Reaching new heights

A few posts ago, I was complaining about how colonialists had an outrageous desire to kill big animals in the African savannah on foot culminating in the designation of the big five. I too have my own irrational desire and it is to climb things like walls fashioned to look like mountains ie indoor rock climbing. However, Kenya has an abundance of the real thing, mountains that is, that are relatively easy to climb with no specialised equipment. Or so the guidebook says. As long as you don't mind the trio of palpitations, dizzyness and nausea - otherwise known as altitude sickness - you should reach the summit in a jiffy.

On flat ground with the summit in the distance. Heart rate 100.



Climbed a few foothills, nearing the half way mark. Heart rate 150.



The vertical ascent to the summit. Heart rate 220. The views from 4222m (13 852 feet) were spectacular and well worth the effort. Behind me was Uganda and in front, Kenya.