Fund-raising
Elbrus expedition diary - Day 2!
Tuesday, 31 July:
Here's it is!
The 1st pic, sent this afternoon, from the 1st for Women climbing team on Mount Elbrus using the BGan satellite communications system. Hooray and Mexican waves because at least the system is handling email even though it's currently unable to make any voice calls, although the team can receive voice calls. This was just a test pic, better ones to follow!
Anyway after several days of travelling they arrived at their 1st base, Terskol, late last night and finally got a taste of the Caucasus today. From now until Friday the focus will be on acclimatisation treks which will help them get used to the reducing oxygen levels in the air as they gain altitude. The principle of acclimatisation is simple: climb high and then descend to base to rest. The next day climb higher than the previous day and then return again to rest at base - and so on.
Today the trek up to 2561m altitude, in 32degC sunshine, had them gasping for air with muscles sending loud messages to the brain for more oxygen ...now!
Deshun commented on how incredibly civilised this expedition seems to be compared to her previous Elbrus experience in 2002. They staying in a Terskol hotel until tomorrow when they'll move to a guest house at a higher altitude. The food has been really good, the showers hot and everyone's very friendly and helpful. At 1800 (Caucasus time) when we spoke she said the clouds were gathering and it was cooling down fast but sundown is only around 2000.
Besides relocating, tomorrow will see the team trekking from Terskol (roughly 2100m altitude) up to 2800m before descending slightly to the overnight rest.
Although the weather was really good today they will constantly be looking out for the slightest sign of possible bad weather. In 2002 Deshun was forced off Elbrus by particularly severe storms which lasted for several days until, eventually, she had no option but to abandon the expedition because her visa was about to expire. On Elbrus it's the weather that decides if and when you summit but it is not possible to hang around on the mountain indefinitely in the hopes that the weather may clear. This 2007 expedition allows for 3 possible summit days and all fingers are crossed for the climbers to summit in great weather and to return safely to base.
This stunning satellite image shows Mount Elbrus with its 22 glaciers that feed the major rivers in the region. Sadly, due to global warming, accelerated melting of the ice has increased the size of lakes by 600% since the 1950's and now presents a significant flood threat to the area. Little or no research is available from the Cold War years so scientists are now working hard to measure the rate at which these glaciers are retreating. Some of that research is in the very beautiful Adylsu valley (in the southern Caucasus mountains) and it is there that, starting today, our 1st for Women climbers will spend 3 days training and acclimatising to the higher altitudes.
Keep reading the blogs because there'll be expedition news (and, hopefully, pics) every day and you can also help the 1st for Women climbing team up the mountain by posting your comments. We'd love to hear from you.
And then it's only the Mountain - and you
Posted by Jan Horn - Kathmandu, Nepal - Wed, 04/18/2007 - 08:51.
Base Camp trekking is an exercise in mental and spiritual evolution.
You start in Kathmandu with its riot of colours, smells and sounds. An exotic assault on the senses.
Then you trek through the early stages of beautiful tumbling landscapes, snow tipped mountains and rushing rivers.
Slowly the environment changes until finally, at Base Camp Mount Everest, everything is devoid of sensory input. A landscape in monochrome grey, black and white. No sound. No smell. No taste.
In the absence of sensory input you turn inward to your inner core; yourself. And then it is only the Mountain and you. And so it should be.
Yes!!! We can too!
In electing Barack Obama US president the majority of voters, it seems, judged the man not by the colour of his skin but by the content of his character - part of Martin Luther King, Jnr's dream expressed in his evocative, timeless 1964 speech. Despite some mud slinging both Obama and McCain have, today, been lauded for their dignity and grace and this took me back to just a decade ago when South Africa was still celebrating a dream. A chance at democracy, guided by the extraordinary grace, dignity and humility of Nelson Mandela.
He taught us to look for the similarities in each other, not for the differences. He said "if you want to make peace with your enemy, you have to work with him. Then he becomes your partner." Today Barack Obama said "I will listen to you, especially when we disagree".
Perhaps some South African leaders will have heard those words and will step back from the slippery slope leading to that place where only differences are highlighted, where adversaries are labelled treacherous and where ego and self-promotion replace dignity, grace and humility.
Best photo's ever! Not for the fainthearted!
Many people think Deshun must be mad to climb mountains but, compared to this guy, it seems she's perfectly sane!
The pictures were taken at the Grand Canyon by Hans van de Vorst of Netherlands and the captions are his. The identity of the guy in the photos is unknown.
I was simply stunned seeing this guy standing on this rock in the Grand Canyon.
The canyon's depth is 900 meters here. The rock on the right is a perfectly safe vantage point so why didn't he just take his photo from there?
After the sun set behind the canyon he packed his camera and tripod and, holding them under his left arm, prepared to jump.
The point of no return...
The canyon's depth is 900 meters (3,000 feet) here and he's going to land in his thong sandals!
Also the rock on the right is higher so he had to land on the side and grab the rock....with one hand!
As he landed both his right hand and right foot starting slipping.....
He managed to push his body against the rock, waited for a few seconds, threw his stuff up on to the rock, climbed up and walked away....presumably to change his shorts.
I know I had to change mine and I was just watching!!
Less than 6 degrees between me and.....everyone else!
I've always been fascinated by the "six degrees of separation" theory (that anyone on the planet can be connected to any other person on the planet through a chain of no more than five intermediaries).
Microsoft recently analysed 30 billion electronic messages and their finding was 6,6deg of separation. Close enough.
Trekking to Everest base camp in 2003, Deshun met an Australian solo trekker, Kirsty. They became friendly and trekked together as far as Base Camp where they parted company, Kirsty to trek back down to Kathmandu and Deshun to prepare for the Everest climb. About 2 years later Deshun addressed a TGIF group at Seattle Coffee in Hyde Park and after her talk a woman came up to her and said "hello, stranger!".
Yup, Kirsty was passing through Jo'burg on her way to the Displaced Peoples camps in Northern Uganda (another time I'll tell you more about this incredible woman and her amazing work in Africa) and had been invited to TGIF by a friend who'd said a female mountaineer would be speaking and he thought Kirsty would find it interesting.
This morning I was searching Facebook for a distant business connection and there, right above his name, was a listing for a Blast from my Past! So what, I hear you say, you're supposed to find people on Facebook. But then, you see, that 6 deg thing kicked in again and I saw that the BFMP shares some "friends" with Deshun!
Deshun to attend Laureus World Sport Awards in St Petersburg!
"I can't believe it! This is incredible and another of my dreams come true!"
Fare thee well, Edmund Hillary
It was a documentary on the 1953 summit of Everest by Edmund Hillary
and Sherpa Tenzing Norgay that so captivated Deshun, then aged 9. From that day she dreamed of one day becoming a mountaineer and following in his footsteps.
And so it is perhaps fitting that Deshun was on the highest mountain in Africa, and preparing to summit the 2nd mountain in her quest to climb the highest peak on each of the 7 continents, when it became known on Thursday that Sir Edmund Hillary had died, aged 88.
Although he continued his adventurous pursuits (he went on to be the 1st man to have been to the top of Everest and both the North and South Poles) he dedicated much of his life's work to the Sherpa people of Nepal. Appalled at the lack of basic facilities in the Himalayas he founded the Himalayan Trust building many schools, medical facilities, etc, in the remote mountain areas populated by Sherpa people. The work of the trust continues as they strive to improve the lives of the Sherpa for whom he had such great regard.
No doubt that 1st summit of Everest gave many a child hope that their dreams could come true and that is, perhaps, the greatest legacy left by those 2 courageous and determined men.
Edmund Hillary on Pumori, surveying Everest for a possible route to the summit
Kilimanjaro diary - day 3
(Stock pics of Kili glacier, heading for the summit, view from 5895m)
Mission Control: Thursday was a very welcome rest day for the members of the 1st for Women Kilimanjaro adventure - well, except for a "little" 2-3hr hike up to 4200 altitude and back down to camp. The principle of acclimatisation is "climb high, sleep low" which means one should always overnight at a slightly lower altitude than the highest point reached during the day.
Besides the hike they spent most of the day relaxing around Camp 2 and thinking about Friday night when they'll leave camp 3 at around 2300 and start the long haul up to the summit. At 3900 vertical metres above sea level everyone is now feeling the affects of the altitude - breathlessness, perhaps a headache or difficulty sleeping, nausea or (as in Jan's case) loss of appetite
Allie: "A relatively relaxed day to recharge our batteries. We did an acclimatisation hike up to the top of a hill and then back to camp. Air thin! Even small actions require big effort!"
Andy: "Nice relaxed day with the hike to 4200m. The next 48hrs will be the most challenging so I'd better be thinking positively. Need your prayers!"
Bonnita: "Today was all good. 2,5hr acclimatisation walk was all that was required of us. Am thinking of the big night with some trepidation. Support and prayers will be welcome."
Derek: "After the acclimatisation hike we got back to camp in time for lunch. I'm looking forward to tomorrow's climb to Kibo hut."
Hannes: "In the next 36hrs we'll do another 2000 vertical metres. To reach the top we're going to have to conquer our fears, the altitude, the cold and our minds. With faith that the Lord will guide us we'll be able to climb high."
Jan: "I woke up this morning to find my appetite had completely disappeared. Sat at the lunch table trying forcing myself to each curried potatoes. Finally got the satellite email facility working so can now send pics back to SA." [these would be the emails that got lost in cyberspace. Lynn].
Kedi: "Spent the day recharging batteries. The acclimatisation walk was a breeze and I felt really good reaching 4200m and still full of vooma!"
Thami: "Today's acclimatisation was to get our bodies used to 4200m altitude. We leave for the summit at 2300 Friday night - will be interesting to do a night climb. Wish we could update via Metro as planned by satellite signal hasn't been great. I'm thinking of the "O' team - I have the January issue with me to keep me going!"
Deshun: "Good day relaxing around camp. Spending a rest day also helps with acclimatisation. Burps and farts have gained impetus and some people have overcome their initial shyness and let the good time roll down below. Apologies, everyone, but this is typical 'expedition speak'.
Tomorrow [Friday] we'll leave camp at about 0830 and head for Kibo hut at 4750m. Hope to be there by lunchtime and then we'll rest until 2300 when we'll start the push to the summit. If all goes well we should reach the summit by 0900 on Saturday morning.
Although our present goal is to reach the summit it's important to remember that an expedition is a success only when you get back down again! Having done the 8-10hr climb to the summit, we will still have to walk for another 7hrs on the descent to Marangu hut where we'll spend Saturday night. It's extremely important not to use up all your energy on the climb to the top because that's only half the challenge for the day! .jpg)
Because summit day for the climber is between 15-18hrs the time spent actually on the summit is surprisingly short, 20-30mins at the most. After the excitement and some photos one, literally, has to regroup, refocus and convince that exhausted, oxygen starved body and that whirling mind to begin the long descent which is just as arduous and tiring as the trip up.
Thank you all for your support and prayers and encouraging comments posted on our website - it's wonderful knowing that you're lending us your strength. The team decided to dedicate this expedition to all Africans who experience suffering, be it war, hunger, sickness, poverty, etc - and we will come together on the summit in their honour and to pray for an end to their suffering. We hope that you will join us so that the power of our collective may bring about a change in their lives.
Kilimanjaro diary - climbing day 2
Pic: camp at end of climbing day 2 and you're already looking down on the clouds!
Mission Control: Wednesday was their 2nd day on the mountain and the 7hr climb took the team to "Third Cave" at 3800 m altitude where they were to camp for the night. They ascended steadily throughout the morning until they reached "Second Cave" (3450m altitude) where they stopped for lunch and from where there are spectacular views of Kibo, ice fields on the crater rim and the, seemingly endless, Kenyan plains.
The Rongai route ascents Kilimanjaro from the northeastern side of the mountain, along the border between Tanzania and Kenya. This route retains a sense of unspoilt wilderness and offers a different perspective on Kilimanjaro by approaching it from the north.
The day was fairly challenging for our intrepid climbers who reflected on it after dinner
Allie: "Tough, long day with what seemed like endless uphill - but we made it! Great help from heart rate monitor. So glad I got one. Right now sleeping bag and bed sounds really good......"
Andy: "Challenging day but I made it through! As the journey progresses the changes in terrain, weather, etc test one physically and it requires lots of determination to continue but I don't regret the challenge at all. Boo Bear, I miss you!"
Bonnita: "Helluva day! 7hrs of walking uphill! 1000m increase in altitude! At one stage I thought I was going to conk out. Thanks to Deshun and Hannes for wonderful support and encouragement. Looking forward to the rest day tomorrow."
Derek: "Tougher 2nd day. Climbed 1000m vertical metres in 7hrs and are now at 3900m Started feeling nauseous after lunch but, with great care from Allie, Hannes and Nurse Deshun, we got to camp in 1 piece. Feeling good now and had a good supper. To Darryl on his 24th birthday tomorrow, happy birthday, son!"
Hannes: "Not quite Tietiesbaai, but at about 4000 tonight we're having a ball! Hakuna ma-aikhona matata for some. Food devoured by all and Thami had a monster meal. Kedi going like a boeing and find her mountain feet. Air from inside giving vooma! to all."
Jan: "Choices in songs we sing range over an amazing 40yrs [from the youngest to the eldest members] in the team. At the sound of Jim Reeves' "He'll have to go" Deshun took off like a rocket and tried to skewer me with her walking stick. Can't think why. Anyway I've decided to shut up and stick the boeremusiek and Phuse Khemize maskanda on my iPod."
Kedi: "Today reminded me of the attributes of a successful team. What a team this is! The strong were there for the weak and we kept each other focussed on the goal - reaching camp."
Thami: "Amalanga awafani. You never know how your body will react from one moment to the next. Woke up today feeling really sick but by lunchtime I'd found my walking groove. 'Pole pole, hakuna matata' as the locals say. I thought of all my loved ones and counted my blessings."
Deshun: A long day. Quite hard for some but, all in all, everyone did very well. Of course everyone's in high spirits now that we're in camp for the night and tomorrow's a rest day!
Kilimanjaro expedition diary - 1st climbing day
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This classic shot of Kilima 'njaro (Swahili for "white mountain") and the
surrounding plains may tempt some to think that it doesn't look like much of a challenge.
Although it's not a technical climb, like all mountains it presents unique challenges. In addition the summit is at 5895m altitude (Johannesburg is only 1753m altitude) and to overcome the prevailing conditions at high altitudes requires great courage, strength, tenacity and determination. The only way for the climber to successfully address the challenges is to approach the mountain with humility, climb (perhaps to the summit) and then descend again - usually forever changed by the experience.
Mission Control: Satellite reception has been a bit sketchy so no pics from Kili yet. In the meantime I've included a couple of stock pics for your viewing pleasure!
On Tuesday morning the group packed all the clothing and gear they'd need on the mountain and set off following their lead guide, Augustine, on the 4hr uphill trail to Camp 1 which was to be their destination for the day. Everyone was in very good spirits and maintained the slow, steady pace to Camp 1 situated at 2670m altitude. The day started out fairly warm but the temperature dropped steadily as cloud closed in and the wind picked up. At around 10pm, calling SA from Camp 1 via the bGan satellite communications system, Deshun estimated the temperature to be around -2degC.
She reports that everyone enjoyed the evening meal, which is served in the mess tent and that the food is good - tasty, plentiful and the perfect fuel for bodies climbing a mountain. Messages from Kili at the end of climbing Day 1 are
Allie: "So good to be back - and with an entirely different mindset! At last we could use the fabulous gear that formed part of our prizes. Our leaders and guides are superb and I'm truly thankful for the chance to reverse a previous negative experience on Kili."
Andy: "Had heel pain at the start of the trail but carried on. With prayer and support we figured out the source of the discomfort. The 2hrs of contemplating "failure" has really spurred me on."
Bonnita: "Great 1st day! I'm pleased that I was able to maintain the slow, steady pace for the 4hr hike to Camp 1. We had a good evening meal, great conversation. After all the months of waiting suddenly here we are and I'm climbing Kilimanjaro!
Derek: "Excited at the challenge but also feel slight trepidation. Have to overcome fear of failure. The team is great, leadership is superb and the organisation fantastic.".jpg)
Hannes: "What can I say? Awesome! At almost 2700m altitude we're not even half way but it's up there for all of us to see. Hakuna matata."
Jan: "10 years on and I'm back on Kili! The scenery, and particularly the rain forest, is even more spectacular than I remembered. The team jelled from the start and we're continuously swopping jokes, singing while we walk, setting the world to rights and, generally, just being happy to be a great group of South Africans climbing Kilimanjaro."
Kedi: "After the anxiety, uncertainty and intimidation I felt at the sight of Kilimanjaro I am very proud of how I managed to get through the trail today without much trouble."
Thami: "Last night at the lodge Deshun gave us Kilimanjaro orientation. Even though she also covered worst case scenarios it was by no means enough to dampen our spirits and, besides, it's too late to turn back. Great day today."
Deshun: "Very good day. We maintained a perfect slow, steady pace and everyone did very well. Everyone happy and smiling - sang songs, worked on a medley and generally just enjoyed the mountain. So far I'm really happy with the team members - all seem to be in good physical and mental space."
Please post your comments - they're a great inspiration to the team
and keep visiting this site for daily blogs on the 1st for Woman/Deshun Deysel Kilimanjaro expedition
Kilimanjaro expedition diary (Part 1)
"Kili" adventurers: (l-r) Hannes, Bonnita, Kedi, Jan, Andy, Allie, Derek, Thami, Deshun
"Mission Control": The 2nd expedition of Deshun's "7 Summits" program kicked off in fine style on Sunday when the group met for a special "pre-Kili" dinner at the gorgeous Mi Casa Su Casa guesthouse in Melville.
The wonderful folk at 1st for Women are sponsoring the entire expedition and, this time, Deshun and Jan are being accompanied by the 3 winners of the "O" magazine and 1st for Women competitions, Thami (editor of "O") and 2 members of the 1st for Women organisation.
Dinner was accompanied by much excitement and laughter and each group member shared their own reasons for wanting to stand on the highest point on the African continent:
Allie - competition winner, Mom, wife, student
"I'm very fortunate to get a 2nd chance at getting to the top of that beautiful mountain. Plus it's a goal that got me off my butt and fit for the expedition!"Andy (competition winner, Mom, businesswoman)
"I've long had a dream to climb a mountain and it's happening now as I'm entering a new phase in my life. The experience will afford me the opportunity to be in touch with myself and my life, etc"Bonnita (competition winner, 40yr old working mother of 3 boys)
"I have a once in a lifetime opportunity to experience the thrill of an adventure like this! It's definitely the start of a new and exciting phase in my life. Here's to many more!!"Derek (husband of Allie, father of 3, stepfather of 5, businessman)
"My priority is to support Allie in her quest to summit Kili. Then I have my personal goals - to reach the summit and to enjoy this experience with a superb team and leader."Hannes (1st for Women representative)
" 'Pole pole' [Swahili for 'slowly, slowly'] is the way for Kilimanjaro and may also be the way for life"Kedi (1st for Women representative)
"I'm looking forward to a spiritual journey in which I will connect with my creator - a realisation that there is a God who is in control of our being. It's not so much about me but about my purpose in this universe. A connection with what God created."Thami (editor of "O")
As editor of O, the Oprah Magazine, Thami believes in "living your best life", exploring the unexplored, fulfilling your hearts' greatest desires and doing all the things you wished you could do but doubted you ever could. "For me, climbing Kili is about 'sucking the marrow out of life' and learning to live life one day at a time - one step at a time"Jan (cameraman and documentary maker)
"It's an honour to be returning to Kilimanjaro and, as one of Deshun's 7 Summits, this expedition has special significance. I'm looking forward to the adventure and to the moment when we stand on the highest point of this great continent."Deshun (businesswoman, mountaineer, high altitude synergist)
"I'm so grateful to our sponsor, 1st for Women Insurance Brokers, for the opportunity to climb Kilimanjaro. The group decided to dedicate this adventure to all the peoples of Africa and particularly those affected by conflict, poverty, hunger, drought, sickness. With such a powerful purpose how can one not be inspired to reach the summit!"
On Monday morning the group gathered at OR Tambo airport where, sporting their 1st for Women pink and huge smiles, they boarded the plane for Kilimanjaro.
After landing in Tanzania they were driven to the overnight lodge from where they would begin the climb on Tuesday morning. The next 5 days follow the scenic (and less crowded) Rongai route to the top of Kilimanjaro and this diary will record their progress and share their thoughts and experiences - your very own virtual Kilimanjaro adventure!
"Bon voyage!" (l-r) Allie, Bonnita, Thami, Kedi, Andy, Hannes, Deshun, Jan - pretty in pink at OR Tambo airport on the way to Kilimanjaro
Leadership Lessons from Everest
Over the 12 years that I've been addressing audiences about the similarities between their daily experiences and climbing Mt. Everest, a consistent theme has run all along the responses I get afterwards. The issue of leadership. I've discovered that leadership, and the fundamentals of leadership, remain the same no matter what one's station in life. So, this blog is to give some insight into how leadership on Everest is the same as in your organisation. Let's start with the often overlooked people who are a crucial part of the expedition. Without their ability, most expeditions wouldn't even get started. This layer of the leadership dynamic do the schleppy work, but never get given a second thought. Who are they? The porters and yak herders. Common characteristics * 5ft tall * physically tough * hard physical workers for very long hours * semi-skilled * semi- literate * head down and get the job done * no veto power * minimum pay level In spite of their size, they often carry up to 60kg on their backs! These guys (and girls) make sure that the tons of gear that expeditions need, get to Base Camp. They understand intrinsically both what their role in the expedition is, and what the benefits of their labour are. They understand that their position is both sorely needed, but that so many others are looking to replace them at the drop of a hat. It would be a mistake if these guys are treated with an inhumane attitude. They may finish the job, but to a questionable standard. It is their right to be acknowledged as key players and appreciated as such. Have a look around your organisation and reflect on how it would function (or not) without the porters and yak herders. Can you identify them? Try to take them out of the equation and see what happens. Many organisations have crumbled (mostly through union activiy) by undermining the crucial role these people play.
Deshun is gsport's first ever Cover Girl!
Kass Naidoo's vibrant gsport .....for Girls! features Deshun as the gSTAR and first ever Cover Girl in the September 2007 e-dition.
Launched in 2006 by Kass and her husband, Ryk Meiring, gsport 's aim is to "significantly raise the profile of South African women in sport to encourage Corporate South Africa to back our female athletes".
After a stunning makeover by Clinique, Sandton, Deshun was ready to face the gsport cameras. Visit gsport for this and other fascinating articles on stellar South African women.
