Kili and Zanzibar - 9th Oct
Hi Debbie,
Me too. Alternate between super excited and terrified. Someone in work brought me an article from Saturday's Daily Mail which is the exact same route we're doing. It doesn't necessarily make great reading. BUT, it was an article written to sell papers. There was nothing about the fitness level of the people involved, any training done etc. Nothing about the scenery, clear skies and stars etc.
It would be good to hear from others on this trip to see what sort of training everyone's doing or planning to do.
Hi Marj
Just checked out the Daily Mail article - it defo sounds like we're in for a tough time!! I'm planning on starting training quite soon - which means that I'll be hitting the gym hard for the next 3 months!! Unfortunately, I live in London, so don't get a lot of chances to do many practice walks up hills!! However, I did go to Everest base camp earlier this year, and managed that OK (a little bit of altitude sickness - headaches, cough, unable to sleep and nausea!!) - but the major difference is EBC took 2 weeks, so there was plenty of time to aclimatize, compared to 6 days (in tents!) for Kili!!
I'm travelling solo - what about you?
Hi Debbie,
I'm travelling solo too.
I attempted to get to Gokyo (Nepal) about 5 years ago and didn't quite make it mainly cos the trail was lost under very heavy snow. I did suffer from headaches and nausea so it seemed silly to carry on because of the weather and the altitude sickness. I travelled independantly with my ex-partner so there wouldn't have been any back up. But we did almost make it. I agree though, we had loads of time to get acclimatised so I am a bit worried this time around. But, it's out of my hands, that's one thing I can't do anything about.
I live in Kendal so should be able to get out onto mountains quite easily, but lack of a training partner has limited that a bit. Started hitting the lower hills and trying to put as many smaller ascents into a walk.
I get very bored with gyms, so whilst the weather's been poor I've hit the stairs at home! My wonderful colleagues have calculated that the total Kili ascent is something like 1280 extra times up the stairs all in all so need to aim for somewhere in the region of 300-350 a day.
So far got up to 110. Really not sure how much use stair climbs are, but it's got to be better than nothing. Luckily I'm gettign work done at home so I don't have stair carpet at the moment to wear out.
The Daily Mail article was interesting to a point, it underlines the experience will be tough, but it only seemed to mention the negative things. I keep it on my desk at work to remind me not to slack on those stair climbs
Hey
Good to hear you're travelling solo too!!! I had a great time meeting everyone else in my group last time I travelled alone - never a dull moment!!
You're lucky living in Kendal - at least you have some options for goods walks near by!! I'm thinking of taking some Diamox with me for the altitude - I didn't take it last time, and I'm a little worried about the side-effects (i.e. having to get up in the middle of the night and leave the tent in freezing cold weather to go pee!!), but I may just take it as back-up in case of feeling ill.
Your stair excercise also sounds interesting - have you managed to increase the daily rate yet? I think as long as you're reasonably fit, and have a positive attitude, we should make it!!
Hi Debs
Stair exercise and walks have been a bit of a disaster over the last week or two. I keep thinking I've plenty of time to sort myself out. Less than three months now!
I agree about positive attitude and a decent level of fitness. Also going to Zanzibar afterwards is something to look forward to when (or do I mean if) the going gets tough.
In the meantime I've still to sort out visa and check out jabs and malaria tablets etc. I keep putting it all off for now but I know I can't do that indefinately.
Hi everyone - I'm on a different trip this October but saw the forum open for the Kili/Zanzibar trip, which we did a few years ago with Exodus and just want to let everyone know what a fantastic trip this is. From start to finish we had an amazing time, and were so well looked after throughout. The final ascent is tough ( so keep up the training) but so worth it for the sense of achievement. All of our group made it to the very top. If i could do this trip again as a first time, i would do it like a shot - but there are so many other places to see in the world. And Zanzibar is the perfect reward for the effort.
Of our group, all but one used Diamox - he was a super fit ex-Marine - and the only one of the group who got ill. Side effects were not as bad as we were lead to believe. So have a fabulous time everyone!
PS Marj - we live in Ulverston. If you can do Fairfield Horseshoe you can do this!!
HI folks
We're going a couple of weeks later on the 23rd but as there are a few people chatting here I hope you don't mind me chipping in. Lizzie, Diamox, really? Was it that bad? Where did you get the Diamox, did you take it with you? Was it self administered or did you get medical advice from an Exodus person?
Had you done much training beforehand - I know this doesn't help with altitude but just out of interest, what had you been doing to make it to the top.
Thanks for any wisdom!
Not sure about wisdom, but............
Took Diamox prescribed by GP. I had half a tablet a day from day 1, then a whole tablet on the final day when you go seriously high. Side effects were occasional tingling in the fingers, and going to the loo in the night - though that way I didn't miss out on the amazing stars, particularly at Mawenzi. The jury is out on the virtues of Diamox - there are so many factors in whether you get AMS, even things like age. Going really slowly from the start really helps in acclimatising, though on the first day I thought we would never get there if I had to go as slowly as the guides wanted. They are the experts, believe me!
Training - living in the Lake District gave me a head start. Just lots of uphill walking as often as possible, even if only for half an hour. Also did some short runs, just to build stamina. Final ascent is tough - just grit your teeth and follow the person in front. Water in platypus froze on final ascent despite expensive insulation - several of us had plastic bottles of water inside our down jackets. Also, batteries discharge easily in the cold, so sleep with cameras etc inside sleeping bags. Have a fantastic trip. I wish I was going back.
Thanks Lizzie that is really helpful.
Think I will add diamox to the list when I go to see the GP about Yellow Fever and other jabs. I like the sound of getting up to look at a million stars :-)
We're aiming to be reasonably running fit by the time we go and are mixing that up with some regular walks on the local hills with heavy packs. Hopefully that will maximise our chances.
I'm excited already and we have 2 months to go!
Thanks again and enjoy your trip to wherever in October.
Just thought I'd say hello, can't believe it's just over 2 weeks until the off!!!!!!
I'm still undecided wether to go with a down jacket or a lighter waterproof & windproof jacket and lots of layers. Any suggestions??
J
www.justgiving.com/jonathan-gill
Hi Jonny,
I think this is one you have to decide for yourself.
I'll be taking my down jacket, which does pack up quite small, doubles up as a pillow and is quite warm.
I'm also taking lots of layers.
This is the plan until I actually come to pack anyway.
On the diamox front, I got mine Monday. My GP suggested I test before I go out as they can make you sick (as in vomit, sorry) so I had half last night and another half this morning. The good news is I haven't been sick, but they certainly are a powerful diuretic. I think I'll take the decision about taking them once out there. But I have them just in case. Anyone else still thinking about asking for them, GP was prepared to give me NHS prescription but they are in fact cheaper on a private one.
Looking forward to meeting everyone
I've decided not to go with a down jacket will be wearing lots of warm layers with a windproof/waterproof outer layer.
As for Diamox I'm booked to see a doctor on Friday afternoon as I'd rather have it and not need it, than need it and not have it. The only problem is that I won't really have time to see how I react to it! That's assuming that the doctor wil prescribe it. I'll find out!
Is everyone getting the Ethiopian Airlines flight from Heathrow?
www.justgiving.com/jonathan-gill
it is a defo sooner have the diamox and not need than need and not have. I didn't have as bad reaction as Debs but there was a bit of tingling sensation and colleagues noticed I was a bit more ditsy than normal.
I'm on Ethiopian Airlines from Heathrow too.
