The snows of Kilimanjaro were mythologized for western audiences by Ernest Hemingway in the late 1930s with his short story of the same name but the mountain has been a source of mystery and wonder since humans first inhabited the region thousands of years ago.
“I wanted to climb Kilimanjaro since the first time I went to Africa, which was 2003 but didn’t for a bunch of reasons,” said Lola Reid Allin. “It is considered the abode of the gods.”
Allin is, among other things, a pilot, photographer and adventurer with a long list of daring expeditions on her resume. She is scheduled to share the account of her Trek to the Snows of Kilimanjaro and Beyond during a presentation at the main branch of the Guelph Public Library from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 12.
“The main thrust is the climb up Kilimanjaro,” she said. “There was the four of us, our English speaking Canadian guide and the group we picked up in Arusha, Tanzania to take us to Kilimanjaro given that they were much more intimately familiar with the mountain.”
Even the legendary snow made a special appearance not seen for a generation.
“When we did the climb, which was a year ago July, there was more snow on Kilimanjaro than there had been in 20 years,” said Allin. “It was amazing. It makes the pictures at the top really pretty. The snow is beautiful and the sun is rising. It’s gorgeous.”
The snow provided extra beauty but extra danger as well and any potential injuries from a slip or fall could be quickly complicated by altitude sickness and sub-zero temperatures.
Canadian guide John Furneaux of Global Mountain Adventures had summited Kilimanjaro eight times before and made sure they were prepared for the treacherous conditions.
“John brought an oximeter to measure the level of oxygen in our blood,” said Allin. “He brought an extra sleeping bag and battery operated lights for the tent.”
He also brought a hyperbaric or high altitude compression bag.
“So, if you did get altitude sickness or you broke your leg and couldn’t descend right away he had the bag and that in itself brought great peace of mind.” said Allin.
The peak of Kilimanjaro is 5,895 metres above seal level and concerns about altitude sickness were among the reasons Allin and her husband Jeff waited more than 15 years to make the climb.
“The reason I waited so long was everyone we talked to either didn’t make it to the summit or made it to the summit but were very ill,” she said. “So, it was, wow, I get to pay this money and maybe not make it or pay and make it but get sick. Neither of those appealed to me.”
Taking the extra time to prepare paid off.
“Never at any point did I think I might not summit once I got down and prepared for it,” she said.
“We all got to the top without really any problems and then we go on a safari to the Serengeti and then we go to Zanzibar, the Spice Island.”
Allin documented the trek with stunning photos and observations she has posted on her website Travel the World with Lola Reid Allin www.lola-photography.com
All of that and more will be included in her presentation Jan 12 at the GPL.
“I have made a book and I will bring it along,” she said. “I have photos that will be for sale and some note cards.”
When asked in 1953 why he decided to make his historic climb to the peak of Mt. Everest, Sir Edmund Hillary answered simply, “Because it is there.”
It’s a reason Allin can identify with.
“That is exactly what he said,” Allin responded with a chuckle. “That is part of it. I guess I am a bit of an adrenaline junky and it is fun. There are times like the first day we were crossing Baffin Island and I was like oh my god, what am I doing this for? There must be something wrong with me but once you get into the swing of things there is that sense of accomplishment. I really enjoy the challenge.”
