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Kilimanjaro Factfile

At 19,340 feet, Kilimanjaro is the highest mountain in Africa and the only one of the seven summits (highest mountain on each continent) that is accessible without mountaineering equipment and experience.

It's the highest freestanding mountain in the world and one of the largest volcanoes, dormant rather than extinct.

On the summit, the lungs can only absorb half the amount of oxygen compared to sea-level.

The summit at Uhuru Peak is more than 1,600 feet higher than Everest base camp.

Estimates vary, but around 20,000 people attempt to climb Kilimanjaro each year. Almost half fail to reach the summit.

Tuesday 19 June 2007

Good news, bad news

As the ratio is two bad to one good, I'm not doing so well just now, although the good news is *big*.

So, bad news first. Last week I sheared my sheep, during which one particularly large and obstreperous ewe kicked my feet from under me. I fell heavily (on top of her, so there is some justice), twisting my least reliable knee in the process. Despite ice and regular applications of 'Deep Heat', it's still stiff and painful if I try anything more strenuous than a gentle stroll. I went back to my regular walks up the farm with my daypack this morning, but it's obviously too soon for the extra weight and I'll have to rest the knee from strenuous exercise for at least a few more days yet. It also means I won't be able to resume my longer distance walks this weekend at a time when I should be increasing, not decreasing my exercise. I may try swimming as a rather unsatisfactory substitute later this week.

The next bad news is that my joy at discovering I'd only need three injections for the trip was short-lived and mistaken. I arrived at the travel clinic today, expecting to be given the single Hepatitis A/Typhoid jab, only to be told by the nurse that she'd just received news that Hepatitis B is now also a serious risk and I'd need three more jabs for that as well, plus a booster next year. So, Typhoid and Yellow Fever are now on hold until the Hepatitis course is complete in a month's time. Seems it's fortunate I started the medical preparations in good time. It's a nuisance because the clinic is held mid-afternoon, which really takes up a full half-day every time I have to attend. I could combine some of the jabs on the same day, but I'm wary of giving my immune system too much to deal with at one time. I think two or three different vaccines are enough at one sitting.

And now for the good news: I HAVE BOOTS! Yes, a pair of Meindl Borneo Pros, complete with new Sorbothane insoles. I just love Ebay. The boots have been used, but not mistreated. and are very comfortable. The insoles are a real bonus, as I've tried many different compounds but never found anything with enough cushioning under the balls of my feet – I suffer from friction and heat build-up after a few miles with most insoles. The Sorbothane seems to provide enough cushioning to prevent the movement that causes friction, so I'm hoping this is the answer to my prayers. The boots were ridiculously cheap at £33 including postage – the insoles alone cost £15 to buy new. I've saved myself around £100 on this deal and got the best boots available at any price.

So, I now have all the clothing and equipment I need for the trip. The only things left to buy are last minute oddments of medication and toiletries. Oh, and the air fare, of course, but that's another story.

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