Climbing Mount

Using trekking poles while hiking and/or trekking can be an extremely useful and effective item to use during your trip. A trekking pole is basically an advance form of a hiking stick. They are made from aluminium, so they are lightweight and collapsible, which makes for easy storage. A trekking pole is available for purchase at most outdoor activity shops, and are well worth every penny as the trekking pole can benefit you in several ways during your trekking, especially when you know how to use them properly.

Although some people may consider the trekking pole as nothing more than a fancy accessory for hikers, it is actually an extremely important tool to have. If you find trekking or hiking to be difficult and hard on your knees or back, but are not willing to stop because it is an activity that you love, then the trekking pole is the solution for your problem. When using a trekking pole you reduce the weight on your back and your legs by at least nine pounds, and if you apply more pressure on the pole it will reduce the weight from your legs and back by at least fifteen pounds. Relieving the weight from your back and legs can make an extreme difference especially if you are carrying a backpack that weights over thirty pounds and you are trekking or hiking for miles.

Using two trekking poles may prove more effective as you will gain more stability while trekking or hiking. Prior to using the trekking poles, you will want to ensure that they are adjusted to the proper height for you. It is advised by some manufacturers that the height of the pole be adjusted to the terrain, however that may prove to be unnecessary and time consuming. It is best if the pole is adjusted to fit you, not the terrain. You will also want to ensure that the wrist straps are properly placed around your wrists for maximum efficiency. While using the trekking poles with the wrist straps, you will want to apply pressure on your wrist, do not grip the pole with your hands to apply pressure, as this will reduce the effectiveness of the poles.

Trekking poles are extremely effective and should be a necessity for every trekking trip you take. The use of trekking poles during your trekking will make such a noticeable difference the first time you use it. It will reduce the stress on your back, legs, knees and feet. It will increase your speed whether you are going up or down a hill; it reduces fatigue, provides stability, and will allow you to travel longer distances. A trekking pole comes highly recommended by avid hikers and trekkers, and when you use one for the first time, you will know why.

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When you are camping, one of the most fun things you can do is go on a hike. It is great exercise; you can enjoy the outdoors, and you can see beautiful scenery. However, there are some dangers to hiking and you should be prepared for all events in order to remain safe and ensure you have a good time. Planning is essential so that you are not caught in a situation where you are not prepared.

Use a backpack to store your items that you will take with you on a hike. Put heavier items toward the bottom to help balance your center of gravity. If hiking with a group, distribute items equally amongst the group in case of an accident. If a backpack is lost and it was the only one that held the water or food, you might have a difficult time.

Dress appropriately for the weather and bring a spare set of clothing. If it is cold, wear layers and make sure to wear a hat for maximum warmth. Wear two pairs of socks and good hiking boots so you do not slip. Wear sunglasses and use sunscreen. Even if it is cold, the sun can give you a very uncomfortable burn. Also use insect repellant to protect you from pests and bites.

Bring emergency supplies in case of an accident. This should include a first aid kit, rope, a utility knife, matches and a flashlight. Always have plenty of food and water. You need to keep hydrated and nourished during a hike. Beef jerky and trail mix are excellent energy boosting foods and will help get you through the day. Water is essential but you may also pack drinks like Gatorade that have electrolytes.

Do not overdo it. Take frequent breaks and rest when you feel tired. Pushing yourself to exhaustion is unsafe. Use a walking stick to help keep you from getting tired and help you in climbing and keeping your balance. If you feel weak or light headed, sit down, take your backpack off, and eat and drink a little until you feel rested and ready to go on.

Be aware of your surroundings. The picturesque scenery is a great time to take photos or sketch. These can be enjoyable past times but it is also a chance to run into wild animals, snakes and have an accident from not paying attention. Do not venture off trails into brush that may contain snakes or other poisonous creatures. You may want to carry bear repellant and a whistle in case you come across a wild animal. A whistle can also be useful if you fall or are trapped.

Research the area where you will be hiking and plan what you will need to take accordingly. Do not be surprised by sudden climate changes. Take pictures and sightsee. Enjoy the outdoors and have a lot of fun, but be safe and prepared for anything. With a little planning, you should be able to make the most of your hiking experience.

Trekking is a form of hiking or walking through mountainous, rugged or rough areas. It is a sport which most often takes place in beautiful mountain ranges. When trekking in Asia, the hiker gets the opportunity to experience the beauty and uniqueness of the Himalayas. The Himalayas have the largest mountain peaks in the world and stretches across six countries in Asia. So it goes without saying that when trekking in Asia, it is definitely going to be worth visiting the Himalayas. The six countries of the Himalayas are Bhutan, China, Nepal, India, Pakistan and Afghanistan.

The different countries in Asia hold different types of treks and tours. However, because they all hold the same mountain ranges their treks can be quite similar and easily found on any directory for any of the six countries. When trekking in Asia it is important to note that it is not the same as climbing and everyone, young or old, can partake in a trek. Different treks have different distances and level of difficulty, so it is up to the discretion of the trekker to decide what level is best suited to them.

Because of the different levels of difficulty of the treks, the distances are usually better calculated in time it takes to complete the trek rather than distance covered. Treks can go over a period of one day to a few weeks. The hikers do not have to be walking the whole time though and a lot of the longer treks have days off to discover the country and nature at your own pace. Once started on a trail for the day however, the group must meet their destination for the day or they will find themselves in a spot of trouble as concerns the sleeping arrangements.

When trekking in Asia the group has the choice of either sleeping in tea house huts that are situated along the trail or camping out in the nature in tents. If you go with an organised group it is often planned that you do not have to carry your tents and sleeping equipment but rather they are ready and waiting for you when you arrive at your campsite at the end of the day. This is one of the many advantages of trekking with an organised company when trekking.

Trekking in Asia is a unique experience enjoyed by those of you who like to be active and adventurous at the same time. It is a lovely way to experience the true beauty of nature and to spend some time appreciating it too.

Today, the dark rainy clouds continue to hang around Nanyuki town making me wonder why I promised Evans our lead guide on Mt Kenya to include me on his Porters team that will accompany him and a group of Five Trekkers for a 5 day Mt Kenya trek via the Sirimon – Chogoria route.

It’s apparent to me now that the mountain isn’t going to be short of rain any time soon.

But before I ponder this thought further, Evans calls me to inform me that they’re now crossing the Equator which is just a few minutes drive to where we are waiting for them.

On their arrival, I am already in the company of the team’s cook and the other porters all of who reside in this base climbing town of Nanyuki.

As we gather outside the parking lot of the Marina Restaurant, where they normally have their lunch, a safari van honks behind us and on turning, it’s Evans and the climbers.

They disembark from the vehicle and introductions are quickly made. For now all I can hear around the parking lot are the words “Pleased to meet you, pleased to meet you”.

I can clearly see excitement written all over their faces.

Evans leads them to the restaurant to brief them and organize for their lunch. He soon emerges and we all share our duties as who is to get what. Shortly, we all scatter in different directions and to regroup at this very point after an hour.

I head out to the market to get all the fresh farm produce. I have the list at heart and I sing it out as I do my rounds in the market. Eventually my basket is packed to the brim with our requirements for the 5 days.

Time is now slipping away fast and my hunger pains are at it again. I know it’s going to be a tough afternoon so I have to eat all I can lay my mouth on. On my feet, and with all my shopping strapped to my back, my quick tough jaw does it again for me! Luckily I make it back to the parking lot on time.

The parking lot is in a bit of a pandemonium now as everyone is busy consolidating their stuff and check listing everything. Eventually everything is packed into the vehicle for the last drive to the sirimon park gate.

It’s already heading past One thirty and Evans dashes to check whether they are done with lunch. He emerges shortly with them and shows them to the vehicle. They climb enthusiastically knowing that very soon they will begin their dream trek on Mount Kenya.

As we speed towards the mountain, their anticipation is unmistakable! And within 45 minutes we are right in front of the Sirimon park gate.

We all climb down the vehicle and unload everything with speed.

As Evans clears with the park gate, we are busy sharing out the luggage, an exercise that I must admit is done with its share of complaints.

Eventually, I end up with a 35 Lbs luggage even after having played all my tricks! …..this job is not for the faint hearted!

Before long Evans and the climbers disappear into the forest with their day packs strapped to their backs. No worries as we will definitely catch up and overtake them soon.

I mount up my back pack and blast off the gate with the other porters hot on heels towards the forest. As a matter of fact, there is little comfort in knowing that we won’t be anywhere near home until after 3 grueling hours.

For us the catch is to hit camp long enough before the climbers, a task we’ve religiously accomplished over the years.

We push our way up the forest blasting past the bamboo and passing our guide and the trekkers on the way.

As we hit the higher elevations, conversation amongst us dies out as tackling the steep gradients is energy sapping. Every iota of energy here counts.

Unrelenting in our push, we tackle every successive hill sweating like pigs till we approach the home stretch. As we emerge from the sharp climb and negotiate a corner, it’s a big sigh of relief as we sight the roof of the Old Moses Camp. This rekindles conversation between us as our new found energy pushes us up the last hill to the camp getting there on time.

We quickly change our sweat drenched garments and gather in the kitchen to prepare hot water for the climbers to make drinks once they arrive. We then settle for a cup of black tea before plans for dinner gets underway.

We are really grateful to the mountain Gods as we didn’t taste the rains today……the mountain can be very unforgiving sometimes.

From the camp, we check out the trail below from time to time to see whether Evans and the climbers are approaching. As they eventually approach, we set the drinks on the dinning table awaiting them.

We immediately start preparing dinner as it’s our practice to serve it at 6.30 P.M. After serving dinner we prepare our own food and go to bed early knowing that today was just but a child’s play compared to what we face tomorrow.

See you tomorrow when we embark on our 2nd day