Men in Scarves

 

A Close Peek at the Peak of Mount Kenya

Damn!!!! We're going up there ..... it's high...and cold looking????? Having done a bit of hiking in the past I think I had a pretty good idea of what Mount Kenya would be like as did my hiking partners Andy and Chris. In the end, it was just the 3 of us attempting the summit though others had tried their level best to make the trip. It's not easy getting everything coordinated and spend4 days walking around in the mountains.

The peak pictured above scared the shit out of me me to be honest, but the route was planned as shown beside and we were both well trained and equipped. We went in on the Nanuki side of the hill and exited on the other side - Chogoria. The kms traveled, elevation gain and temps are noted directly below. These being all the technical aspects of preparation and execution of the climb. Not noted here or in fact considered is just how beautiful the trek is. The technical vs. the emotional.....

The first 2 days climb gently but steadily over 25 kms. The first day was just OK but by the second day we were enjoying beautiful scenery and long views that take in the spectacular and unique characteristics of the region. All 3 of us were content and enjoying the easy trek and companionship as we rolled along.

Duncan over at Xtrym Adventures had put the package together for us which included John... a most capable and affable guide and 5 support crew carrying bags, cooking and most importantly there to get you off the mountains if anything goes wrong.

That's Duncan on the right smiling cause all the money we paid!

Really we could not have asked for a better experience. The food was unbelievable and always ready just as we got to the next camp. When sore and tired and a bit chilly, there's little more appreciated than a hot cup of tea and snacks to revive you and your good humor. For me it's a cold beer but for the other two old guys... a nice hot cup of tea will do it!! 😋

Xtrym Adventures with Duncan

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Looking more like the Village People than hikers - Mount Kenya looms ominously in the background. YMCA!!!!

Andy enjoys the view and catches his breath.... note that this smart guy brought runners and used them for the easy days.

Chris contemplates life and rests a bit while enjoying the valley stretching out seductively below us.

Closer now it's chilly and frightening for me at least., The other guys seemed cool ...  the orange scarfs seem to help :)

It's 2am and in the faint glow of the solar lights we make final preparations. Most of the prep was done the evening before and before darkness set. We rose in the bitter cold, all the gear was close at hand and ready. 4 layers top and bottom ..... you have to deal with the sweat - the cold and the wind and possibility of rain or snow. Toques, gloves and headlamps on, we settled down for a hot tea and biscuits before go-time at 3am. I'm nervous and while we are talking and joking, the combination of slight altitude sickness and fear are chewing away silently on my consciousness and confidence. I'm really anxious to get started. To begin the test.... to measure myself in this harsh and unusual manner.

Andy resting in the dawn light 50 meters from summit.....

Stepping outside it's cold - really cold.... back to the sleeping bag you think for a second... but it's time to take on the hardest part of the challenge. We'll have to carefully work our way through a marginally technical climb with sharps drops and slippery sections throughout. I note the frost and ice as we move to the trail head. Suddenly, and I think alerted by Chris we look up at the stars. Without comment we silently switch off our headlamps one at a time and stare at billions of stars twinkling invitingly above us. There is no light pollution. Very little atmosphere to obscure the view of what for me seemed more magical than possible.  This was the moment where I realized that the climb was not about the destination. It's not so much a test as an opportunity to float among the stars and witness natures splendor in a very intimate manner.

We summitted on time without incident and took our turns capturing the moment with our cameras. Each of us reading the summit sign though we already knew what it said. We were at the summit and now had incontestable and irrefutable evidence of our accomplishment on this wonderful morning. Each of us brought flasks of our favorite spirits and as we smoked cigars and drank cognac scotch and bitters the morning sun painted the sky with yellow pink purple and orange so vivid you could almost taste it. The wind blew cold until suddenly the sun popped above the horizon melting the cold,  bringing light and comfort to our chilled bones.Well the alcohol was already doing a pretty good job on that truth be known :)

Oh Canada!! ... and just ahead of the Vimy Ridge 100 year celebration. A good time to appreciate where you've come from.

I owe a debt of gratitude to my climbing partners whose comradery and assistance I am forever grateful and will be sure to never forget. Cheers to Andy and Chris!!!! There must be a few more mountains out there to climb?

Had to throw this one in... no other words necessary....

Thanks for reading..Layno!