Jim Dunn, one of the original TrailBlazer organizers, gave a very interesting presentation, peppered with his dry humor, of his October 2007 expedition to the top of Kilimanjaro. Coincidentally, he is a former student of both Billigene and her mother! 

Jim was part of a 7-person team, including his son, and they were supported by no new fewer than 3 guides, who had some medical training, and 30 porters who were worth their weight in gold. The hikers carried their own clothing and personal items, but the porters not only carried their own gear in backpacks, but the group gear, such as food, tents and extra water in huge dry bags on the top of their heads! This support is vital to the trekkers who are not accustomed to long hikes at altitude. In order to get acclimated, Jim’s team took 5 days to ascend, but only two to descend. Kilimanjaro, at well over 19,000 ft. is the tallest freestanding mountain in the world, the “roof of Africa,” and an active glacier to boot. 

They passed through 5 different geographic zones, starting out with the rain forest, as they worked their way to the top. Fortunately for Jim, they were enveloped in fog as they climbed the rocky, precarious Barranco Wall, so he didn’t experience his fear of heights. It was a real scramble, and several hikers needed some oxygen by the end of the day. Near the top there were some extraordinary tall glaciers that looked like they had been carved by the wind. Of course, they had their picture taken at the famous Uhuru Peak sign – success! 

Although Jim’s camera didn’t work on the expedition, he had wonderful pics from others that captured the scenery, the trail itself, and camp life. Jim’s talk was well received and was followed by questions from the audience. Thank you, Jim!