  Yeepees!

24 days!!!  It’s been such a fun process, I’ve kept my mind set on enjoying the journey and it has been awesome.  Thank you my darling friends for your support! 

Live laugh love!

“Perseverance is not a long race; it is many short races one after the other”

The more I read about people that made it to Uhuru Peak (Kili's summit) the more I run into the word perseverance.  I've heard a lot about the two last days, and how hard they are.  On day 5 into day 6, which is summit day and also the last day of the trek, is an 11 hour day of mostly rocks, the alpine desert (roughly above 13,500ft)

“The rate of ascent on all Kilimanjaro climbs is much faster than the recognized recommendation of 500m per day and the fact that many people summit without major problems is largely due to the fact that having reached the summit they descend very quickly thereby preventing the worst effects of altitude setting in.  The Kilimanjaro National Park shows that only 30% of climbers actually reach the Uhuru summit with the majority of climbers turning around at Gilman’s Point, 300 meters short of Uhuru, or Stella Point, 200 meters short of Uhuru.”

The difference between those who turn around from those who manage to keep going is perseverance.  The power to make your mind control your body and keep telling you to put one front in of the other, and that the task ahead of you is not only possible but more than worth it. 

“Today is your day! Your mountain is waiting. So... get on your way.” Dr Seuss

Bierstadt

I decided on Bierstadt for the first 14er this past Saturday.  It seemed like a good reasonable mountain to start with.  Its summit is at 14,060ft.  I went with my friend Sara and since her condo is off 285 we took that route to Guanella Pass.  I think at the end of the trek my GPS watch read 6.80 miles as the total distance.  It took us about 3:40 mins to get to the top and even know we are little confused on what the finish time was (I haven’t verified the data on the Garmin watch yet) we think it took us about 6-6 1/2 hours to do the trek.  We did stop to have lunch on the way up for about 20 minutes and we also hung out on the top for about 15.  

I was trying to go slow to control my breathing the whole time while Sara’s style was to go a little faster and take little breaks, it worked out perfectly!  

I felt a little out of breath once we hit about 13000 ft but my body got used to it within a few minutes.  I did however feel the altitude. I felt a little out of balance, my poles helped me a ton and my depth of perception was a bit off as well.  

I didn’t realize the last 45 minutes of the summit area were just rocks and big boulders and some parts of it were pretty sketchy.  However the sensation of making it to the top was amazing.  It was exhilarating.  I’m pretty much set on doing one 14er every weekend until Kili.  

It was very windy for most of the day and much colder than I thought it was going to be.  I wished I had taken my balaclava, mittens and hand warmers, I only had thin gloves. I definitely got a bit of a wind burn on my face. My feet were perfect though, through the mud on the bottom, the water run offs all over, rocks and some snow...the boots are really good, warm and by now pretty much broken into. 

I loved doing Bierstadt and thanks to Sara for coming!  You did an awesome job girl and you had no poles!  Due to an unfortunate Safeway truck accident the road to Bailey was blocked and we were sitting on the highway for 2 ½ hours on the way back but found a great restaurant once we got to Bailey and had time to commemorate our 14er victory.  It was a great day!

The rocky photo is of the last 35-45 mins of the trek, all rocks!  Then there is one of me at the summit, it was very very windy!  All 14ers in Colorado are market by the US Gov so we got a photo as proof we made it there :-)
Live, laugh, love!

Gear

I'm having a hilarious time today getting some gear ordered.  Between sleeping bag, pee funnels, steri pens and gators I've had quite a few laughs!
The pee funnels are for night time when it's way to could to go outside and expose your backside to pee! LOL, yes I'm getting them!  I've also finally decided on the Marmot Trestles 0 F

Attitude is everything!!!

‎"Attitudes are contagious. Are yours worth catching?" D. Mannering

Motivation

The high intensity work out classes are finally getting a little better.  I'm finally not feeling like I'm going to throw up every time!  LOL
I'm starting to feel stronger now I just need to keep it up!

"Brick walls are there for a reason.  They give us a chance to show how badly we want something".

I WANT IT BADLY!!!

Time to hit the ground running!

I can't believe it's mid June already!  I leave Denver in 40 days!  From today on, training will be a little more rigorous.  I will be hiking just about every day so if you want to join just let me know.

"The person who gets the farthest is generally the one who is willing to do and dare. The sure-thing boat never gets far from shore." Dale Carnegie 

Live laugh love

New addition to Chapter 3!  Fresh out of the oven!
Viver, sorrir, amar!
It's been me as of January 2011.  I did it not just for a reminder of these words that are so important to me, but also a as reminder of this time of my life, these experiences I am going through and am about to.  A reminder that today is only possible because of my actions yesterday and tomorrow will be a reflection of how I live today.
Live every moment
Laugh out loud
Love beyond words!

Whose house? My house!

Today was day 5 of the Beach Body high intensity work out addition to my daily routine.  I love how it makes me feel.  I feel like I am burning calories hours and hours after the work out.  The classes are very hard and truthfully I felt like throwing up every single time, hoping that will change within a week or two.  The hope with this addition is not only to trim down and get stronger but also to increase my lung capacity.  Even living up here I feel like my stupid years of smoking, thank god I quite 4 years ago, are still holding me back a little bit.  I definitely still feel out of breath here and there and I very much dislike it!  If you are a smoker QUIT TODAY!!  It's the biggest scam ever; it's bad for your body in every single way manageable!

According to the American Lung Society it takes about 15 years for your lungs to recover if you were a smoker!  Quit today!!  It was the best thing I’ve ever done for myself!

Live, laugh, love!

More training

Yesterday I did the HIIT 30 Beach Body work out in the morning then after work went to Red Rocks and did the stairs.  Wow!  My legs were complete jello by the time I got home around 6pm.  It hurt really good though.  No actual pain just the good old muscle exertion soreness.  Today is my day off from exercise!  I will enjoy every single of it as I know by tomorrow morning I will already be missing a work out!

Happy Friday y’all!  Thank you for your support!


Bolder Boulder 2011 official photo:

Training

I've done the Beach Body work out 3 days in a roll and hiked 6.7 miles with Cheryl yesterday.  Man it hurts sooooo good!  Loving the journey for sure!
Thank you all for your support, friendship and love!

Training addition

Today was my second day of the Beach Body work out and later this afternoon I will be hiking Green Mountain again.  The idea is to do the Beach Body work out before work then hike 3-5 hours after work.
The new work out is very intense and I love it!  However I couldn't move off the ground for a while, oops, I guess it takes a little getting used to!  :-)
Intense it is!  Join me for a class any time!!!

Training

With 53 days until I leave Denver, there is no time to be wasted.  Unfortunately I have classes both this weekend and next weekend for a one credit course for my minor, so I need to fit in all of the hikes I possibly can during the week.
The plan is to do a work out at home/gym before work every morning and hike in the afternoon, instead of alternating a gym type work out with a hike.
Please let me know if you want to join on any hikes!  Let the short week begin!
“Laugh as much as you breathe and love as long as you live."

Bolder Boulder 2011

Veering off training for some 10k fun this morning.  It will be my first time doing the Bolder Boulder, I've heard it's a very fun race and I'm looking forward to running it.  :-)

14ers this weekend?

Unfortunately my plan of going for 3 14ers this weekend is not going to pan out.  It seems everything we were planning to hit is very snow packed and the avalanche danger is still high even though they say it has quited down...darn, seems like it will be extra longs hikes instead!

This is the info in general on the CAIC site: Forecast through 05/27/2011 12:00 PM:   Avalanche activity has quieted down over the last few days after a very busy weekend along the Front Range and eastern portion of Summit County. There were many skier triggered and natural surface slabs 1 to 3 feet thick, 3 people were caught (that we know of) and took rides (though I suspect more), and a snowboarder was regrettably killed in an avalanche on the east face of Torrey's Peak on Saturday. 

Quandary -05/22 -Heavy winds and deep deep snow along East Ridge route yesterday. 12-15" of heavy new snow up there above treeline, especially loaded in on that last big pitch before the summit. Visibility was extremely poor. Snowshoes, skis or other foot accessories definitely needed above treeline; we kept snowshoes on the whole time. TR forthcoming 

Democrat -05/13- Road snowed in from Paris Mill where the snow drifts were over 20' covering the road. Snowshoed up about 2 miles sinking over 12" in many places. Wednesday they had over 12" and over 6" on Thursday. Could see the Th in the distance with little site of any rocks and just a spot of the bathroom. Seemed to be surrounded by snow. Did not attempt to summit. Snow was not packed at all. Will try another day. Al-Mart, store in town of Alma said road would be inaccessible for many more weeks. 

Princeton - 05/22- has a lot of snow on it. It is very ski-able. Some light avalanche run-out visible, but did not seem too threatening. Snowpack is stable for now, but seems that it could run soon with more heat. Don't quote me, but seems could be iffy soon. Road clear to just after the radio towers, with good clearance you should be able to make it to the camping past the towers. Lots of snow, crampons would be somewhat useful. 

Yale - 05/13 - The new snow has really mucked up the high peaks. The first mile was fine. After that snowshoes are a must. Getting to the ridge was the worst snow although it is in and out of snow the whole way up the ridge. It got hot early and was pretty soft by 10am. 

That being said, the route goes and is safe, however the fun factor was a big fat ZERO for now. 

Gray’s/Torrey’s – make sure you check the road/approach to the trailhead too please?

Comments: 05/21-Approx 12-18" crown, maybe 50 feet across. Triggered as snowboardered and dog were preparing to drop into the N. chutes on Grizzly Peak. We ignored the wide spread cracking that we experienced on the way up the S. West face approach. Only new snow involved. Fortunately no one was injured. The wind was blowing large amounts of snow around and seemed to be creating a serious windslab.

Funny/Ridiculous things I’ve heard from people once they hear about my trip:

I felt I had to address some of these because they are pretty ridiculous!

-You are doing the Machame route in 6 days?  So you are taking extra time?!?  I did it in 5 days.  

FACT:  The usual amount of time for the Machame route, which is harder, is actually 7 days.  We are doing it in 6, however.  6 DAYS IS ACTUALLY THE MINIMUM amount of time for this route.  My agent’s response:  You may want to spend your fictional 5 days doing some fact finding before spouting off…just sayin.

-It’s a walk in the park

FACT:  I’ve never been to a park at 19,300 feet but it is an actual park – My agent’s response:  It certainly is a walk in the park, Kilimanjaro National Park as a matter of fact.  Denver’s City Park is a mile long and ¾ of a mile wide and is approximately 5280 feet above sea level.  The highest point of Kilimanjaro National Park is, indeed, the peak of Mt. Kilimanjaro at 19,300 feet above sea level.  The trail itself is 62 miles, the park, of course, is much bigger at 291 square miles.  So, to consider this hike an average “walk in the park,” you would have to walk Denver’s City Park 62 times but add almost 4 times the altitude (generally speaking, another 4 miles straight up to the sky).  So yeah, technically it is a walk in the park…but you’d better bring more than a blanket and picnic basket my friend!

-Kilimanjaro?  Oh it’s just like a long hike
FACT:  It is indeed a very long one!  The very last day we hike for 11 hours!  My agent’s response:  Hikes take on many varieties…they vary in length, altitude, terrain, etc.  A ‘feel good’ hike in Jefferson, Summit or Boulder County may take anywhere from 4-8 hours and have many picturesque views and technical trails….but I’m still only packing some type of DAY pack and I’ll be home (or at a nice pub/restaurant) in time for dinner.  Kilimanjaro isn’t a ‘feel good’ hike until it’s done – then I’m betting it feels like nothing else!  I’ll let you know in a few months J

   

-You do marathons it will be so easy for you

FACT:  Altitude sickness is a factor once you pass 15,000 feet.  Once at that altitude no matter your fitness level you can be affected by altitude sickness which can be very crippling.  My agent’s response:  A marathon is 26.2 miles with some altitude variation, depending on the route, however, I am willing to bet that nobody has ever run 26.2 miles from an altitude of less than a mile above sea level up to 19,300 feet above sea level.  If such a person exists, I’d love to shake their hand and buy them a banana beer!  Running a marathon was not easy, you trained for it for months!  You did not run it wearing heavy hiking boots, thick layers of clothing including an actual coat, a very heavy backpack with essentials for 6 plus days and it certainly wasn’t through snow, mud, rocks and unforgiving elevation.  Apples and oranges.

-Kids do that mountain, it’s going to be a piece of cake

FACT: Yes, a kid was able to climb it, he is obviously extraordinary!  My agent’s response:  When that kid turns 21, I’d like to shake his hand and buy him a banana beer!  To say that it’s so easy a kid can do it is a gross exaggeration.  A kid can write a sonata for the piano at age 4, true.  That kid was Mozart and he was, to put it mildly, extraordinary as well.  That doesn’t mean that writing a sonata is a piece of cake and you certainly wouldn’t assume that most children can do it.  That may be an extreme example but you are about to push your limits by climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro and you are entitled J

I am doing this trek not only because of the physical & mental challenges it will impose but also because it is for an amazing cause.  I will, blearily tired, be standing at Uhuru Peak thinking of the people affected by cancer and hoping that the ones in remission will stay that way.  I know it will be a true emotional challenge as well.  I have no doubt it will be one of the hardest things I will ever do in my life.  I have read a lot on altitude sickness and everything that goes with it.  I understand it can affect any one no matter their physical level.  I will also be photographing the whole trip and can’t afford not to be able to function well while doing it.  I have no doubt it will be worth all of the work I’m putting into my training now.  Most importantly I would like to acknowledge my friends.  I am so blessed and lucky to have wonderful friends that understand this as an immense challenge I will be facing and are not minimizing it in any way.  I am truly lucky to have you supporting me all the way to the top, well, and back.  

Special thanks to my new sponsors DaSilva Family Dentistry!

Thank you all for coming to my party Saturday (Marc, Chris, Gretchen, Amber, Russ, Casey, Tristyn, Gigi, Mer, Milene and Bill)!!!  I'm now up to $1480 in donations!!!
Special thanks to DaSilva Family Dentistry for their very large donation of $300!!!  Thank you for your sponsorship!
Please check their website for more information, they are a great family business!
 http://dasilvadentistry.com/

Altitude sickness

I've talked to a few people about their experience on Kili, from the UK, Saudi and US.  They loved their experience however everybody had a major problem on summit day with altitude sickness.  It affects people randomly, regardless of age or fitness level.

Symptoms:

Nausea, vomiting, fatigue, dizziness or light-headedness, pins and needles, shortness of breath upon exertion, nosebleeds, persistent rapid pulse, drowsiness, peripheral edema (swelling of hands, feet and face), diarrhea, etc.  Severe (nobody should ever be here on this trip) symptoms would be pulmonary edema (fluid in the lungs) , cerebral edema (swelling of the brain) and retinal hemorrhage.

     

Causes:

The major cause is dehydration and the decrease in barometric pressure.  At 12,000ft, there is roughly 40% fewer oxygen molecules per breath.  The body responds by breathing faster, even though oxygen levels increase you can’t reach sea level oxygen concentration and  your body must adjust to having less oxygen.  

What to do???

      Drink lots of fluids and eat as much as possible, which as you climb up    becomes harder, you just won’t feel like eating or drinking much, will have to push!           

Thank god I’m starting from my mile high city and not sea level!!!

*Please feel free to tell me about your own or friend's experiences!  Thank you!

Hiking around town/Eldorado Canyon

I went to Eldorado Canyon today.  My goal was to go to a hike by Townee Trail to lead up to Boulder Peak however I couldn't find it, but found the beautiful Eldorado Canyon.  It was foggy and cold, about 42 F.  
For the first time I stuffed the pack with heavy books and had my Nikon around my neck.  It wasn't so bad, my right hamstring keeps getting pretty stiff and sore but the remainder of my body "hurts really good".  
I'm amazed how nicely the Asolo boots are getting molded to my feet, the breaking in is definitely happening!
The area is just beautiful, it felt really to be out there!

Weather on Kilimanjaro

So in July it will be nice and dry for me!  Well usually July is dry, let's hope for usual!  

Kilimanjaro is big enough to have its own weather pattern. The theory behind this pattern is essentially very simple. Strong winds travel across the oceans, drawing moisture up as they go. Eventually they collide with a large object – such as a mountain like Kilimanjaro. The winds are pushed upwards as they hit the mountain slopes, and the fall in temperature and atmospheric pressure leads to precipitation or, as it’s more commonly called, snow and rain.

The ‘trade’ and ‘anti-trade’ winds of Kilimanjaro

In one year there are two rain-bearing seasonal winds buffeting Kilimanjaro. The south-east trade wind bringing rain from the Indian Ocean arrives between March and May. Because the mountain is the first main obstacle to the wind’s progress, and by far the largest, a lot of rain falls on Kili at this time, and for this reason the March-to-May season is known as the long rains. This is the main wet season on Kilimanjaro. As the south-east trade winds run into the southern side of Kili, so the southern slopes tend to be damper and as a consequence more fertile, with the forest zone much broader than on the northern slopes.

Then there are the dry ‘anti-trade’ winds from the north-east which carry no rain and hit Kilimanjaro between May and October. These anti-trade winds, which blow, usually very strongly, across the Saddle (the broad valley between Kilimanjaro’s two peaks), also serve to keep the south-east trade winds off the upper reaches of Kilimanjaro, ensuring that the rain from the long monsoon season stays largely on the southern side below 3000m, with little falling above this. This is why, at this time of year, the first day’s walk for trekkers following the Marangu, Umbwe or Machame routes is usually conducted under a canopy of cloud, while from the second day onwards they traditionally enjoy unadulterated sunshine.

More information on Kilimanjaro/Tanzania/Africa

Some were asking me for more information on the location of Mount Kilimanjaro so here we go.

Kilimanjaro is located in Northeast Tanzania, a country on the Eastern part of Africa, see maps bellow.  Please feel free to ask any questions! :-)

Maisha marefu - Cheers!