Literally My Highest Ambition
I don’t generally harbor notions of myself as any sort of adventurer. I don’t suppose I’ll ever sail solo around Cape Horn, or kayak on the Futaleufú. I have no interest in BASE jumping from the CN Tower, nor do I desire to climb K2 or Everest, or even Stone Mountain, Georgia.
I am, however, fascinated by Kilimanjaro. This is a mountain that rises over 15,000 feet from the Maasai steppe, practically on the Equator, to a summit of 19,340 feet. An astonishing diversity of flora and fauna is found in the vicinity and along the route to the peak, from open plain to rainforest to a virtual desert to a glacier.
One day I’d love to climb Kilimanjaro. In spite of the fact that it is Africa’s highest mountain, it is also relatively feasible for a mere mortal to make the trek. I’m mortal; that could be me!
In the New York Times Magazine today, Tom Bissell has a fascinating description of his Tanzanian adventure, and in an accompanying multimedia presentation, his route is charted, as are his vital signs. His associated commentary is dissuading, but I will not be deterred. Such is my desire to climb Kilimanjaro–while the Furtwängler Glacier remains, I hope–that I even find myself enjoying Toto’s “Africa” – a weak song by all practical standards.
Filed under: Geography, Popular Music, Travel on October 28th, 2007 | No Comments »