Hiking in the First Snowfall

This December again seems like crazy weather.  Last weekend it was warm enough to camp in my 3-season tent with my dogs.  This weekend it was cooler and north of Milwaukee there was snow.

Snow

Yes, I said snow.  It may have rained all day in Milwaukee, but when I woke up in the morning, I knew that there would be snow today in Wisconsin.  Like a kid waiting for Santa to come, I jumped out of bed, went straight to my computer and Intellicast.com and looked at where the snow line was.  West or north?  Kettle Moraine North or South?  Where was I going to hike today was all I could think of.

Northern Kettle Moraine State Forest

Northern Kettle Moraine State Forest it was.  Snow would be there.  Yeah!  After breakfast I threw the dogs in the car and off we went.  Old hiking boots, Gore-tex jacket and pants, and blaze orange in the car.  Driving to NKM I was a little nervous.  The snow line seemed to not be where it was on the map.  As I drove up 41/45 it kept raining and the thermometer in the car said 37 for quite a while.  Finally after the 41/45 split and passing Cabela's I started to see snow in the farmer's fields along the side of the road, but it was still raining.  By the time I hit West Bend though - there it was SNOW!

By now I was giddy with delight and the dogs were still sleeping in the car (probably thinking I was crazy).  I was going to get to go hiking in snow today.  So I opted to head to the Mauthe Lake area and head out from there on the Ice Age Trail, probably my favorite trail to hike in Wisconsin.  I was not disappointed when I go there.

Ice Age Trail in Northern Kettle Moraine State Forest

I love hiking in snow.  Snow always seems to make hiking seem magical and peaceful.  Today's hike was no different.  I never saw a person until about 2 1/2 miles into my hike and then I never saw another person again.  The majority of the time I was breaking the trail in the snow while listening to the snow fall off branches and the birds sing.

Fresh snow on the Ice Age Trail

The streams that I crossed were just beautiful.  Catching the freshly fallen snow.  I could have just sat there all day watching the snow fall on the water.  Each snowflake melts into the water and moves on to another place, just magical.

One of the streams on the Ice Age Trail in Northern Kettle Moraine State Forest

What a great day I had with the dogs hiking.  Nature is just an amazing thing and winter nature is the best.  There's no better place to be than in nature, taking in the fresh fallen snow, the sounds of the birds and the peace and tranquility it provides.  Especially when it's the first snowfall of the season.

In every walk with nature one receives far more than he seeks.  John Muir

Camping in December

When I think of December, I think the start of the holidays, cold days and SNOW.  Not camping with my dogs.

Camping in December

Who would have thought that on December 1st, 2012 I would have gone camping because it was warm.  Yes, warm enough to camp in December.  Too bad when I made my decision at the split for I39, I90 and  I94 that I decided to go to Devil's Lake instead of Governor Dodge State Park.  As I pulled in to Devil's Lake and saw the campground I remembered they were doing construction during the winter.  My choice was to camp in the group campground with a full house or head up to Mirror Lake.  Even though I decided I wouldn't go to Mirror Lake again, I decided it was a better option.

Camping in December at Mirror Lake State Park

And thankfully, I was right.  It was quiet with only 5 of us camping in the entire campground.  The dogs and I hiked there on Saturday and saw one of the other camper and then Sunday morning we had the trails to ourselves.  What a beautiful way to start the day.

Mirror Lake @ 7:30 in the morning with a little ice.

After packing up - I did drive back to Devil's Lake State Park and do the loop around the lake.  What a great day it was.  The park was dead, but it was warm enough for even some climbers to take on the cold stone walls of Devil's Lake.  (Of course, this was the first time I went there and left my climbing gear at home - stupid me.)  So if I can't have snow in December, I guess weather warm enough to take the dogs camping will do.

Autobiography Title - In Search of Snow

A friend of mine put a post on Facebook asking "if you were writing an autobiography, what would the title be?"  Of course my answer was In Search of Snow.  And I started to wonder, why am I so fascinated by snow.

Snow Fascination

As far back as I can remember I've always waited for the snow to come.  And once it came I was like a kid in a candy store.  Growing up my parents provided us an appreciation (whether they know it or not) of the outdoors.  And I think I just appreciated the time more when there was cold weather and snow on the ground.  We camped, we snowmobiled, we ice fished and more.  I remember building snow forts, snowmen, sledding, and ice skating.  What other time of the year could you be so creative?

Snowmobiling in Northern Wisconsin

As an adult, my love of snow has continued.  I may no longer build forts or ride snowmobiles (prefer quiet sports now), but I still build snowmen and camp and now snowshoe, hike and more.  (Who knows, maybe this winter I'll build a fort.)

Snow Packed Vacations

Since around 2007/2008 snow and glaciers have been a major influence as to where I take my vacations.  Probably 95% or more of my vacations have been to places where I will be in or see snow and/or glaciers.  And now that we're seeing the melt off of our glaciers and snow packs, it's all that more important to me to find these areas.  Capture their essence in my memories and hopefully introduce their importance to others.

Fitz Roy & Torre Glacier - El Chalten, Argentina

I also find spending time outside in winter with the snow one of the greatest ways to unwind and relax.  It's one of the best ways to let your mind open up and let the freshness and newness around you in.  Maybe that's why it fascinates me.

Yes - my autobiography would be called In Search of Snow - and now I feel it's time to start planning that next search.  And then maybe ponder actually writing my autobiography.

Perrito Moreno Glacier

Fundraising, a Humbling Experience

Asking people for anything is not something I've had a lot of experience with.  As I'm preparing for my climb up Mt Whitney with Summit For Someone / Big City Mountaineers, I'm learning a whole new appreciation for anyone who works with, volunteers for or is involved with non-profit organizations.  You all do a very hard job and should be applauded for what you do.

I'm very appreciative of the people who've already donated on my behalf to Summit For Someone, you're all wonderful friends and you're making it easier to reach my goal of raising $4,000 by February.

Next up I'm going to try my hand at creating some fun events to also support the cause.  First I'm working to pull together some great local Milwaukee bands to play a fundraiser at a local bar (that's also a co-op, pretty cool).  Then... still planning.

But for anyone reading this blog - Thank You.  And save the date:

When:  January 11th, 2013
Where:  Riverwest Public House
What:  Live Bands

• Floor Model
• More to come...

Thank You All!!  

Training for Mt Whitney - the Fun Training Day

Mt Whitney Training Schedule

As I'm getting ready for my climb up Mt Whitney next April, I have a weekly workout schedule that Summit For Someone suggests we follow.  The schedule has us working out 5 days a week with Monday's and Friday's off.

The weekday schedule comprises of cross training, cardio and weight training.  Not bad, but now with it being dark in the morning and night, it means training indoors which isn't quite as much fun.  I've been trying to figure out what can I do to make it more exciting.  So I've decided to dig out my Pimsleur's Spanish CD and refresh my Spanish.  So if anyone sees me walking around speaking Spanish, don't be surprised.  Just answer me.  (habla Espanol?)

The weekend training is the best part.  Cross training and hiking.  I specifically like the hiking day.  It's not only good training for the trip, but I have some great friends who are coming along on the hikes and making the day all that more enjoyable.  You almost forget you're out there for a reason.  (Not that I really need a reason to hike.)

So a big thank you to my friends - I'm glad I have you all to make hiking all that much more fun!

Gracias!

Lapham Peak - Fall Colors and a Great Hike

Time to get ready for the big climb.  Though still 6 months off - it's never too early to start training.  And what better time to start training than in the fall.

Day 1 of training was an unexpected hike with the dogs at Lapham Peak in the Southern Kettle Moraine State Forest.  Saturday turned out to be a beautiful fall day and after taking Jasmine to the vet in the morning and getting some housework done, I couldn't take it any longer.  I needed to get out.  I decided to take the dogs out and do the 7 mile advanced black loop at Lapham Peak.  I'm not quite sure why it's "advanced", but maybe it's just me and my non-stop hiking and visits to as many mountains as possible that makes the hills on this trail seem fairly easy.

What started off as being a typical walk with the dogs in the woods and their normal 20 minute or so miles (they always seem to need to pee, poop or sniff something) turned out to be a brisk walk through the woods.  With the cooler temps, the dogs decided to move quick - even Wailea with her hip dysplasia and repaired knee.  What typically would have taken us about 2 1/2 hours or so ended up taking us just 2 hours.  Wow - those girls moved.

With that there only a few occasional breaks to enjoy some of the fall colors that were left.  What a perfect day, the remainder of the colors were bright and strikingly orange and red colors.  And what a perfect way to start training for the climb up Mt Whitney.  Based upon this, I'm hoping the rest of my training days go just as well.

Fall colors at Lapham Peak, Southern Kettle Moraine State Forest

Climbing the Tower

After finishing the 7 mile hike in 2 hours, I let the dogs take a break while I took a quick run up the tower at the park to get an overhead view of the fall colors in the Delafield area.  Wow - it always amazes me, no matter what time of the year at how this area looks from above.

Fall colors from the tower at Lapham Peak, Southern Kettle Moraine State Forest

Fall colors from the tower at Lapham Peak, Southern Kettle Moraine State Forest

I think the best part of running to the top of the tower was the trip down.  As I was walking down the stairs of the tower I saw a group of kids running to get to the stairs to climb up.  And one of the kids exclaimed - "this is a high tower, but this isn't no Eiffel Tower".  No kid, you're right, it's not the Eiffel Tower, but it is a view into the heartland of Wisconsin in fall.  

Here's to hoping fall, winter and spring bring just as many beautiful days for training.  Because if so, training is going to be a blast.

To find out more about my bid to climb Mt Whitney with Summit for Someone and Backpacker Magazine - read some of the following:

• Climber Story
• Backpacker Magazine Makes Its Selections
• I Want to Climb Mt Whitney

Climbing Mt Whitney

Backpacker Magazine Makes It Selections

And yes, I was one of the lucky ones selected to join them for the summit attempt on Mt. Whitney.

First off, a big special thanks to everyone who made a comment on my blog post "I Want to Climb Mt Whitney" when I was pleading for them to select me.  All your comments helped.

And for those of you who don't know - Mt Whitney is the highest peak in the continental 48 states (find out more).  And it is in the Sierra Nevada Mountains which is on my bucket list of places to get to.

Big City Mountaineers

Why climb Mt Whitney?  Well - in response there two reasons.

1. Because as mentioned earlier - this area is on my bucket list and climbing Mt Whitney would be the best part of experiencing it.
2. Because it's going to help raise funds for a great cause - Big City Mountaineers

One of the greatest reasons I wanted to do this was because it's part of Summit For Someone.  They provide great opportunities for individuals to summit incredible mountains around the world all while raising funds for Big City Mountaineers.  This is something I've been wanting to do for years.  

Big City Mountaineers is a great cause and helps under resourced and at risk teens to gain valuable life skills through wilderness mentoring expeditions.  Some facts about the youth involved in the programs:

• 100% are eligible for free or reduced lunch programs
• 83% are from families that report an average household income of $15,000 or less
• 71% are from single parent or guardian-led households

After participating with Big City Mountaineers, 100% of the youth report significant improvements in:

• Commitment to Learning
• Positive Values
• Social Competencies
• Positive Identity

 (source: BigCityMountaineers.org)

So twofold for me.  We are able to help out youth who may never get to experience what the wilderness is like and provide positive influences through mentoring.  And (personal hope) that these youth gain an appreciation for our natural places and share that with their community of influence.

How Can You Help?

My climb is part of the fund raising program for Big City Mountaineers, a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization.  As part of  my climb, I'm required to raise a minimum of $4,000 that will be used to help teens overcome a lifetime of challenges.

My Challenge To You

Help Me get there and help these youth get the opportunity to participate in this wonderful mentoring opportunity.

Donating is both easy and tax deductible.  

• Go to my Summit For Someone Climber Page
• Donate $100 or any amount you can give 
• Get a big thank you from me!!

Really - if you do donate, I want to thank you in advance.  Your donation and generosity will be greatly appreciated by those who are able to experience the Big City Mountaineers program.

Donate Now

Mother Nature's Paintbrush

Changing of the seasons

I think my favorite time for each season is when it changes into that season.  It seems like that's when you get the most vibrant and vivid colors.  Spring brings on the newness of green, summer the vibrant colors of the flowers, winter brings on the beauty of white and fall brings colors of all.

Fall in Wisconsin

This year I've been chasing the "mountains" of Wisconsin and the Driftless area of Wisconsin.  This fall I'm "Chasing the Rainbow" as Skittles would say and viewing Mother Nature's Paintbrush at work.   The colors of fall - the reds, yellows, oranges and even the browns - make you amazed at what nature can do.  It makes you take a step back and just pause to take it all in.

Fall Colors @ Peninsula State Park in Door County, WI

For me it just reminds me of being young, raking leaves and then running and jumping in the piles.  Makes you wonder what happened to those days.  Today I visited a store in Door County, WI on my way home and saw a sign that really made me think.  I can't remember exactly what it said, but I'll paraphrase.

As a child we learn to play and have fun.  Playing and fun do not go away when we get older, but live on inside of us.

Or something like that.  So if nature can change - I think we should too.  Take time to view those colors, build a pile of leaves and bring that child that is inside of you out.  Go jump in a pile of leaves!

Fall Colors at Peninsula State Park in Door County, WI

And if you need to know where in WI to find the color - here's my little secret (probably not so secret).
Fall Color Report (Travel Wisconsin).

I plan to take my own advice and go out and search for more of Mother Nature's Paintbrush and the fall colors next weekend.  This time, I'll combine my search for "mountains" in Wisconsin and the colors.  Because what better place to see fall colors than from atop a "mountain?"

Healing Powers of Nature

In a world like we live in today, I have found that escaping on weekends and going into the woods is the greatest way to heal a tired mind and body.

Over the last two years and summers, I've found myself drifting at every possible moment away from the city and away from the connections we've all become so dependent upon in our every day lives.  To leave behind the wireless connections and become unplugged and become at peace with nature is the best healing power I can think of.

Nature has a way of making us slow down and look at the world with our mind and our senses.  Our mind takes in what is around us and makes us aware of what is going on while making us contemplate our every day existences.  Our senses take in the beauty of the sky, forest, meadows and more while listening to the hustle and bustle of the earth moving and the animals making a survival.

Finding peace with nature begins with exploring nature

So if you ever feel stressed, keep in mind one of John Muir's great quotes:

"Keep close to Nature's heart, yourself; and break clear away once in a while and climb a mount or spend a week in the woods.  Wash your spirit clean."

I like to take John Muir's advice because he is right.  Nature has great healing powers that we all can use.

Minnesota's Superior Coast

Hard to believe summer 2012 is basically over and Labor Day is now behind us.  What a summer and what a way to end it with a trip to Minnesota's Superior Coast.

Minnesota's Superior Coastline is filled with beautiful waterfalls and state parks.  It's a rather rugged location with rocky coastline and jagged cliffs.  Running from Duluth to the Canadian border, it's a lot to explore in a 3 day weekend.

Lake Superior Coastline @ Gooseberry Falls State Park

To make the most of the weekend the dogs and I headed up to Minnesota mid-day on Friday and spent Friday night at Gooseberry Falls State Park.  It's a nice park right on Lake Superior.  And it was the perfect place to spent the night when there was a Blue Moon.  What a view that night.

Blue Moon over Lake Superior

The next morning I took in the Gooseberry Falls and headed out for a night on the Superior Hiking Trail.  What an amazing day.  The falls were incredible and the back country of the Superior Hiking Trail were beautiful.  Hiking from Penn Blvd trailhead up to Bear Lake for the night we encountered a bunch of great views overlooking Lake Superior on one side and the beauty of the forest and rocky cliff edges on the other side.  Dropping down to Bear Lake, unfortunately we found the two sites there already taken, but spent some time with the people while making water and taking a break.  After a while the dogs and I pushed back to the top and spent the night at the top of the hill overlooking Bear Lake.  Not a bad place to stay either.

Bear Lake with Bean Lake in the background

In the morning we completed the loop trail and dropped back down to the car to head out and find another state park to spend the night at.  We ended up at Temperance State Park.  After a quick shower to remove some of the dust from the trail and setting up the tent, off we went to find more waterfalls.  Between Temperance River State Park and the Canadian Border are three additional state parks.  So up to the Canadian Border I drove to visit Grand Portage State Park and the High Falls of the Pigeon River.  High Falls is the highest waterfall in the state of Minnesota.  From the falls and the river, the other side is Canada.  If only I would have grabbed my passport I could have viewed the falls from both sides.

High Falls @ Grand Portage State Park

Next up was Judge C.R. Magney State Park and a hike up the Brule River to the Devil's Kettle.  Another incredible view and park.  Who knew Minnesota had so many cool waterfalls.

Falls at Judge C.R. Magney State Park

Lastly we hit up Cascade River State Park for the last of the waterfall views for the day.  A short hike from the road brings you great views of the falls.  What a way to end the day before heading back to camp.

Falls at Cascade River State Park

Once back at camp the dogs were done and pretty much ate dinner and went to bed.  I strolled over to Lake Superior (again - this park is right on the lake) to check out the moon again this evening.  A little cloudy, but some pretty cool views of the big moon over Lake Superior as it was going in and out of the clouds.

As Monday rolled around I had to pack up and head back to Wisconsin.  But not to be outdone - before leaving Minnesota I had to visit the falls at Temperance River State Park and another one that was alongside the road.

The Temperance River is a river that has carved out a great gorge along it's route.  If you look closely in the picture below you'll see a waterfall within the gorge.

Falls in the background

What a great weekend in the great outdoors.  Exploring and finding new places that are as beautiful as this is always a great surprise and experience.  I hope to go back here again and explore more of the area and hike some more on the Superior Hiking Trail.

30 Nights, Rain and Best Day of Summer

So if the title of this blog doesn't say a lot. 

30 Nights

• I have camped 30 nights in a tent (and it's only August 5th)
• 6 of those nights were in a tent hiking up Mt Kilimanjaro
• 1 of those nights was snowshoeing up in the Kettle Range in February and camping on a ridge overlooking the mountains and summiting Mt Wapaloosie the next morning. 
• As of today (Aug 5th) - the only month in 2012 I have not camped and slept in a tent was in January (need to work on that for next year).
• It has only rained during 3 of my camping excursions (sprinkles on Kili, Memorial Day weekend and this weekend - very unusual for me)
• I have visited 19 State Parks / Forests (that I can think of) and camped in the 10 of them (some 2 times).

Rain

Rain - with the droughts we're having, I've only seen rain really two times this entire summer so far while camping.  Memorial Day weekend and the storms that came through which caused me to spend over 8 hours in a 2 person tent with 2 dogs.  We all got good naps.  And then just this weekend we have a brief 2 hour storm that went through (again, good nap time).

For me - that's just really unusual.  I'm so prone to camping and hiking in rain that this has just been a weird summer.

Best Day of Summer

Since it's been dry with no rain - I think this horrible heat we've been having all summer goes along with the drought.  Hiking in heat with dogs makes for short hikes before we all start to get over heated.  Today (Sunday Aug 5th) was probably the best day for camping and hiking all summer.  Woke up this morning to 64 degrees and it didn't move much.  Went for hike in the woods with the dogs with the brisk wind and cool temps and just didn't want to leave. 

If this is what rain brings - bring on the rain and cool temps.

Camping and Dogs

Another weekend of camping done.  This weekend my dogs, Jasmine and Wailea, and did a little backpacking at Newport State Park in Door County, WI.  This is a great state park because not only is it located on Lake Michigan and in Door County, but all campsites are wilderness sites and you have to hike it in.  This alone makes it a very quiet and private park. 

A four hour drive from Milwaukee always makes hiking in on a Friday night fun since I always end up hiking in at sunset.  This weekend was no different.  The dogs and I hiked it to the site (2 miles from the parking lot) with our full pack and set up for a weekend of enjoyment on the Lake Michigan shoreline. 

Lake Michigan at Sunset from Newport State Park

One of the other nice things about this park is there are only 16 campsites spread throughout the park so no one is camping one top of each other.  My campsite this weekend was #7 and we were alone in our stretch of the park and therefore had our own shoreline on Lake Michigan. 

Shoreline of Lake Michigan in front of my campsite.

It was a great way to let my dogs be dogs and just let them play in the lake.  They have in the 11+ years that they've been around so far, taught me a lot about life and how to slow down and relax.  Now that they are over 11 years old, I'm learning how to just enjoy my time with them.  I know they won't be around forever so these weekends away camping with them are a great way to just enjoy them. 

Jasmine and Wailea playing on the beach at Newport State Park

Jasmine and Wailea have grown so accustomed to the weekend camping getaways that I think they can count the days and know when Friday is here.  By Friday morning they are anxious and always ready for the next car ride.  They never know where they're going, but they know they're going to get to run in the woods, play in water and sleep in the tent.  And by Sunday they're done and ready to hit the car and sleep on the way home.  Dreaming dreams of their next weekend getaway.

Jasmine and Wailea - done after a day of playing on the beach and in Lake Michigan

I Want to Climb Mt Whitney

Backpacker Magazine is climbing Mt. Whitney for Kids.  They are offering up a contest for people to join them on their journey.

As an avid outdoors person and personally having the Sierra Nevada's as one of my top spots to want to go, I am entering this contest. 

Friends / Readers - one of the things that will help me to prove why Backpacker Magazine should select me is YOUR voice.  Leave a comment to this blog as to why you think Backpacker Magazine should pick me to help them raise money for Big City Mountaineers and join them as they push to the summit of Mt Whitney.

For more info you can also visit my website - My Mount Whitney Plea.

Continuing to Explore the Driftless Area

This year I continue to explore the Driftless Area's of Wisconsin and Iowa.  The more I explore this area of southwest Wisconsin and northeast Iowa, the more I like it.  Being someone who loves being outdoors and in the mountains, but is stuck living in the midwest, this is the closest I can get to feeling like I'm in the mountains.

So far every weekend since May 12th and one weekend in April has been spent in this area exploring different state parks and state forests.  This includes backpacking as well as car camping.  The Yellow River State Forest in Iowa was definitely a surprise.  I had no idea this was here and was quite surprised at how hilly this region of Iowa was.  Backpacking into and up the hills to find a perfect campsite was a great opportunity to explore the area.  In a full day of backpacking I saw 2 guys who were back camping in the designated backpack camping area I selected and a group of boy scouts.

Trail up to Schulz Camp - Yellow River State Forest, IA

Another surprise so far this year was the Black River State Forest in Wisconsin.  Day 1 of hiking here revealed a couple of things:  this state forest is also allows 4 wheelers (thankfully they have their own trails far away from the hiking trails) and has trails for them and the bad management of how to clear a forest (the eastern edge of the Wildcat Trail left plenty to be desired).  But Day 2 also showed an absolutely beautiful ridge line that runs on the east side of the forest hiking trail area.  And I learned that you can backpack in to this state forest as well.  This area is on my radar to visit again this fall for a backpacking trip with the dogs.

View from the Ridge Trail west - Black River State Forest,  WI

As I've been exploring I've been visiting new state parks in the southwest region of Wisconsin.  So far I have learned

• Mirror Lake State Park is a little too close to I-90/I-94.  When the park quiets down at night, all you can hear is cars / trucks traveling on the freeway.  And one of the trails there basically has you following the edge of the freeway.  Will not visit this park again.
• Wildcat Mountain - if reserving a campsite here, be leary when ReserveAmerica.com states it as a "fully" shaded site.  I learned this is not the case as I woke up with the sun turning my tent into a sauna and had to get out of it by 5 am.  

          But I did learn that you can backpack into the Kickapoo Valley Reserve just down a few miles from Wildcat Mountain State Park.  I also have this on my list of things to do this fall once the trees turn colors.  This area is beautiful and full of big hills and valleys that are all green.  

View out over the Kickapoo River Valley 

Beyond that I've also explored Roche-A-Cri State Park which is a nice, smaller park in the Driftless Area.  The center of this park has the Roche-A-Cri mound which has a stairway to get to the top (300 stairs).  The view from the top is pretty amazing as you can see for miles in every direction.  The morning I climbed the stairs I got to watch a storm in the distance with the sun trying to break through the clouds.  What a beautiful way to start the day.

View from atop Roche-A-Cri Mound - Roche-A-Cri State Park, WI

And lastly I've been to Governor Dodge State Park two times already this year camping and Devil's Lake for camping and hiking.

Governor Dodge twice because in April it's one of the few parks in that area that has the campground open year round.  And then again a couple of weeks ago to try out one of their backpacking sites.  The backpacking sites are actually quite nice, but are only a short 1/2 mile hike from the parking lot.  

So that's just the start of the year of exploring the Driftless Area's of Wisconsin and Iowa.  More to come and a lot more to explore yet.

Summiting Mt Kilimanjaro

I did it!!  I made it to the top of Mt Kilimanjaro, the highest point on the continent of Africa. 

Top of Africa - March 13, 2012

The trip and experience was well worth it.  The group of guys I went with were a blast and the Aussie that joined our group fit in well.  Climb Kili's guides and the team did an amazing job for us.  It's amazing the work the porters did for us and they still welcomed us to camp with a song and dance.

The surprising part to me was that with all the training I did, the actual trekking was easier than I expected.  The pace was slow and steady with the perfect amount of time to acclimate to the climate.  The toughest part for me was the summit day.  And I don't think it was the toughest because of the 4,000 foot climb to the top, but rather the diamox I was taking to help with breathing in higher elevations wore off about 2 1/2 hours before we summited.  Instead of taking a break to dig another pill out of my bag, I continued on hiking.  I ended up slowing down and working harder to breathe, but still made it to the top.  Lesson learned - next time take the break and take the pill. 

Would I do it again?
Yes, I would do it all over again.  If I ever do go up Kilimanjaro again, the next trip would include a night in the crater.  The crater was amazing looking.  We only got to see it from the top, I think it would be cool to trek down there and spend some time there.

Glaciers of Kilimanjaro

Overall the trip was amazing and I can't recommend enough taking the time to visit Tanzania and taking a trek up Kilimanjaro.  And then don't forget to reward yourself afterwards with a safari trip.  I would recommend the Ngoro Crater - it had all types of wildlife to see.  And considering I really wanted to see some lions, I got my wish.  This group passed in front of my truck and eventually met up with another group of lions.  Total, I saw 12 lions.  Too bad the zebras smelled them and took off, these lions were definitely looking like they wanted to hunt.

Lions in the Ngoro Crater

Next up?  Taking another summer of "mini vacations" and taking my dogs camping.  Maybe a fall trip to Northern Michigan / Canada to do some backpacking with the dogs.  And then out to Washington State to close out 2012. 

Next Adventure
Realistically it will have to wait until 2013.  And will probably include something more technical than climbing Kili.  I would like to try

• Climbing Mt Rainier (Disappointment Clever approach)
• Take on Summit #2 - Aconcagua (South America's highest point - ~3,400 feet higher than Kili)
• Hiking / Camping / Climbing on Antartica

Yes, I may be crazy - but you only live life once.  And why not experience what other's only dream about. 

Biking Amsterdam

Amsterdam is a very interesting city. Coming from Milwaukee and wishing we had a better system for biking around than the half hearted attempts that have been made to make it a bike friendly city, Milwaukee could take a lesson from Amsterdam. This city is a walking and biking city. People are fit and seem to be more energetic than those in the states. Bikes outnumber cars here and that's pretty cool. Milwaukee gov't come on over and see Amsterdam'a ability to add bike lanes, bike traffic lights and inspire people to ride their bikes.

Getting Ready for Kili

Wow, can't believe it's almost here.  2 weeks from today I'll be landing in Amsterdam to spend a few days sightseeing and then down to Arusha, Tanzania to climb Kilimanjaro. 

Almost 3 months ago when I decided to go I wondered how am I going to get ready for this trip.  Well, I hope the hiking, climbing, yoga and treadmill have worked. 

A couple weeks ago I did a test when visiting my brother in eastern Washington state.  We did a one night backpack trip up into the Kettle Range on the Jungle Hill Trail.  Good snowshoe hike up just over 3,000 feet - no problems hiking up that.  Then we did a one day short hike up the Thirteen Mile trail of just over 1200 feet, again no problem.  And based upon the timing it took us to go up those I should be able to at least start out the first day in good shape based upon the altitude I was at.



Jungle Hill Trail to Kettle Crest Trail to Wapaloosie Summit - Kettle Range, WA



Thirteen Mile Trail hike

Now to just kick it into high gear and finish it off to be ready.  Sure hope to make it to the top.  Watch for more posts.  I'll see what I can do to post while there.