Mont Blanc Correction from Tomb Raider

Hi there!




















Thanks for your congratulating notes :o)
I have to correct myself, because in the first account I gave of our ascent I mistakenly wrote we started at 8:30am on summit day and were back in the Gouter hut at 12:20 - so, for the record: really we reached the summit at 12:20 and got back to the hut 2 hrs later at around 2:30pm. (Making it in 4 hrs would have been waaay too quick!)















I finally uploaded this year's MB pics onto my computer; here are the best!
Do you recognize the odd one out? (That's my ex on his motorcycle tour - in Italy perhaps - w/friends; but it's the t-shirt that's important!)


I don't know you guys had a similar experience, but for me stepping out of the woods back into civilization at 10pm after descending from MB was just so weird. Up there everything felt relevant and simple and obvious. Chamonix was interesting and colorful, but different already and especially back in Budapest I felt out of place... Nature's fantastic. I seriously considered canceling my new teaching position even in the very last moment in favor of a life devoted to the outdoors, and was checking airfares online a minute before I left home for my first teachers' meeting :o)

But of course I didn't say no to teaching at the high school so now I'm up for a new adventure in the next 10 months. If you don't hear from me it's because I'm caught up in a high school's life!

Hugs,
Ooodri

Search for Team Mates - 2009

The Regulars – A Trail Called Hope – IV – Kilimanjaro – 2009

Hey guys I am just about at capacity at the moment although I’m waiting on word from the park system in Tanzania regarding the maximum group size.
But with that being said I’m still looking for team mates for the up coming fourth climb of the Regulars www.myspace.com/10mountains10years .

Although I made a general post on MySpace and then on our blog page I don't believe I will get much respose because many people are simply afraid of the mountains. But with that being said, I have sent this you and only a handful of other people I know who I believe just might be up20for the adventure.

This is your opportunity to help shine a light on the need for cures. This is your chance to help the 30 million people around the world who are suffering with Alzheimer’s Disease and or Parkinson’s Disease.

Although Kilimanjaro is the most straight forward of all the mountains on the 10 Mountains – 10 Years project list. It is still a very tall walk up with one of the highest vertical gain’s from base to summit. The top of Kilimanjaro sits at 19,563 ft.

Kilimanjaro is the highest mountain in Africa, located in Northeast Tanzania, near the Kenya border. Kilimanjaro is an extinct volcano, and is one of the most massive in the world. It towers 15,000 feet above the surrounding arid plains, and 2.5 square miles of its surface are over 18,500 feet. Beneath its ice dome, snow extends down long gullies that have been eroded in the=2 0mountain sides. Kilimanjaro's summit crater, known as Kibo, measures an incredible 1.5 miles across. The highest point on Kibo's steep rim is Uhuru, the highest peak in Africa. Nestled in the center of Kibo is a smaller crater, 600-feet deep in sulfurous ashes.

The sights will be spectacular. Just imagine looking in on direction to see the African plain’s below filled with giraffe, zebra, lion and other exotic animals. Then look in the opposite direction to see the continents highest mountains – Kilimanjaro.

Kilimanjaro is the world's highest free standing, snow-covered equatorial mountain. Now charted and climbed; stories of her resident man-eating spirits are relegated to the realms of folklore. But Mount Kilimanjaro continues to preserve a mysticism that defies all recent knowledge of her slopes.

Images of the towering snow-covered cone rising majestically from fertile green foothills have become a powerful motif of Tanzania's extraordinary extremes. Few could deny a very distinct sense of awe when the cloud clears to reveal a glimpse of the towering peaks, shining bright in the equatorial sun.

A Towering Life Force
Kilimanjaro represents a powerful life force for the local Chagga people and all those who have made their lives around this mountain, providing rich volcanic soils for agriculture and an endless source of pure spring waters.

Climbing Kilimanjaro
One of the most amazing aspects of the mountain in the present day is the accessibility of its peak to climbers with no mountain climbing equipment or real previous experience of scaling such heights.

Kilimanjaro is the highest mountain that regular tourists can climb, although it remains a considerable feat of human endurance! The breathable oxygen at the top is less than half the amount than is common at sea level, and climbers cover at least eighty kilometres on no thing but their own two feet over the five days it takes to reach the top and return.

Preserving the Mountain
The number of climbers has escalated to over a thousand a year during the last century, quite a development since Hans Meyer made history as the first European to scale the highest point of Kilimanjaro in 1889. The increasing numbers each year have made it necessary for the National Park to insist that all climbs are pre-booked, and passes are no longer issued at the last minute at the park gate.

Overall Fitness Required
Although it is possible to simply trek a route to the pinnacle of Kibo without relying on professional climbing equipment, it remains a hard and serious endeavour that requires a level of physical fitness, stamina and a realistic awareness of the potentially damaging effects of high altitudes. Many tour operators request that clients consult a doctor before attempting to scale the mountain, and have a physical check-up for overall fitness.

Phases of the Climb;

First Stage,Tropical Forest
With most of the old lowland forest now cultivated and settled, the first experience of the mountain environment begins with the dense vegetation of tropical montane forest between 1850m and around 2800m. Cloud condensation mainly gathers around the forest, so this area is usually damp or drenched with rainfall, creating an intriguing mass of plant life and running rivers between endemic tree species. The area of heath just beyond the tree line also enjoys a relatively misty and damp environment as cloud clings around the density of trees. This is covered with heather and shrubs such as Erica Arborea and Stoebe Kilimandsharica, and a number of dramatic looking Proteas.

Open Moorland
From around 3,200m a wide expanse of moorland extends beyond the heath and the cloud line, so that here the skies are generally clear, making the sunshine intense during the days and the nights cool and clear. The climbing incline remains gentle, but thinning oxygen provides less fuel to energise the muscles and can dramatically slow the pace of walking. Hard y endemic species of Giant Groundsels (Senecio) and Lobelia (Deckenii) towering up to 4m high thrive in this moorland zone and give the landscape a strangely primeval atmosphere.

Alpine Desert, Sparse Vegetation
Even higher, beyond 4,000m, this sensation intensifies as the landscape develops into a more bizarre alpine desert, with sandy loose earth and intense weather conditions and temperature fluctuations so dramatic that barely any plant species survive other than everlasting flowers, mosses and lichens. Only the odd lichen survives beyond 5000m, after Kibo Huts and beyond the Saddle, where the landscape is predominantly rock and ice fields. Here, climbers experience the final steep push to the summit.

Saddle to Summit
The easterly routes, Marangu, Mweka, Loitokitok and Rongai all converge west of the saddle near Gillmans Point, between the peaks of Mawenzi and Kibo. Kibos crater is roughly circular with an inner cone extending to 5,800m, (100m lower than the summit at Uhuru Peak). At the centre an inner crater with walls between 12 and 20 m high contains another concentric minor cone, the centre of which falls away into the 360m span of the ash pit. This is the 120 meter deep central core of the volcano, and casts sulphurous boiling smoke from its depths despite the frozen, snowy outskirts.

Becoming one of the Regulars is not a flight of fancy and will require you to work hard in more ways than you can imagine.
You will promise yourself and others a number of things by becoming one of the Regulars.

Although a more complete list had been developed into what is called (the Regulars 11 Commandments) quick example of what is expected of each person on the Regulars is:
You will be willing to make many sacrifices.
You must be willing to fund raise.
You must be willing to raise awareness.
You must be willing to pay your own way for all expenses.
You must be willing to share your experiences with others.
You must be willing to promote the need for not one, but BOTH Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s to benefit the Alzheimer’s Association AND Michael J. Fox Foundation – Team Fox.
Although the following is not a requirement it is usually best of your family has been impacted by Alzheimer’s or Parkinson’s so that you have seen the devastation first hand and can tell others through your own experiences with these diseases.

So guys, with all that said if you want to do this let me know as soon as possible.
Only those who are more than interested need reply to this post.
I need people who are 100% serious about pushing themselves through a very successful climbing, awareness and fund raising season in 2009.
Finding these cures is a very emotional, phys ically demanding, and mentally challenging labor of love. In order to be in the saddle, you’ve got to be up for one hell of a ride.

World up,
Enzo
The Regulars
10 Mountains – 10 Years (A Quest for the Cure)

www.myspace.com/10mountains10years

http://10mountains10years.blogspot.com/

http://www.youtube.com/theFotographer

The Different Ones - All Roads Lead To A Cure

Different Ones - All Roads Lead To A CureShare
Today at 8:26am | Edit Note | Delete
My plan: Write this book

The title: The Different Ones - All Roads Lead To A Cure

Dedicated to: My father-in-law, Fernando Colon, who lost his battle to Alzheimer's Disease and those who are fighting these battles and those who love and care for them

2nd. Dedication to: My Mom - "All I Am Or Hope To Be I Owe To My Angel Mother"

My Goal: To summit one day

All proceeds will go to The Alzheimer's Association and the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Disease

My request: To not be forgotten

http:www.myspace.com/10mountains10years


"Together Is One"

How does one decide at 50 years of age to climb a mountain? Why, with absolutely no experience, would I decide this? What roads led me to this decision? What influenced me along the way? Some say my decision was thoughtless. Meaning, I have young children and am putting my life at risk and maybe leaving them motherless. Or, it's my age and I'm just going through a mid-life crisis. That was one of the most over used statements I ever heard. It was even getting old. But none of the above were correct. All roads led me to my decision. I followed this path all my life. Searching for meaning and purpose. Wanting to full fill a need in side to make a difference. Always grabbing at straws and hoping somehow, someone would find me and place me with them in the same capacity as how I was feeling. I never thought it would come in the form of climbing mountains but it did. The plan behind all this is compelling. The man behind the plan is inspiring. His reasons, his vision. It drew me in and I wanted to become part of it. It wasn't a decision I made right away. I knew I could be part of this team no matter what. But to full fill the Trail Called Hope dream meant for me to step outside my comfort zone and just do it. It hit me one day that I wanted this. Even with my own physical limitations I knew I could at least train and try for this. I could never convince you to do this. It is a personal choice. One that comes from deep within. Especially if you never did anything like this before. It's a mind set, a huge goal, and a challenge. I went for it and said yes and thus began my journey.

For one year I placed myself in the boots of a climber and the mind of an adventurer. But my heart was always with the why of the journey. The 10 mountains 10 year project is about drawing awareness and raising funds for Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease. Both of which have affected my family and my friends. The caregiver in me has become the advocate. The advocate has become altruistic. The desire grows each passing day upon each waking moment. The training becomes intense and the body hurts. But you persist no matter how you feel. My children come into play. They see how hard I am working and I tell them to understand more why I am doing this. To look at me and be proud of me. To support me so I can secure a better future for them free from diseases. To help in this search for cures and be able to say I played a part in it has become my reality and my goal in life. My commitment to everyone I've befriended along the way as well as those already in my life.

I have always believed your destiny eventually finds you. God has already mapped out mine. The strength that grows each day, which I believe with all of my heart comes from my mother, are my reasons for continuing on. It doesn't stop after one mountain. It pushes you to the next one. You remain on the same roads that led you here. You grow closer inside to the reasons you are doing this. Before you know it you are the reason. You begin to convince others of the intensity and probabilities of this project. You see it is not all about the mountain. You draw people in not only with your voice but with your desire to create a better way. A better way for there children, there grandchildren, themselves, there parents.

I have a voice. A voice that I want heard. Whether it be in the form of a short speech, an interview, a newspaper article, a book; I am ready to be heard. I am ready……….

Once again my training will begin. My mindset will shift. My children will come into play. My life will be forever changed.
My story continues. Or should I say another chapter will be written. I cannot predict the future. I cannot say if I will ever summit a mountain. But the one thing I believe more than anything is that cures will be found. The more voices that are heard and the more that climb on board in some capacity, brings us that much closer to what we all want. And that is cures.

I believe in Enzo's project. I believe in Enzo and our team. I believe in "Together is One". There isn't anything in this life that isn't achievable. Strength within pulls you up and makes things happen. Focusing on your strength is important, even on days when you feel you have none. Being there for someone that needs you more then your own needs. Placing yourself behind them so you can catch them if they fall. It's all about the abundance of love in your heart. It can be your reason. Whatever you decide, always be mindful of those around you. There are chances they could become affected somehow by a disease. Remember your reasons. Always keep moving forward with the plan. Never loose sight of doing something good. It is what will make the difference in someone's life.

We can all make a difference and shout from a mountain top, up at a podium, out a window. I write because I am inspired. Inspired by the many out there who struggle with these diseases. The many who care for them. I hope you read this and become inspired too.

Like Enzo says, "There should be no stone left unturned". Help those who cannot help themselves. Bring hope to those who feel all hope is lost. One voice, a thousand voices. Make it happen.

Strong Feather aka Eileen


Currently listening :
Who We Are
By Lifehouse
Release date: 2007-06-19

A Trail Called Hope - III - Enzo's video clips

Hey guys, How long has it really been since you've heard from me, I mean really? A long time huh? There's no one more sorry then me. But, guess what? I'm pulling the wings up again. I know a lot of you have been asking for a Mount Hood update, which Eileen has probably filled you in on. I'm sure she has some good stuff for you in her blogs. For now, I have a new video for you, which I shot on my home camera. Mostly footage and photos from "the Regulars" A Trail Called Hope - III - Mount Hood (July 2008). I also have a few photos taken at the Parkinson's Unity Walk - NYC 2008. I've set it to a song called "Storm" from Lifehouse. I hope you like it. Just in case you can't see the video here in the blog you can also find it and others on my YouTube page. Here is the link: http://www.youtube.com/theFotographer A quick summary for you is...the Regulars have officially checked off another mountain as a success!!!!!!!! For me though, personally the entire time spent out in Portland was not physically hard, but rather an emotional and mental battle. There was dark weather, lightning, thunder, and high winds. There was pleanty internal termoil and drama, which is not may favorite thing to deal with. There was this side, and there was that side, and I'm learning that controlling a team is not always easy. Also, my brother Dan and nephew Tyler (who had made this their first mountain climb) had to leave early, because there was a medical emergency in the family back in New York. Ultimately that emergency lead to a relative passing away. So much went wrong that sometimes it hurts just to look back at it. But, it was just that which has helped me begin to pull my wings back up a few days ago. Although I had been avoiding it, I finally picked up my camera and started looking through the video clips, and there was so much sparkle and life inbetween all the heavy moments that I missed while I was out there. So, now has begun a time to reflect on all the mis-steps and all the giant leaps we made on Mount Hood. Now I can start to learn from it all. Now I can move ahead with my team with all engines at full throttle heading for Mount Kilimanjaro (Africa) in 2009. To my team...well done! To all of you who have made donations toward research through our donation links for the Alzheimer's Association & the Michael J. Fox Foundation - Team Fox pages...I am honored to have had your support. For all those who have never made a donation, it's not too late. Remember that funding is the life blood of all research. Nothing can be done without it. To Kilimanjaro, we've got our eyes set on you. The clock is ticking and we're on our way. Another one down...World up! Enzo

Tomb Raider on Mont Blanc

Ciao guys,

Just to let you all know…our team mate Tomb Raider was on Mont Blanc this morning.
I got a message on my answering machine which I didn’t check until later, but when I did it was such a surprise.

It was all chopped up sounding with wind blowing in the background, and a really breathy panting voice saying – “Hey Enzo, this is Tomb Raiser guess where I’m calling you from. I’m at the white lady today. Can you hear me???? This is Tomb Raider calling from the top of Mont Blanc!”

How fantastic is that????????!! !!!!!!!
I don’t know who she was climbing with…maybe Brett was with her, because I know he went to visit her in Hungary the other week. I’m sure she (or he) will fill us all in when she gets home to Budapest.

The most amazing thing about this is persistence.
When we were all there as a team to climb Mont Blanc she was the only one who never made it out of the valley onto the mountain because she hurt her back on the way in. In actuality no one made it to the summit that year at all. At the time she also had a load of rock climbing experience but no mountaineering real experience. This past winter she stepped up her game and learned as much about mountaineering as possible, and this morning she is now the first person on our team to climb to the top of Mont Blanc!

It reminds me in a way of Eric and his trip to Kilimanjaro a few weeks ago. If he was feeling anything like me (flying home from Mount Hood) he was probably a little down over not personally making it to the top of Mount Hood in July. It’s really such a bad feeling. It’s like having a stone in the pit of your stomach because you had just invested so much time, money and effort to go to this place and climb it only to held off for reasons which are in many cases beyond your control. But getting back to Eric he went on to Africa to climb Kilimanjaro. He pushed his way through the altitude, through feeling sick along the way and on to the summit of Kilimanjaro – the highest mountain in continental Africa. The photo he had taken on the summit showed a small yellow flag just to the right of his knee which read…Persist.

That basically sums it all up for us.
It sums it all up for research and science too.
It’s the backbone of why our project is20the epic it is.

We (the Regulars) will all persist in our efforts to reach our goals, to reach these summits, to raise awareness and to raise the funds the world needs for research. All because we believe that we will in some large or small way play a part in conquering Alzheimer’s Disease & Parkinson’s Disease.

With that being said……….Hell yeah! Great job Eric!
&
Great job Adrienn (AKA Tomb Raider) and Brett too if you were there!


World up,
Enzo

PS – Sorry Adrienn, I was kicking myself in the ass for not being awake to get the call!

PPS – I went to Tomb Raiders myspace page this morning after I got the call and saw she posted a video from a band called Sigur Ros. They are from Iceland so you won’t understand what they’re saying….but you can read into it any way you like. Some of you might remember this band from the Regulars (Ecuador) video I made. The song on the video she had posted is different but I want you to check it out.
In the typical very deep and emotional sounding style they play the music really pulls your heart strings and will make you just as happy as you can be sad in watching the video.
What I liked the most about the video on Adrienn’s page was this thought… It reminded me of a very young team of us (the Regulars) as kids. The world stretched out before us and we’re marching around, dreaming big, climbing our mountains and then in the end learning that if you just “believe” in yourselves, then anything is possible.

It was deep.
I was moved.

You can see the video on her myspace page or click this link:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=doc1eqstMQQ



Another one down...world up!