- GLOBE Journal -
Last Updated
10/14/09 4:00 PM est
Follow Orbie to view the Amazing Celebration that took place at the Park Gate when the GLOBE Xpedition came down off the mountain as well as Video of the Glaciers of Kilimanjaro
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Click on the Image Above to view Amazing Panoramic Photos of Kilimanjaro
Follow the disguised Orbie to view Dr. Kenji Narita's Photo collection of plants on Mt. Kilimanjaro
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Below is our Journal, to be updated every day while on location in Africa. We have added pictures and detailed maps to help tell the story of what we will witness on this amazing journey.Please join us as we explore the beauty of Africa as we explore the town of Arusha in the foothills of the largest freestanding mountain in the world, and then grab your pack as you head off with us to summit the tallest mountain in Africa, one of the 7 Summits of the World, Mt. Kilimanjaro.
Below is a menu bar that will allow you to jump from day to day and from place to place. There are also some internal links that help provide a little more detail if needed.
When you come down off the Mountain, don't forget to take part in the Virtual Safari or learn more about the Science of the Xpedition.
Follow the Xpedition on Google Earth
( Click the Image above to Download and Install Google Earth )
The GLOBE Project is excited to invite all students and teachers to take part the Xpedition to the Roof of Africa.
Our Team of Students, Educators and Scientist will travel to Tanzania, Africa to climb the largest freestanding mountain in the world to gather environmental data within the distinct biomes of Mt. Kilimanjaro
Along the way we hope to use GLOBE Land cover protocols to better identify the six unique biomes and the presence of invasive plant species will be documented using the Invasive Plant Species Protocol developed by the GLOBE Seasons and Biomes Project.
Finally, the students will attempt to identify the larvae of Anopheles mosquitoes, which can transmit malaria, on the foothills of Mt. Kilimanjaro and describe the environmental conditions in which they are found using the GLOBE Seasons and Biomes Project African Mosquito Larvae Protocol.
This GLOBE Seasons and Biomes Project endeavor will contribute scientific measurements to compare with previous research and serve as a comparative baseline for future study areas to examine the effects of climate change that threaten the entire ecosystem of this World Natural Heritage Site.
BASE CAMP
- Arusha, Tanzania -
@ 850 metersEveryone arrived safely to Base Camp at the Lush Garden Hotel in Arusha, Tanzania, I wish I could say the same for most of our luggage. There were several bags that didn’t arrive on our flights but we are not going to let that take away from how beautiful Tanzania is. We truly have an international team with 1 member from Kenya, 3 from Japan, 3 from the United States, 3 from Tanzania and 5 from South Africa.
Today the Xpedition Team Members went on a Team building training hike to the foothills of Mount Meru. The hike took about 5 hours starting out moving through farms cut out of the side of the mountain and ending up at a beautiful waterfall that was at least 200 feet tall.
Everyone is doing well, looking forward to our rest day and Xpedition briefing tomorrow. You can feel the excitement in the air around Base Camp about starting our 9 day climb to reach the roof of Africa.
( Foothills of Mount Meru, Tanzania
GLOBE Xpedition Students on a training hike )
( A group of interested followers on Mount Meru )
Next update will be from the base of the tallest free standing mountain on Earth, Kilimanjaro !!!!
Questions
From - Enver Djokovic, I.S. 123 in the Bronx, NY
How does it feel to travel to a different place? This is the first time I have traveled outside of my home country of South Africa. I am very excited to learn more about the world, different cultures and the people that live there. I think it will only make me a better person to experience what life is like in Tanzania.. Sihle / Xpedion Member
From - Hanna, Sonoran Science Academy Elementary School, Tucson, AZ
Do you think the mountain will be hard to climb? After the training hike today on Mout Meru, I think Kilimanjaro will be very difficult. I am not looking foraward to the snow and cold weather but the view should make up for that.
Macaila / Student Xpedition Member
From - Colin, Sonoran Science Academy Elementary School, Tucson, AZ;
Are you a teenager? Do you have a family? Yes, I’m 14 years old and live in Mossel Bay, South Africa and I have three brothers. I want to take this opportunity to say hello to Siphiwo, Loyise, Philani and mom and Dad back home!!!!
Ntombikayise / Student Xpedition Member
( Xpedition Team Members visit a Maasi Village on the foothills of Mount Meru )
From - Rebecca Ramos, I.S. 123 in the Bronx, NY; Are you scared?
I’m not too worried about the climb or the cold weather. We are going to be taking our time and we are all well prepared with our clothes for the cold weather.
Emily / Student Xpedition Member
From - Elsie Collier Elementary;
What types of past experiences do team members have that will help them on this expedition?I workout with a fitness group in my hometown of George¸ South Africa on a regular basis so I think that will take care of me physically. On the academic side I participated in the 2008 GLOBE, GLOBE Learning Expedition in Cape Town, South Africa as well as an Environmental Health Conference in Brisbane, Australia and I feel that by participating in both of those events I will be prepared me for this scientific endeavor.
Grant / Xpedition Student Member
( Xpedition Team Members following a river
towards a waterfall in the foothills of Mount Meru )
From - Maria Hernandez, I.S. 123 in the Bronx, NY (802)
Are you worried about snakes or any other types of animals on this trip? We were told that there are not many snakes on the mountain so we should be ok there. I am hoping to see some elephants and monkeys on this trip, that would be cool. Sihle / Xpedition Student Team Member
From - RJ, Sonoran Science Academy Elementary School, Tucson, AZ;
I am interested in what you think you’ll see once you get to the top? I am looking forward to seeing snow for the first time in my life and being able to look out over Tanzania. I am also excited about being able to see the Glaciers of Kilimanjaro with my own eyes before they are gone.
Grant / Xpedition Student Member
( The Xpedition Team on a training hike in the foothills of Mount Meru.
front row; Rogeline, Macaila, Rogert, Frank, Julius, Ntombikayise, Mike
second row; Edward, Joseph, Sihle, Mwasapi, Angel, Mandy, Grant )
From - Saul Velasquez, I.S. 123 in the Bronx, NY:
What time is it over there?
Tanzania is on the other side of the prime meridian and 6 hours ahead of you in New York. For instance, we should reach the Summit @9:00 in the morning on October, 1st, that will be 2:00 in the morning on the east coast of the U.S. (Don’t worry, we will make sure not to call you from the summit) Mike / Xpedition Leader
- Park Gate to Forest Camp -
@ 914 to 2,438 meters
Cultivated Land to Rain Forest
Everyone made it to the first camp ok. The Xpedition is off to a good start. Most of the day was spent getting our gear together, loading it onto the bus. Then we had a long bus ride to the park gate. After what seemed like a very long time, while our guides paid the park fees, and registered us, we were finally cleared to enter the Kilimanjaro National Park.
( The Xpedition team at the Kilimanjaro Park Gate )
( Team with GLOBE flag, which we will display at the summit! )
Spirits are high, excitement is building. Look at the map below. We are many miles from the summit of Mt. Kilimanjaro. We cannot see the peak yet. We all wonder what the mountian will look like, how much snow will be on its peak. We are starting our journey by walking in the rain forest. Its not really raining, but everything is damp and cool. There is a mist around us, like being in the clouds... fog. This weather is typical of a rain forest. The ground is wet. We are spending our first night in an area dense with trees and shrubs. This area is named "Forest Camp".
( Before setting off into the Rainforest the Team sat down
for a wonderful trail lunch served by porters, prepared by cooks )
Look at some pictures, below, then scroll down to see the answers to some of the questions we have received.
( The road to the drop off point near the Forest Camp )
( View of the trail through the Rainforest )
( Xpedition Members, Mandy, Macaila and Orbie hike through the Rain Forest )
( Click the Image above to locate Forest Camp on Google Earth )
QuestionFrom - Suratthani Rajabhat University Thailand / Globe Alumni Watcharee Ruairuen's class
Why did the team choose to study Mt. Kilimanjaro? What are the factors for consideration? Mt. Kilimanjaro have become a "calling card" for the consequences of the global climate change phenomenon. Yet, beyond its melting glaciers, many wonder if there are other significant changes taking place on Kilimanjaro.
Specifically, we are interested in assessing the effects of climate change on Mt. Kilimanjaro's distinct biomes.There are six distinct altitudinal biomes on Mt. Kilimanjaro: cultivated areas; rain forest; heath; moorland; alpine desertand the summit. In addition, we would like to assess what impact the changes in the biomes will have on viable mosquito habitats on the mountain.
Below is a picture of Students gathering around and asking questions as Dr. Kenji placed and took readings from the ground temperature sensor that was positioned in the rainforest. The sensors will be placed in each of Kilimanjaro’s unique biomes and will remain in the ground taking several readings a day until next year’s GLOBE Xpedition Students return to collect the data.
( Dr. Kenji set up data collection equipment near the Forest Camp )
- Forest Camp to Shira 1 Camp -
2,438 to 3,505 meters
We woke early today, around 6 AM. Our porters brought us a pan of hot water so we could wash before breakfast. Before we get out of the tent we roll up our sleeping bag, and after putting on the clothes we want to wear, we pack the rest of our gear into our duffel and set our bags outside of our tent.
We had a terrific breakfast. The cooks do a wonderful job. Breakfast consisted of eggs, some meat and some fruit. We had plenty of hot water for tea, or hot chocolate.
Coming out of the breakfast tent we see that the porters have already dismantled our tents, packed them away and are they are already carrying them to our next campsite.
( Shira One Camp with Kili in the background )
Starting out today we were in the rain forest, but we quickly ascended the mountain, climbing into the heath zone. Here, there are few trees. The vegetation is mostly shrubs, tall grasses and wildflowers. As we were walking today we climbed into the clouds, walked through the clouds and eventually rose above them. As we crested a ridge, we finally saw it.... Mt. Kilimanjaro! She is a beautiful mountain! It's hard to believe that in a few days we'll be on the summit.
Our guides are great! They get us moving, keep us moving, and are encouraging us along the way. "Pole, pole" (pronounced with a long "o" and a long "a", as in "polay"), that's the greeting we hear from our guides and porters. as we are walking. Pole, means "slowly". The trick to climbing this mountain is to take it slowly... slowly, but keep moving. We are drinking lots of water and everyone is eating well
( A Hiker on the Shira Plateau )
As we are walking, the porters who are carrying the dining tent, the kitchen tent, the food for future meals, and various other items pass us on the trail. They are accustomed to this altitude, and the heavy loads they are carrying. They great us with "Jambo", the swahili word for "Hello". They also encourage us with "Pole, Pole!". They are working hard to help us reach our goal.
Question
One of the questions we received this week was about any reptiles and amphibians we would encounter while on the mountain. We haven't run across any so far but Dr. David Wojnowski at the University of North Texas was kind enough to share some of his photos from a recent trip to neighboring Kenya last summer. These are three different species of chameleons found near Mt. Kenya.
Thanks Dr. Wojnowski (pictured below), we will contine to keep a lookout......
( Click the Images above to view to enlarge photos )
QuestionsFrom Mrs. Podschelne's 8th period science class, Goliad, Tx, USA From Steven - How can Africa have snow when it is so close to the Equator? As we climb up the mountain, the air gets thinner, and the temperature drops. At the top of the mountain, what little precipitation it receives is in the form of snow. Many years ago more snow was added each year, than melted, causing the glaciers to grow. More recently, there has been less snow, and the melting is causing the glaciers (packed ice and snow), to shrink.
From I.S. 123 Tabitha Hargrove, 8th grade, Bronx, NY, USA, From Dorien - When and where do you sleep? Our guides take care of this too! They brought along nylon tents for us to sleep in. They have zippered doors, and screens to keep the mosquitoes out. They also provide us with a mattress to lay on. We brought our own sleeping bags, pillows, and pajamas.
( The Kenyan representative of the Xpedition,
Emily, hiking though the Shira plateau )
From I.S. 123 Tabitha Hargrove, 8th grade, Bronx, NY, USA From Zyerie - Do you all have enough toilet paper? We hope so! Our guides, under the direction of Nicholaus & Angel, have anticipated many of our needs. They help people climb Mt. Kilimanjaro all the time. They have packed up many supplies. In addition, they have porters who take trash down the mountain, for proper disposal, and bring fresh supplies up almost every day.
The Xpedition Team walking across the Shira plateau
From Samantha, in the 3rd Grade at Mount Vernon Schools, Mount Vernon, Iowa Do you have to take a computer with you for answering questions? We have multiple means of communication. First, cell phones occasionally have a signal. Since the Mountain is so tall, sometimes there is unobstructed view of cell phone towers in the plains below. We did bring along a small laptop computer, but so far have not been able to use it on the Mountain, it has not gotten a signal. We are hoping that at higher elevations, the computer might start to be able to communicate. We are sending text messages via cell phone, making cell phone calls to support people in base camp (they send an email message to our webmaster in the United States), and occasionally we've been able to call out directly to the U.S.
To power this equipment, we are using solar power to recharge the batteries. We climbed out of the clouds today, and may not have any cloud cover until after the trip is over. With no clouds, and thin atmosphere, we are getting lots of solar power!
( Click the Image above to locate Shira 1 Camp on Google Earth )
- Shira 1 Camp to Moir Hut Camp -
3,505 to 4,163 meters
Today the xpedition team hiked across the Shira Plateau. After 2 days of steep ascent, today was not nearly as much elevation change, but they covered 4-5 miles (7-8 Km). The view of the summit loomed in front of them all day today. During the day the bright sunshine is very warm, but as soon as the sun sets the temperature drops dramatically, down to near freezing (32 farhenheit, 0 celcius).
( Hiking across the Shira Plateau )
Meet our Xpedition Guides who have been great taking care of our every need and setting the pace, Poli, Poli !!!
front row, Angel, Romly, John back row Julius, Daniel, Simon, David, Eric, Nicholas, Frank all from Big Expeditions Tour Group out of Arusha.
( Students gather around Dr. Kenji and assist with the
placement of temperature censors near Shira Camp )
Questions
From Robin, in Tabitha Hargrove's, 8th grade, Bronx, NY class at I.S. 123
Why does the mountain have such a weird name?
Mt. Kilimanjaro gets its name from the Swahili name, Kilima "hill or little mountain" and Njaro for "white or shining". It lies on the border of Tanzania and Kenya, just south of the Equator. Kilimanjaro with its three volcanic cones, Shira, Kibo and Mawenzi is an dormant volcano, part of the Great African Rift Valley which extends to the west. Read more about Kilimanjaro on our website.
From Orbie, Xpedition Member What are you looking forward to the most with this opportunity to climb Kilimanjaro? With having this opportunity to climb the mountain, I will be able to introduce the unique vegetation of Kilimanjaro with not only my community when I return home but also the rest of the world. It is also a privilege to be able to share the beauty of Africa and specifically the beauty of Tanzania with schools around the world. Helping collect temperature data that will be used by experts to help better understand what is taking place with the changes that we are start to observe on the mountain is also a very special opportunity. Joseph / Alumni Xpedition Member
Hey, Don't just hang out on the Mountain all day!!!!
Check out the Virtual Safari from Last years Xpedition
( Click on the Image above to go on the Virtual Safari )
( Porters moving across the Shira Plateau )
( Click the Image above to locate Moir Hut Camp on Google Earth )
- Moir Hut Camp to Lava Tower -
4,163 to 4,402 meters
Sorry for the last couple of days, we have been walking through a storm and have had very little direct sunlight to recharge our computer and phones. We haven’t received any rain with the storm just very heavy cloud cover and cold winds. I guess that is just life on a mountain.
Today we awoke to a glorious clear day, not a cloud in sight. The first order of business was to get the solar panels in the sun to recharge our equipment. We ate a great breakfast and before leaving camp waked over to where Dr. Kenji had set up his data collection equipment to be left for next years students.
( Dr. Kenji and students take temperature readings near Moir Hut Camp )
We also stopped to take a close look at the skull and bones of an elephant that was killed by poachers around 1980. It is amazing that such a big animal made it so far up the mountain around 4,100 meters, 13,661 feet. Was it looking for water or food or did it just possess the soul of an explorer. We set out on what we were told was a short day, only 4 km.
( Orbie acting as head guide leading the Xpedition towards Lava Tower )
There was a steep climb out of camp and then we followed a ride line until Lave Tower came into sight. It still took about an hour and a half to reach camp with the tower getting larger and larger with every step. There is very little vegetation at Lava Tower Camp. It's as if you are on the moon. All you see are rocks, dust, and walking around is much more difficult than at lower elevations, due to the high altitude and low oxygen levels in the air. Off in the distance Mt Meru, Kilimanjaro’s sister volcano is watching over us in a mysterious veil of haze.
Like every night we eat together and then the students and our team of scientist and GLOBE teachers recap what we experienced on the trail and then talk about the student’s research questions and collected data.
( Hikers heading to Lava Tower )
Questions
From Daniel, in Maria De Ruiz's 2nd grade class, NOTRE DAME SCHOOL OF SANTO DOMINGO, Santo Domingo, in the Dominican Republic - How is the weather in kilimanjaro mountain? The weather varies greatly. As you read in our journal entry above, today it is very cool, cloudy, we are shrouded in clouds and we cannot see very far. We hope that before we reach the summit we climb above the clouds. Typically September and October are warmer than other months and it is a good time to climb Mt. Kilimanjaro. In April, May, November and early December it rains often and sometimes snows.
( View of our camp today just below Lava Tower )
From Sarah and Nancy, Ottawa, IL - Is there more than one way up the mountain - varying routes and/or difficulty levels?
There are many routes to the top of Mt. Kilimanjaro. People who take the route we are using experience the highest success rate because it is more gradual and it allows the human body to acclimate to the altitude better. All hikers are required to register, use guides, and use established routes. Searching the internet, we found one web-site which describes the various routes up the mountain. We are using the "Machame Route". See the routes at: Kilmanjaro Routes
From Steve Seffinger's 3rd grade class in Santa Cruz, California, USA -
How long will it take to climb the mountain? The route we are taking during this trip will have us reach the summit on our eighth day. It is possible to take different routes, to get to the top in fewer days, but many people start to feel very sick if they climb the mountain too quickly. If you are feeling sick you will not want to keep going, and you will have to turn around and descend the mountian, to feel better. Going down you don't have the same problem. Your body adjusts to lower altitude, where the air has a higher level of oxygen in it, very easily. We will descend the mountain in one and one half days.
( The first look of Kilimanjaro’s central peak, Kibo from Lava Tower )
Steven, Mrs. Podschelne’s 8th grade science class, Goliad, Texas
How can Africa have snow on it when it is so close to the equator? Due to elevation of Mt. Kilimanjaro being over 5000 meters there can be snow on the mountain. The higher you move up in the atmosphere, the colder it gets. Due to its elevation Kilimanjaro, sitting very close to the equator has not only snow but large glaciers. Edward / Alumni Xpedition Member.
( Click the Image above to locate Lava Tower Camp on Google Earth )
- Lava Tower to Karanga Camp -
4,632 to 3,962 meters
Today we woke up to clear skies, which was a welcome relief to all. For the first time we found permafrost outside of camp. Dr. Kenji was very excited and we all took a short walk to the days drilling sight. After breakfast we left lava tower and walked down @ 700 meters into Barranco Valley. We noticed the temperature increased as we descended and each of the Xpedition Members are in good spirits.
The Barranco Valley is amazing with the Giant Lobelia and Senecio trees which are
found nowhere else in the world. The Lobelia, In order to protect the sensitive leaf buds from the night time temperatures, close their leaves around the central core. The Senecio, some more than 200 years old, can reach 5 meters high and use its old dead leaves as insulation around its trunk. We will be sending a great picture of Joseph in a forest of Senecio trees below, soon.
( Xpedition Alumni Member Joseph standing amongst a forest of Senecio trees )
After lunch we climbed the very intimidating Barranco Valley wall standing close to 350 meters almost a 1000 feet tall. Great views but half way up we were engulfed in clouds, a view we are getting use to. In all it took close to an hour and a half to
scale the wall. Tonight should be a good night camping almost 700 meters below last nights camp site. This should allow each team member a chance for a good night sleep and time to acclimate to the altitude.
( 340 meter Barranco Wall )
Message from GLOBE Alumi
"Greetings Xpedition team members and followers all over world!"
The GLOBE Alumni and our GLOBE School-Pals project is excited to be following and playing a small role in the Xpedition as they explore the biomes and climatic changes of Kilimanjaro and climb to the top of Africa! Many of our GS-Pals schools and classes have been submitting questions everyday! The GS-Pals project is a web-based international project for students and classes all over the world to collaborate and participate in various GLOBE and Seasons and Biomes related activities to better understand similarities and differences between regions, seasons & biomes, and even cultures. Please feel free to view the GS-Pals website at http://gspal2.freehostia.com/ for more information and news as the schools follow the Xpedition. Good luck to the team as they continue the climb!
Matt Fenzel - GLOBE Alumni Representative
( Barranco Camp and Senecio trees )
The Senecio tree does not grow anywhere else on earth. These trees are typically about 6 feet (2 meters) tall. They can grow up to 3, possibly even 4 meters tall. The weather on this mountain is very harsh. Day time temperatures can reach 80 degrees F (30 Celsius) and drop below freezing at night. Also, there is typically very little rain. As the tree grows the bottom leaves fold down to insulate the trunk. If you look closely at the tree you will see green leaves at the top, and brown leaves under the green leaves. The brown leaves are folding down. They eventually turn the darker grey color, insulate the trunk, making the trunk appear thicker than it actually is.
Questions
From Mike Geil's 3rd grade class, Randy Smith Middle School, Fairbanks, Alaska
Will you take a different route down the mountain?
To acclimate to the high altitude, and to give us our best chance at seeing the 6 different ecological zones of Mt. Kilimanjaro, we are taking a longer route during our ascent up the mountain. After reaching the summit, we will take the most direct route down, and out of the national park. See our route on the map below. The line leading from the summit to the bottom of the map is our route down the mountain. You will notice that at the beginning, there is overlap with our climbing route.
Kaylee & Emily, Ariton, Alabama; What does the mountain look like?
It is very cool seeing volcanic rock with moss that I have only seen in books before. Also it is amazing going up through the clouds and leaving behind the rest of the world. Mwasapi / Alumni Xpedition Member
( Views of Karanga Camp - 3,962 meters )
Mory, I.S. 123 in the Bronx, NY: What are the different types of soils you expect to find on the mountain? Kilimanjaro is a volcano and is made up of rock of erupted igneous origin very rich in minerals that make it ideal for plant growth. The look of the soil is the same however the process in which it was created is different due to altitude. There are two major components that create any soil, physical weathering, the breaking apart of rock and chemical weathering changes, in composition due to biological activity and the presence of water. On Kilimanjaro we have a wide variation of temperature at higher altitudes, the breakdown of material is caused primarily by physical weathering and on the lower altitudes of the mountain the soil is affected by more of a chemical weathering process. Think about the soil that is found in your part of the world, what processes played a major role in its composition?
Dr .Kenji Yoshikawa, Xpedition Faculty Member...........
( Click the Image above to locate Karanga Camp on Google Earth )
- Karanga Camp to Kossovo Camp -
3,962 to 4,877 meters
Today we awoke to an amazing view out over the African plains. Last night when we got to camp it was very cloudy and visibility was only 50 to 100 feet. This morning we can see Moshi Town some 16,000 below and Mt Meru off to the distance. We also have an incredible view of Kilimanjaro’s peak, Kibo right behind our camp. It still looks so far away but everything is going well and we should be able to make a very good summit attempt in two days.
( Kossovo Camp, Above the Clouds )
Each night the students continue to answer questions via e-mail and we are trying to answer as many as possible but have been overwhelmed with the numbers. We are all so excited to be able to share this adventure with all of you. We also can’t wait to get back home and upload the hundreds of pictures that we think will help tell this story with even more clarity.
( View of Mt. Mawenzi from the trail )
Questions
Orbie, Xpedition Member;What does it mean to you to be from Tanzania and have the opportunity to climb Kilimanjaro? This is a great opportunity and blessing to be able to share this research with others around the world and bring the focus of this environmental concern on my home country of Tanzania. As a young scientist it is very important to learn more about this unique mountain and become an environmental ambassador to help address these concerns and help preserve the beauty of Tanzania for future generations.
Mwasapi / Alumni Xpedition Member
Blaison Anton & Beckett Christensen, Mount Vernon, Iowa;
How much do each of you have to carry for supplies and how much water do you have to carry each day? Each day our amazing porters, 75 in total for our group, carry most of our gear to the next camp. Our tents are even set up for us when we arrive. In my day pack I have snacks, raincoat, my fleece, sun glasses, a cap and always 3 liters of water.
Sihle / Xpedition Student Member
You can't travel to the Far Side of the World and not stop by and visit the Maasai. Take a few minutes to visit a Maasai Village and learn about these Amazing people.
( Click on the Image above to visit a Maasai Village )
Happy Valley Elementary School, Santa Cruz, California; Are you having fun so far? Sure, making new friends, experiencing new things. The trek so far has been very hard and cold at times but enjoyable. I have also enjoyed getting the opportunity to sketch on the mountain. I hope to be able to scan thos drawings in when we return so everyone can see them. Mwasapi / Alumni Xpedition Member
Globe Xpedition Members taking a needed rest break
Martin O’Toole, Louisville, Kentucky;With this being your second ascent of Kilimanjaro in the last 15 months, can you tell us whether it is easier or harder than expected? I think the thrill of the unknown was a big part of last years Xpedition and I loved sharing that with the students and other team members from Louisville, Kentucky. It was a great trip for all involved. This year the with the support of the GLOBE Program and our amazing team of scientist from the University of Alaska and Japan and our GLOBE teacher Rogeline from South Africa we have been able to take part in a good number of science centered studies that hopefully future GLOBE students will be able to follow up on with future Xpeditions. But still the views around each corner you can never get tired of. Mike O’Toole / Xpedition Leader
( Click the Image above to locate Kossovo Camp on Google Earth )
- Kossovo Camp to Crater Camp -
4,877 to 5,608 Meters
Alpine Desert to Summit
We had a long day today. We spent 6 hours walking what seemed like straight up, through skree (loose rock) and volcanic ash. About mid-day, right on schedule (like previous days), the clouds came in and the temperature dropped. It became very, very, cold. After 6 hours of strenuous hiking, we reached Sella Point and the edge of the crater of Kilimanjaro. After a short 30 minute walk, down the creater rim, at first, then level, we made it to Crater Camp, right across from one of the large Glacier Fields. The large glacier, a huge block of ice and snow, coupled with the cloud cover makes the temperature even colder.
( Hikers approaching the rim of Kilimanjaro )
( Scree - small loose rock and volcanic ash - makes for difficult climbing )
Two team members decided to turn back today. Tim & Rogeline were having trouble with the immense physical effort needed to climb up the steep mountain, in the thin air. They headed back down, with one of our guides, but they will be with us in spirit, and will share in all the accomplishments of this Xpedition. Both of them are a big reason we have had success so far.
( Views of Crater Camp )
( View of the Crater Camp across the Glacier Field )
( Glacier - horizontal layers of ice are present in this picture )
After reaching the crater area, we climbed up to explore the central volcanic vent and we also had an opportunity to check out the glaciers up close.All students are feeling good and looking forward to our push to reach the Summit, tomorrow!
( Xpedition Students in front of Glacier, near Crater Camp )
( The Central Vent of Kilimanjaro, "The Ash Pit" )
( View of the Ash Pit )
( Hikers climbing out of the Ash Pit
Steam, smelling of rotten eggs (sulfer), is being vented by the volcano )
Questions
From Ulenney, student in Ms. Hargroves 801 class, in the Bronx, at IS 123 James M. Kieran Middle School
Is the plant life getting lower as you climb the mountain or is it the same as the bottom?
We are so high up the mountain now, that no plants, live here. There is not enough air for them, and the temperature is also so cold, all the time, that they would have trouble growing.
From Tryntin, student at Anna F. Booth Elementary, Mobile, Alabama
How do you get the pictures onto the internet for us to see them? We have a laptop with us, and a cell phone. We also have a wireless connection for the laptop, which occasionally provides us with internet access. To recharge our devices we use solar panels we brought with us. We have rarely been getting any sunlight, for power, and we only occasionally get a signal for our laptop and our cellphone. To get the words to you, we can speak to our webmaster, via cellphone, or we can send our webmaster text messages, or email messages. The cell phone gets a signal a little more often, because we are on a very tall mountain and the cell phone has a direct view of cell towers in the valley below.The pictures have proven to be more difficult. Pictures take a long time to send, using the laptop, so we can only get one or two transmitted each time we get a signal.
As you are aware, this is the second year Mike has led a group of students to the summit of Africa. This year, we are seeing the same images as we saw on last year's Xpedition. We are anxious to let you see what we are seeing, so when our new images don't get through, we use some images from last year's trip.
Our webmaster places the text on this web-page along with photos.
Be sure to visit this website after we descend the mountain. That's when we'll be able to post a lot of pictures from this year's Xpedition. Xpedition Webmaster
Crater Camp on Google Earth
Uhuru Peak on Google Earth
SUMMIT DAY !!!
- Crater Camp to Uhuru Peak to Mweka Camp -
5,608 to 5,895 to 3,200 meters
Summit to Rainforest
Everyone made it up from Crater Camp to Uhura Peak, the summit, the highest point in Africa! It was a very long climb, over many days, to the summit. Everyone is excited to be a the roof of Africa! The feeling of accomplishment is very gratifying. After spending 8 days to get here, climbing up, everyday, you look in every direction and all you can see is downhill!
( GLOBE Xpedition Members at the Summit of Mt. Kilimanjaro )
After spending some time celebrating our accomplishment, we begin the long, but much faster descent. Going down is harder on the knees, and the leg muscles, but as you descend the air thickens, providing more oxygen to keep moving. We end up tonight in the rain-forest, at Mweka Camp.
Thanks to everyone who made this trip to the summit of Africa possible!
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and learn more about the organizations that made the Xpedition a reality.
( View of the 1000' wall separating the Crater Camp from the Summit )
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( "The Top of Africa" ..Uhuru (Victory) Peak )
Climate Change may be a big problem, but there are many little things we can do to make a difference. If we try, most of us can do our part to strengthen our knowledge and understanding of this dynamic issue.
Click on Orbie to learn
how to make a differenceNow that we have all made it to the Roof of Africa, take a few minutes to explore how each of us can make a difference.
The little things that we do go a long way. Dream Big, learn about the conservation and protection of our natural resources.“We don’t inherit the Earth from our parents, We borrow it from our children”
............................................................. – Chief Seattle
( Xpedition Members descending through the Heath Zone )
( Mweka Camp in the Rainforest - photo from 2008 Xpedition)
( Click the Image above to locate Mweka Camp on Google Earth )
- Mweka Camp to Park Gate -
3,200 to @ 914 meters
Today the Xpedition team completed their mountain trek, descending another 2,300 meters to the Park Gate, the entrance / exit from Mt. Kilimanjaro National Park. We have not recevieved any new information from the team, but we did receive one additional photo, which they took from Uhuru peak, the summit of summit of Mt. Kilimanjaro.
Once they are back in base camp, we expect more information, continue to visit this page for updates.
( Hikers moving through the Rainforest towards the Park Gate - 2008 Xpedition)
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