Climbing Kilimanjaro

May 10-19:  Climbing Kilimanjaro

Kilimanjaro (picture from internet)

These days it seems you can do virtually everything from home.  Or more precisely, you can do everything virtually from home.  So I am pleased to announce that I have just climbed Africa’s highest mountain, 19,340 ft. (5,895 m) Mt. Kilimanjaro.

And for a very good cause.

Last year, L. spent a very special five weeks in Tanzania with the Canadian charity TEMBO, teaching teenage girls.  It was TEMBO’s idea to create this virtual walk up the mountain. 

Despite ongoing difficulties with his back, the Passionate Hiker walked all around his own town in rural eastern Ontario, each day for ten days.  He appreciated more and more every day how much of an effort it might actually take for a person to reach the summit of Kilimanjaro.  The reality of such an adventure was brought to life by reports, on the TEMBO website, from people who have actually climbed the mountain. 

By the end of day ten, this author was quite content to part with his money and be able to brag about his latest hiking achievement – from the safety of his home!

Many congratulations to TEMBO for this great idea for such a worthy cause.  And it’s not too late for the reader to contribute too.

This little photo essay will give you an idea of my own walk “up Kilimanjaro”.

The lower reaches of our local river

A slow-moving stream acts as a mirror

Signs of Spring:  geese flying north

Morning sunshine on the path

Our town

In the heart of town:  TownHall

The Maple Leaf

Home of the town band in happier times

A good place to relax along the route

Good bridges cross the arms of the river

More signs of spring

Empty parks

Upper reaches  of our river

Another river crossing

Clear skies

The only little "bump' in our area to remind us of a "summit"

A major Canadian trail runs through our town

I wonder if there is one of these welcome rest stops on the Kilimanjaro Trail?