(5375,8,'2022-07-26 11:43:35','2022-07-26 11:43:35','<h1>Report of My Kilimanjaro Climb</h1>\r\n<em>By Peter A. Fields, MD, DC</em>\r\n\r\nAfter waiting ten years with this on my bucket list, I finally was going to climb Kilimanjaro.\r\n<h3>Getting to Mount Kilimanjaro</h3>\r\n<div class=\"reports-img-desc\">\r\n<div class=\"imgbox\"><img class=\"alignleft\" src=\"https://www.drfields.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/20190210_061752.jpg\" alt=\"\" /></div>\r\n<div class=\"reports-desc\">\r\n\r\nThe trip to Kilimanjaro began with an 11-hour flight to London where I had a 36-hour layover. Saw \"Tina, The Musical\" (life and times of Tina Turner). Great show.  Then 9 ½ hour flight to Nairobi, where I spent 24 hours so I was able to see the city. Then a one-hour flight to Kilimanjaro, Tanzania. My arrival at Kilimanjaro airport was on Sunday night. This was followed by a two-and-a-half-hour ride, with half of it on a very bumpy dirt road, before reaching the destination at the base camp. Since it was almost midnight, I went straight to my tent, which was quite luxurious for camping, and included a sink, a bathroom, and even a shower. I took advantage of a quick shower and went straight to bed.\r\n<div class=\"btn-wrap\"><a href=\"https://www.drfields.com/Day-1-Kiliminaro-and-base-camp-arrival\"><strong>See Photos</strong></a>\r\n<a href=\"/gallery/\"><strong>View Trip Gallery</strong></a></div>\r\n</div>\r\n</div>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<h2>Pre Hike</h2>\r\n<div class=\"reports-img-desc\">\r\n<div class=\"imgbox\"><img src=\"https://www.drfields.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/20190211_054908.jpg\" /></div>\r\n<div class=\"reports-desc\">\r\n\r\nAfter a nice breakfast, where I met the other climbers and our trek leaders, we went for a short two-hour hike just to see the local terrain. It was beautiful, with waterfalls and lots of lush plants and greenery. The guide leader went through our entire pack to make sure that we would be taking everything we needed and that everything was in good shape. The rest of the day was just spent relaxing, except for a short sunset hike of 10 minutes, where at the top of the small hill they had wine waiting for us. A pleasant surprise.\r\n<div class=\"btn-wrap\"><a href=\"/kilimanjaro-pre-hike/\"><strong>See Photos</strong></a>\r\n<a href=\"/gallery/\"><strong>View Trip Gallery</strong></a></div>\r\n</div>\r\n</div>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<h2>Getting to the Trailhead and First Day Hike Towards Kilimanjaro</h2>\r\n[gallery display=\"grid\" link=\"none\" columns=\"4\" size=\"wcsquare\" ids=\"5235,5231\"]\r\n<div class=\"reports-img-desc\">\r\n<div class=\"imgbox\"></div>\r\n<div class=\"reports-desc\">\r\n\r\nAfter a two-hour ride, we arrived at the check-in point. The weather was hot enough to wear shorts and t-shirts since we were only 3 degrees off the equator. There we saw the more than 45 plus Sherpa’s that would accompany us. There were six Sherpa’s( there were six hikers) to carry each person’s clothing (colder weather gear, nighttime clothes, toiletries, etc.). Then six to carry our bedding, and tents ( double roofed for better rain protection), six would carry our food for 7 days ( three full meals a day), eight of them made up the kitchen team, another team of two would carry the oxygen and medicine, four to carry the toilets and tents over them, plus about 10 other Sherpa’s would carry all the tents, tables and chairs. There were also 10 more to carry all of the sherpa’s food and equipment.\r\n\r\nWe had to register and show our passports, and after that, we took a short 20-minute drive to the trailhead. Arriving at noon, a very nice, well-prepared lunch was ready for us. We started the hike at 7700 feet and climbed to 9300 feet. The area was mostly jungle-like, with a lot of fantastic plants, birds, and other exotic wildlife, including Colobus monkeys and other animals. When we arrived at the camp at 9300 feet, the tents were already set up, and we unpacked our gear in each individual tent, had dinner and went to sleep.\r\n<div class=\"btn-wrap\"><a href=\"/Kili-Getting-to-the-trailhead/\"><strong>See Photos</strong></a>\r\n<a href=\"/gallery/\"><strong>View Trip Gallery</strong></a></div>\r\n</div>\r\n</div>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<h3>Hiking to 11,400 ft</h3>\r\n[gallery columns=\"4\" size=\"wcsquare\" display=\"grid\" link=\"file\" ids=\"5256,5261\"]\r\n<div class=\"reports-img-desc\">\r\n  <div class=\"imgbox\"></div>\r\n  <div class=\"reports-desc\">At 6:30 AM we were woken up with a hot bowl of water to wash up and get ready for the day. A very full breakfast was prepared for us and then we started off to hike again. For hiking, it’s important to eat three square meals a day as well as drink a minimum of three liters of water a day. Without this exhaustion, dehydration, and more can happen. The guides made sure that we would eat a lot and consume lots of water.\r\n\r\nWe headed off on our hike up to 11,400 feet, crossing from the Montane Forest into the Hagenia Zone, where we saw many different plants and beautiful trees throughout the canyon.\r\n\r\nI felt pretty good, as I had taken Diamox, a medicine to help prevent altitude sickness. I had a Camelback-style drinking system so I was drinking copious amounts of water. At night it was cold but with the proper gear (well worth the expense!), I felt warm.\r\n\r\n<div class=\"btn-wrap\">\r\n<a href=\"/kili-hiking-to-11400-ft/\"><strong>See Photos</strong></a>\r\n<a href=\"/gallery/\"><strong>View Trip Gallery</strong></a></div></div>\r\n</div>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<h3>Hiking to 13,400 ft</h3>\r\n[gallery columns=\"4\" size=\"wcsquare\" display=\"grid\" link=\"file\" ids=\"5351,5352\"]\r\n<div class=\"reports-img-desc\">\r\n  <div class=\"imgbox\"></div>\r\n  <div class=\"reports-desc\">We had another early wake-up call today and another substantial breakfast (scrambled eggs, toast, pancakes, fruit, toast, jelly, peanut butter, tea/coffee, and more. We hiked across a large plateau and gained about 2,100 feet in altitude. It was very interesting as we passed into the upper heath zone, where there were no more trees here, just a lot of different plants. And lots of volcanic rock (the last active volcano here took place over 10,000 years ago).\r\n\r\nThe hiking was very slow and consistent, as they say in Swahili, “Poli, Poli.” Again I felt very good when arriving at Moir camp at 13,500 feet. We had beautiful views of the mountain as the clouds moved away. It was really spectacular!\r\n<div class=\"btn-wrap\">\r\n<a href=\"/kili-hiking-to-13400-feet/\"><strong>See Photos</strong></a>\r\n<a href=\"/gallery/\"><strong>View Trip Gallery</strong></a></div></div>\r\n</div>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<h3>Kili Hiking to 15,500 feet</h3>\r\n[gallery columns=\"4\" size=\"wcsquare\" display=\"grid\" link=\"file\" ids=\"5271,5270\"]\r\n<div class=\"reports-img-desc\">\r\n  <div class=\"imgbox\"></div>\r\n  <div class=\"reports-desc\">We woke up again at 6:30 AM, had breakfast at 7, and were hiking by 7:30. Today was a shorter hike of only 3.1 miles, but we did climb 2000 feet. It was slow in some parts and the steep sections were even slower. Finally, we arrived at camp after hiking for only 2 hours and 20 minutes. We were now at 15,500 feet. The air is very thin, so with every step you take, you have to think about it. But when we arrived at camp, everything seemed to settle down. During the afternoon there was a hale storm that turned into snow, so everybody went into their tents. I probably took a 3-hour well-needed nap. After a good dinner, we all went to bed, but not until we viewed the beautiful skies at 15,500 feet in the southern hemisphere.\r\n<div class=\"btn-wrap\">\r\n<a href=\"/kili-hiking-to-15500-feet/\"><strong>See Photos</strong></a>\r\n<a href=\"/gallery/\"><strong>View Trip Gallery</strong></a></div></div>\r\n</div>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<h3>Getting to camp at 16,500 ft</h3>\r\n[gallery columns=\"4\" size=\"wcsquare\" display=\"grid\" link=\"file\" ids=\"5291,5283\"]\r\n<div class=\"reports-img-desc\">\r\n  <div class=\"imgbox\"></div>\r\n  <div class=\"reports-desc\">We had the usual wake-up call at 6:30 AM and were on the trail by 7:30. It snowed during the night, but only half an inch or so, making everything white and beautiful. The good news is this meant it was right around 32 degrees. The sun came out, so it was warm when we hiked but a little bit cooler when clouds were overhead. Plus with the altitude (lots of breathing) and hiking effort, one was rarely cold. Today’s hike was only 1,000 feet of climbing and a short hike to the base camp. The big hike tomorrow will only be about an hour and 20 minutes, but it will be over a lot of rocks and boulders and will be steep in some places. We arrived at the base camp around 10:30 – 11 in the morning. We were supposed to go for a short hike from there without our packs but it started snowing for over an hour, so that was canceled. Tomorrow morning, we will have a 4 AM wake-up call in anticipation of a 2,300-foot elevation climb up to 18,650 feet.\r\n<div class=\"btn-wrap\">\r\n<a href=\"/16-500-feet-to-18-400/\"><strong>See Photos</strong></a>\r\n<a href=\"/gallery/\"><strong>View Trip Gallery</strong></a></div></div>\r\n</div>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<h3>Kilimanjaro- final camp at 18,500 feet</h3>\r\n[gallery columns=\"4\" size=\"wcsquare\" display=\"grid\" link=\"file\" ids=\"5292,5293\"]\r\n<div class=\"video-flex-wrap\">\r\n<div class=\"video-box\">\r\n[video width=\"640\" height=\"480\" mp4=\"https://www.drfields.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/camp-16000ft.mp4\" poster=\"https://www.drfields.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/camp.png\"][/video]\r\n</div>\r\n<div class=\"video-box\">\r\n[video width=\"640\" height=\"480\" mp4=\"https://www.drfields.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/16000ft.mp4\" poster=\"https://www.drfields.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/dance-18000.png\"][/video]\r\n</div>\r\n</div>\r\n<div class=\"reports-img-desc\">\r\n  <div class=\"imgbox\"></div>\r\n  <div class=\"reports-desc\">Wake-up call at 4 AM and breakfast at 4:30. The slow group left at 5. We (my hiking partner, myself, and our guide) left about 5:30. At this altitude of over 16,000 feet, everyone moves very slowly. The first little part was steep and slightly snow-covered, but then it got extremely steep and no longer covered in snow. \r\n\r\nWe climbed 2,400 feet over 2.6 miles. The first hour was in the dark, but we all had headlamps. It was very rocky and we had to use our hands sometimes to climb. We ran into a few other tours on the trail and all of us had to cut across a mountainside since the snow had obliterated the trail the night before.\r\n\r\nWe were now over 17, 000 feet. One of the guides from another tour (all the guides know each other) had a pickaxe and so he chopped thru the snow to make it easier on our footing. Even so, it was very slippery. There were times we had to use all four extremities to climb, even kneeling on the next step up because the step was too high to reach with our foot. Breathing was becoming more and more labored and it was difficult to catch our breath in the thinning air.\r\n\r\nWhen we stopped at 18,000 feet for a snack and water, we thought the worst was over, but that wasn’t the case. The next 500 feet were very rocky and slippery, and that along with the very thin air meant we had to take three or four steps before needing to stop for a break. Like having a bag over your head and pulling for each breath.\r\n\r\nFinally, we reached the craters ridge and were very happy. These are remnants of glaciers that once covered this entire valley. The whole valley was snow-covered and looked like we were walking in a desert. When we arrived, we were not allowed to lie down in our tents for about a good hour because we needed to let our bodies acclimate to the thin air at 18,600 feet.\r\n\r\nAfter that, we enjoyed a well-deserved nap before an early dinner because we would be getting up again at 4 AM to climb to the top of Kilimanjaro!\r\n\r\n<div class=\"btn-wrap\">\r\n<a href=\"/kilimanjaro-final-camp-at-18500-feet/\"><strong>See Photos</strong></a>\r\n<a href=\"/gallery/\"><strong>View Trip Gallery</strong></a></div></div>\r\n</div>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<h2>Climbing to the top 19,341 ft/5895 meters and beginning the descent</h2>\r\n[gallery columns=\"4\" size=\"wcsquare\" display=\"grid\" link=\"file\" ids=\"5331,5372\"]\r\n<div class=\"reports-img-desc\">\r\n  <div class=\"imgbox\"></div>\r\n  <div class=\"reports-desc\">The night was extremely cold, with ground temperatures probably down to zero degrees Fahrenheit. We did everything to keep ourselves warm! I laid my down jacket on top of my sleeping bag (which was rated to zero degrees), plus I had a liner inside the sleeping bag which gave me an additional 25 degrees of warmth. I am definitely not a cold weather person but with the right gear, it was not too bad.\r\n    \r\nWe were woken up at 4 AM. After eating and packing our stuff (only our personal things; the Sherpa took care of the sleeping bag and tent each morning and night), we were off for a 75-minute climb, basically straight up and extremely cold. Fortunately, I had bought the best mittens ever and my hands were not cold. Nonetheless, my legs and face took the brunt of it, and we moved very, very slowly. 10 feet could take several minutes. After a very hard, straight-up climbing, we had to cross a flat plane to the actual top of the mountain. The wind was blowing like crazy. The air temp was around minus 10 Fahrenheit with the wind chill probably down to negative 45 or 50 Fahrenheit. But all 6 of us had made it. It was a special feeling…an unbelievable feeling!\r\n\r\nI always carry some ashes of my parents no matter where I travel in this world. And since this was a very special place, I quietly said a prayer, took off my mittens (brrr), and sprinkled some of their ashes at the top. They had made it the whole way with me!\r\n\r\nWe took our pictures and then had to get going due to the intense winds and brutal cold. Fortunately, we summited very early and there were only one or two other groups at the top. Later on, there would be at least 50-100 people. We saw a gorgeous sunrise since it was shortly before 7 in the morning. We were almost on the equator, and sunrise and sunsets are always at around 6:30 to 7 am without much variation from season to season.\r\n\r\nImmediately, once we started to go down, we could feel the release of pressure in our lungs and chest. The descent and decreasing pressure made it a lot easier on our lungs, plus it was now all downhill. After an hour or two, our quads really felt it, and we would be walking downhill for the next 5 to 6 hours!\r\n\r\nWe did stop for a small break for some lunch, but our appetite was low due to the altitude. Several of the hikers experienced altitude sickness on the way up, with nausea, diarrhea, headaches loss of appetite, and weakness. I felt worse while descending, but fortunately, I had only lost my appetite with slight nausea and it lasted only for a short period of time. Anyway, we finally made it to camp at 10,500 feet. The weather was really nice and a bit warmer, between about 45 to 50 degrees or more. What a difference from the night before! We all had a good meal and rested, as we had been hiking downhill for over 8 hours, and all of our legs were extremely tired.\r\n\r\n<div class=\"btn-wrap\">\r\n<a href=\"/Hiking-to-the-summit-19-341-feet/\"><strong>See Photos</strong></a>\r\n<a href=\"/gallery/\"><strong>View Trip Gallery</strong></a></div></div>\r\n</div>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<h3>The descent and saying goodbye</h3>\r\n<div class=\"reports-img-desc\">\r\n  <div class=\"imgbox\"></div>\r\n  <div class=\"reports-desc\"><img src=\"https://www.drfields.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/Sunriseuptop-3.jpg\" class=\"alignleft\">We woke up at 6:30 AM, which was a big difference from 4 AM. Today would be our last night, and we would be saying goodbye to all the Sherpas as they would leave the trail. Only the guides would continue with us. I volunteered to be the spokesperson of the group, which meant I would be collecting the tip money and giving a short speech.\r\n\r\nAfter breakfast, the 40 or so sherpas gathered around singing and dancing. I actually joined them in the dancing, which I have a video of. I was very tired, but it was still worth it. I gave a 3-minute speech thanking every one of them for all of their hard work and dedication, and telling them that their help, whether by carrying a table, carrying sleeping bags, setting up tents, preparing food and everything else they did for us, was all very special and helped us so much.\r\n\r\nWe then set off for our last 6 to 7-hour hike downhill. Although it was not very steep, it was a dried-up river bed that was full of rocks and stones, making footing uneasy, and causing our quads to be even more on fire. I and several others had foldable walking sticks and this helped a lot. But we knew the end was coming, so we just kept going. We stopped for lunch and continued on. After about 7 hours, we saw the base camp. Nothing could be sweeter! I signed out at the Ranger station and basically collapsed into the waiting truck. There were a lot of campers and hikers ending in this same area, so they drove us about 20 minutes away.\r\n\r\nWe had some lunch and then drove the rest of the way back to the lodge, which was a beautiful hotel about half an hour outside of Arusha on an old coffee plantation. Everybody had their own cabin. For the first time in 9 days, I took a shower. It was wonderful! Then we all gathered with the two guides and I said a few more words to represent the group. We had a nice dinner, and then two people left for the airport by 7 PM. That night, was my first night of sleep in a bed, after 9 days. It was fantastic! The mission was accomplished!\r\n\r\n<div class=\"btn-wrap\">\r\n<a href=\"/Sunrise-up-top-and-heading-down\"><strong>See Photos</strong></a>\r\n</div></div>\r\n</div>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<h2>Kilimanjaro Was Amazing! Final Goodbyes and certificate</h2>\r\n<img class=\"size-full wp-image-2213 alignleft\" src=\"https://www.drfields.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/klimanjaro-5.jpg\" alt=\"Klimanjaro (5)\" width=\"128\" height=\"128\" />\r\n\r\nEven though the trip was not exactly as described in the pamphlet, it was something I had had on my bucket list for over 10 years. It was extremely difficult at times. Some of our hikers had difficulty even moving and needed assistance. But we all persevered. I\'ve done 10 Ironman races so far (now 11!), which require monumental training. But the long hike up to the crater from 16,800 feet to 18,400, with the subsequent day of summiting, followed by the 9,000-foot descent, were some of the hardest things that I\'ve ever done. And that includes all my Ironman competitions.\r\n\r\nYou just can\'t imagine what it\'s like trying to move at that altitude. As I said before, it is similar to having a paper bag over your head and trying to grasp for air. There were times I took two or three steps and then had to pause for 15 or 20 seconds just to get my heart rate and breathing back down, repeating that again and again and again. Never looking ahead, only down, because sometimes ten feet took 45-60 seconds to hike. All this while enduring the sub-freezing temperature, the blowing snow, and the wind chill factors. Nothing but grit and determination to keep you going. But the views were spectacular and the feeling of being literally on top of the world made it all worth it.\r\n\r\nI\'ll continue to enjoy my Ironman triathlons and continue to do them as long as I can. But as far as hiking up a mountain to 19,341 feet, this will be my one and only time! It\'s a tremendous accomplishment, but something I would not want to repeat.\r\n\r\n[video poster=\"https://www.drfields.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/Dancing.png\" width=\"352\" height=\"640\" mp4=\"https://www.drfields.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/DANCING-v3.mp4\"][/video]\r\n\r\n<img class=\"alignright\" src=\"https://www.drfields.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/final-goodbyes-1.jpg\" />\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"https://www.drfields.com/Final-goodbyes-and-certificates\"><strong>See Photos</strong></a></p>\r\n\r\n<h3 style=\"text-align: center;\">Thank You to Everyone Who Made Kilimanjaro A Possibility!</h3>\r\nThank you to everyone that sent me well wishes before, during, and after my climb. It meant so much!\r\n\r\nI also thank my parents who gave me the will and determination to achieve all the goals in my life, no matter how hard they are.\r\nThey always ingrained this determination in me and encouraged me to just put my head down and keep going to achieve my goals.\r\nAs I said above, they were with me the whole way and always will be.\r\n\r\nThank you for taking the time to read this. I hope this will inspire you that if a goal is desired, to just put your head down and keep going no matter how difficult it may seem.\r\n\r\n<strong>Peter A. Fields, MD, DC </strong>\r\n<strong>The Athletic Doc<sup>®</sup></strong>\r\n\r\n<a href=\"https://www.drfields.com/about/the-athletic-doc/about-the-athletic-doc/\">Click here</a> to find out more about <strong>The Athletic Doc<sup>® </sup></strong>','Report of My Kilimanjaro Climb','','inherit','closed','closed','','2208-revision-v1','','','2022-07-26 11:43:35','2022-07-26 11:43:35','',2208,'https://www.drfields.com/?p=5375',0,'revision','',0),(5376,8,'2022-07-26 11:44:35','2022-07-26 11:44:35','<h1>Report of My Kilimanjaro Climb</h1>\r\n<em>By Peter A. Fields, MD, DC</em>\r\n\r\nAfter waiting ten years with this on my bucket list, I finally was going to climb Kilimanjaro.\r\n<h3>Getting to Mount Kilimanjaro</h3>\r\n<div class=\"reports-img-desc\">\r\n<div class=\"imgbox\"><img class=\"alignleft\" src=\"https://www.drfields.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/20190210_061752.jpg\" alt=\"\" /></div>\r\n<div class=\"reports-desc\">\r\n\r\nThe trip to Kilimanjaro began with an 11-hour flight to London where I had a 36-hour layover. Saw \"Tina, The Musical\" (life and times of Tina Turner). Great show.  Then 9 ½ hour flight to Nairobi, where I spent 24 hours so I was able to see the city. Then a one-hour flight to Kilimanjaro, Tanzania. My arrival at Kilimanjaro airport was on Sunday night. This was followed by a two-and-a-half-hour ride, with half of it on a very bumpy dirt road, before reaching the destination at the base camp. Since it was almost midnight, I went straight to my tent, which was quite luxurious for camping, and included a sink, a bathroom, and even a shower. I took advantage of a quick shower and went straight to bed.\r\n<div class=\"btn-wrap\"><a href=\"https://www.drfields.com/Day-1-Kiliminaro-and-base-camp-arrival\"><strong>See Photos</strong></a>\r\n<a href=\"/gallery/\"><strong>View Trip Gallery</strong></a></div>\r\n</div>\r\n</div>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<h2>Pre Hike</h2>\r\n<div class=\"reports-img-desc\">\r\n<div class=\"imgbox\"><img src=\"https://www.drfields.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/20190211_054908.jpg\" /></div>\r\n<div class=\"reports-desc\">\r\n\r\nAfter a nice breakfast, where I met the other climbers and our trek leaders, we went for a short two-hour hike just to see the local terrain. It was beautiful, with waterfalls and lots of lush plants and greenery. The guide leader went through our entire pack to make sure that we would be taking everything we needed and that everything was in good shape. The rest of the day was just spent relaxing, except for a short sunset hike of 10 minutes, where at the top of the small hill they had wine waiting for us. A pleasant surprise.\r\n<div class=\"btn-wrap\"><a href=\"/kilimanjaro-pre-hike/\"><strong>See Photos</strong></a>\r\n<a href=\"/gallery/\"><strong>View Trip Gallery</strong></a></div>\r\n</div>\r\n</div>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<h2>Getting to the Trailhead and First Day Hike Towards Kilimanjaro</h2>\r\n[gallery display=\"grid\" link=\"none\" columns=\"4\" size=\"wcsquare\" ids=\"5235,5231\"]\r\n<div class=\"reports-img-desc\">\r\n<div class=\"imgbox\"></div>\r\n<div class=\"reports-desc\">\r\n\r\nAfter a two-hour ride, we arrived at the check-in point. The weather was hot enough to wear shorts and t-shirts since we were only 3 degrees off the equator. There we saw the more than 45 plus Sherpa’s that would accompany us. There were six Sherpa’s( there were six hikers) to carry each person’s clothing (colder weather gear, nighttime clothes, toiletries, etc.). Then six to carry our bedding, and tents ( double roofed for better rain protection), six would carry our food for 7 days ( three full meals a day), eight of them made up the kitchen team, another team of two would carry the oxygen and medicine, four to carry the toilets and tents over them, plus about 10 other Sherpa’s would carry all the tents, tables and chairs. There were also 10 more to carry all of the sherpa’s food and equipment.\r\n\r\nWe had to register and show our passports, and after that, we took a short 20-minute drive to the trailhead. Arriving at noon, a very nice, well-prepared lunch was ready for us. We started the hike at 7700 feet and climbed to 9300 feet. The area was mostly jungle-like, with a lot of fantastic plants, birds, and other exotic wildlife, including Colobus monkeys and other animals. When we arrived at the camp at 9300 feet, the tents were already set up, and we unpacked our gear in each individual tent, had dinner and went to sleep.\r\n<div class=\"btn-wrap\"><a href=\"/Kili-Getting-to-the-trailhead/\"><strong>See Photos</strong></a>\r\n<a href=\"/gallery/\"><strong>View Trip Gallery</strong></a></div>\r\n</div>\r\n</div>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<h3>Hiking to 11,400 ft</h3>\r\n[gallery columns=\"4\" size=\"wcsquare\" display=\"grid\" link=\"file\" ids=\"5256,5261\"]\r\n<div class=\"reports-img-desc\">\r\n  <div class=\"imgbox\"></div>\r\n  <div class=\"reports-desc\">At 6:30 AM we were woken up with a hot bowl of water to wash up and get ready for the day. A very full breakfast was prepared for us and then we started off to hike again. For hiking, it’s important to eat three square meals a day as well as drink a minimum of three liters of water a day. Without this exhaustion, dehydration, and more can happen. The guides made sure that we would eat a lot and consume lots of water.\r\n\r\nWe headed off on our hike up to 11,400 feet, crossing from the Montane Forest into the Hagenia Zone, where we saw many different plants and beautiful trees throughout the canyon.\r\n\r\nI felt pretty good, as I had taken Diamox, a medicine to help prevent altitude sickness. I had a Camelback-style drinking system so I was drinking copious amounts of water. At night it was cold but with the proper gear (well worth the expense!), I felt warm.\r\n\r\n<div class=\"btn-wrap\">\r\n<a href=\"/kili-hiking-to-11400-ft/\"><strong>See Photos</strong></a>\r\n<a href=\"/gallery/\"><strong>View Trip Gallery</strong></a></div></div>\r\n</div>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<h3>Hiking to 13,400 ft</h3>\r\n[gallery columns=\"4\" size=\"wcsquare\" display=\"grid\" link=\"file\" ids=\"5351,5352\"]\r\n<div class=\"reports-img-desc\">\r\n  <div class=\"imgbox\"></div>\r\n  <div class=\"reports-desc\">We had another early wake-up call today and another substantial breakfast (scrambled eggs, toast, pancakes, fruit, toast, jelly, peanut butter, tea/coffee, and more. We hiked across a large plateau and gained about 2,100 feet in altitude. It was very interesting as we passed into the upper heath zone, where there were no more trees here, just a lot of different plants. And lots of volcanic rock (the last active volcano here took place over 10,000 years ago).\r\n\r\nThe hiking was very slow and consistent, as they say in Swahili, “Poli, Poli.” Again I felt very good when arriving at Moir camp at 13,500 feet. We had beautiful views of the mountain as the clouds moved away. It was really spectacular!\r\n<div class=\"btn-wrap\">\r\n<a href=\"/kili-hiking-to-13400-feet/\"><strong>See Photos</strong></a>\r\n<a href=\"/gallery/\"><strong>View Trip Gallery</strong></a></div></div>\r\n</div>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<h3>Kili Hiking to 15,500 feet</h3>\r\n[gallery columns=\"4\" size=\"wcsquare\" display=\"grid\" link=\"file\" ids=\"5271,5270\"]\r\n<div class=\"reports-img-desc\">\r\n  <div class=\"imgbox\"></div>\r\n  <div class=\"reports-desc\">We woke up again at 6:30 AM, had breakfast at 7, and were hiking by 7:30. Today was a shorter hike of only 3.1 miles, but we did climb 2000 feet. It was slow in some parts and the steep sections were even slower. Finally, we arrived at camp after hiking for only 2 hours and 20 minutes. We were now at 15,500 feet. The air is very thin, so with every step you take, you have to think about it. But when we arrived at camp, everything seemed to settle down. During the afternoon there was a hale storm that turned into snow, so everybody went into their tents. I probably took a 3-hour well-needed nap. After a good dinner, we all went to bed, but not until we viewed the beautiful skies at 15,500 feet in the southern hemisphere.\r\n<div class=\"btn-wrap\">\r\n<a href=\"/kili-hiking-to-15500-feet/\"><strong>See Photos</strong></a>\r\n<a href=\"/gallery/\"><strong>View Trip Gallery</strong></a></div></div>\r\n</div>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<h3>Getting to camp at 16,500 ft</h3>\r\n[gallery columns=\"4\" size=\"wcsquare\" display=\"grid\" link=\"file\" ids=\"5291,5283\"]\r\n<div class=\"reports-img-desc\">\r\n  <div class=\"imgbox\"></div>\r\n  <div class=\"reports-desc\">We had the usual wake-up call at 6:30 AM and were on the trail by 7:30. It snowed during the night, but only half an inch or so, making everything white and beautiful. The good news is this meant it was right around 32 degrees. The sun came out, so it was warm when we hiked but a little bit cooler when clouds were overhead. Plus with the altitude (lots of breathing) and hiking effort, one was rarely cold. Today’s hike was only 1,000 feet of climbing and a short hike to the base camp. The big hike tomorrow will only be about an hour and 20 minutes, but it will be over a lot of rocks and boulders and will be steep in some places. We arrived at the base camp around 10:30 – 11 in the morning. We were supposed to go for a short hike from there without our packs but it started snowing for over an hour, so that was canceled. Tomorrow morning, we will have a 4 AM wake-up call in anticipation of a 2,300-foot elevation climb up to 18,650 feet.\r\n<div class=\"btn-wrap\">\r\n<a href=\"/16-500-feet-to-18-400/\"><strong>See Photos</strong></a>\r\n<a href=\"/gallery/\"><strong>View Trip Gallery</strong></a></div></div>\r\n</div>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<h3>Kilimanjaro- final camp at 18,500 feet</h3>\r\n[gallery columns=\"4\" size=\"wcsquare\" display=\"grid\" link=\"file\" ids=\"5292,5293\"]\r\n<div class=\"video-flex-wrap\">\r\n<div class=\"video-box\">\r\n[video width=\"640\" height=\"480\" mp4=\"https://www.drfields.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/camp-16000ft.mp4\" poster=\"https://www.drfields.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/camp.png\"][/video]\r\n</div>\r\n<div class=\"video-box\">\r\n[video width=\"640\" height=\"480\" mp4=\"https://www.drfields.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/16000ft.mp4\" poster=\"https://www.drfields.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/dance-18000.png\"][/video]\r\n</div>\r\n</div>\r\n<div class=\"reports-img-desc\">\r\n  <div class=\"imgbox\"></div>\r\n  <div class=\"reports-desc\">Wake-up call at 4 AM and breakfast at 4:30. The slow group left at 5. We (my hiking partner, myself, and our guide) left about 5:30. At this altitude of over 16,000 feet, everyone moves very slowly. The first little part was steep and slightly snow-covered, but then it got extremely steep and no longer covered in snow. \r\n\r\nWe climbed 2,400 feet over 2.6 miles. The first hour was in the dark, but we all had headlamps. It was very rocky and we had to use our hands sometimes to climb. We ran into a few other tours on the trail and all of us had to cut across a mountainside since the snow had obliterated the trail the night before.\r\n\r\nWe were now over 17, 000 feet. One of the guides from another tour (all the guides know each other) had a pickaxe and so he chopped thru the snow to make it easier on our footing. Even so, it was very slippery. There were times we had to use all four extremities to climb, even kneeling on the next step up because the step was too high to reach with our foot. Breathing was becoming more and more labored and it was difficult to catch our breath in the thinning air.\r\n\r\nWhen we stopped at 18,000 feet for a snack and water, we thought the worst was over, but that wasn’t the case. The next 500 feet were very rocky and slippery, and that along with the very thin air meant we had to take three or four steps before needing to stop for a break. Like having a bag over your head and pulling for each breath.\r\n\r\nFinally, we reached the craters ridge and were very happy. These are remnants of glaciers that once covered this entire valley. The whole valley was snow-covered and looked like we were walking in a desert. When we arrived, we were not allowed to lie down in our tents for about a good hour because we needed to let our bodies acclimate to the thin air at 18,600 feet.\r\n\r\nAfter that, we enjoyed a well-deserved nap before an early dinner because we would be getting up again at 4 AM to climb to the top of Kilimanjaro!\r\n\r\n<div class=\"btn-wrap\">\r\n<a href=\"/kilimanjaro-final-camp-at-18500-feet/\"><strong>See Photos</strong></a>\r\n<a href=\"/gallery/\"><strong>View Trip Gallery</strong></a></div></div>\r\n</div>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<h2>Climbing to the top 19,341 ft/5895 meters and beginning the descent</h2>\r\n[gallery columns=\"4\" size=\"wcsquare\" display=\"grid\" link=\"file\" ids=\"5331,5372\"]\r\n<div class=\"reports-img-desc\">\r\n  <div class=\"imgbox\"></div>\r\n  <div class=\"reports-desc\">The night was extremely cold, with ground temperatures probably down to zero degrees Fahrenheit. We did everything to keep ourselves warm! I laid my down jacket on top of my sleeping bag (which was rated to zero degrees), plus I had a liner inside the sleeping bag which gave me an additional 25 degrees of warmth. I am definitely not a cold weather person but with the right gear, it was not too bad.\r\n    \r\nWe were woken up at 4 AM. After eating and packing our stuff (only our personal things; the Sherpa took care of the sleeping bag and tent each morning and night), we were off for a 75-minute climb, basically straight up and extremely cold. Fortunately, I had bought the best mittens ever and my hands were not cold. Nonetheless, my legs and face took the brunt of it, and we moved very, very slowly. 10 feet could take several minutes. After a very hard, straight-up climbing, we had to cross a flat plane to the actual top of the mountain. The wind was blowing like crazy. The air temp was around minus 10 Fahrenheit with the wind chill probably down to negative 45 or 50 Fahrenheit. But all 6 of us had made it. It was a special feeling…an unbelievable feeling!\r\n\r\nI always carry some ashes of my parents no matter where I travel in this world. And since this was a very special place, I quietly said a prayer, took off my mittens (brrr), and sprinkled some of their ashes at the top. They had made it the whole way with me!\r\n\r\nWe took our pictures and then had to get going due to the intense winds and brutal cold. Fortunately, we summited very early and there were only one or two other groups at the top. Later on, there would be at least 50-100 people. We saw a gorgeous sunrise since it was shortly before 7 in the morning. We were almost on the equator, and sunrise and sunsets are always at around 6:30 to 7 am without much variation from season to season.\r\n\r\nImmediately, once we started to go down, we could feel the release of pressure in our lungs and chest. The descent and decreasing pressure made it a lot easier on our lungs, plus it was now all downhill. After an hour or two, our quads really felt it, and we would be walking downhill for the next 5 to 6 hours!\r\n\r\nWe did stop for a small break for some lunch, but our appetite was low due to the altitude. Several of the hikers experienced altitude sickness on the way up, with nausea, diarrhea, headaches loss of appetite, and weakness. I felt worse while descending, but fortunately, I had only lost my appetite with slight nausea and it lasted only for a short period of time. Anyway, we finally made it to camp at 10,500 feet. The weather was really nice and a bit warmer, between about 45 to 50 degrees or more. What a difference from the night before! We all had a good meal and rested, as we had been hiking downhill for over 8 hours, and all of our legs were extremely tired.\r\n\r\n<div class=\"btn-wrap\">\r\n<a href=\"/Hiking-to-the-summit-19-341-feet/\"><strong>See Photos</strong></a>\r\n<a href=\"/gallery/\"><strong>View Trip Gallery</strong></a></div></div>\r\n</div>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<h3>The descent and saying goodbye</h3>\r\n<div class=\"reports-img-desc\">\r\n  <div class=\"imgbox\"></div>\r\n  <div class=\"reports-desc\"><img src=\"https://www.drfields.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/Sunriseuptop-3.jpg\" class=\"alignleft\" width=\"400\">We woke up at 6:30 AM, which was a big difference from 4 AM. Today would be our last night, and we would be saying goodbye to all the Sherpas as they would leave the trail. Only the guides would continue with us. I volunteered to be the spokesperson of the group, which meant I would be collecting the tip money and giving a short speech.\r\n\r\nAfter breakfast, the 40 or so sherpas gathered around singing and dancing. I actually joined them in the dancing, which I have a video of. I was very tired, but it was still worth it. I gave a 3-minute speech thanking every one of them for all of their hard work and dedication, and telling them that their help, whether by carrying a table, carrying sleeping bags, setting up tents, preparing food and everything else they did for us, was all very special and helped us so much.\r\n\r\nWe then set off for our last 6 to 7-hour hike downhill. Although it was not very steep, it was a dried-up river bed that was full of rocks and stones, making footing uneasy, and causing our quads to be even more on fire. I and several others had foldable walking sticks and this helped a lot. But we knew the end was coming, so we just kept going. We stopped for lunch and continued on. After about 7 hours, we saw the base camp. Nothing could be sweeter! I signed out at the Ranger station and basically collapsed into the waiting truck. There were a lot of campers and hikers ending in this same area, so they drove us about 20 minutes away.\r\n\r\nWe had some lunch and then drove the rest of the way back to the lodge, which was a beautiful hotel about half an hour outside of Arusha on an old coffee plantation. Everybody had their own cabin. For the first time in 9 days, I took a shower. It was wonderful! Then we all gathered with the two guides and I said a few more words to represent the group. We had a nice dinner, and then two people left for the airport by 7 PM. That night, was my first night of sleep in a bed, after 9 days. It was fantastic! The mission was accomplished!\r\n\r\n<div class=\"btn-wrap\">\r\n<a href=\"/Sunrise-up-top-and-heading-down\"><strong>See Photos</strong></a>\r\n</div></div>\r\n</div>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<h2>Kilimanjaro Was Amazing! Final Goodbyes and certificate</h2>\r\n<img class=\"size-full wp-image-2213 alignleft\" src=\"https://www.drfields.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/klimanjaro-5.jpg\" alt=\"Klimanjaro (5)\" width=\"128\" height=\"128\" />\r\n\r\nEven though the trip was not exactly as described in the pamphlet, it was something I had had on my bucket list for over 10 years. It was extremely difficult at times. Some of our hikers had difficulty even moving and needed assistance. But we all persevered. I\'ve done 10 Ironman races so far (now 11!), which require monumental training. But the long hike up to the crater from 16,800 feet to 18,400, with the subsequent day of summiting, followed by the 9,000-foot descent, were some of the hardest things that I\'ve ever done. And that includes all my Ironman competitions.\r\n\r\nYou just can\'t imagine what it\'s like trying to move at that altitude. As I said before, it is similar to having a paper bag over your head and trying to grasp for air. There were times I took two or three steps and then had to pause for 15 or 20 seconds just to get my heart rate and breathing back down, repeating that again and again and again. Never looking ahead, only down, because sometimes ten feet took 45-60 seconds to hike. All this while enduring the sub-freezing temperature, the blowing snow, and the wind chill factors. Nothing but grit and determination to keep you going. But the views were spectacular and the feeling of being literally on top of the world made it all worth it.\r\n\r\nI\'ll continue to enjoy my Ironman triathlons and continue to do them as long as I can. But as far as hiking up a mountain to 19,341 feet, this will be my one and only time! It\'s a tremendous accomplishment, but something I would not want to repeat.\r\n\r\n[video poster=\"https://www.drfields.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/Dancing.png\" width=\"352\" height=\"640\" mp4=\"https://www.drfields.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/DANCING-v3.mp4\"][/video]\r\n\r\n<img class=\"alignright\" src=\"https://www.drfields.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/final-goodbyes-1.jpg\" />\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"https://www.drfields.com/Final-goodbyes-and-certificates\"><strong>See Photos</strong></a></p>\r\n\r\n<h3 style=\"text-align: center;\">Thank You to Everyone Who Made Kilimanjaro A Possibility!</h3>\r\nThank you to everyone that sent me well wishes before, during, and after my climb. It meant so much!\r\n\r\nI also thank my parents who gave me the will and determination to achieve all the goals in my life, no matter how hard they are.\r\nThey always ingrained this determination in me and encouraged me to just put my head down and keep going to achieve my goals.\r\nAs I said above, they were with me the whole way and always will be.\r\n\r\nThank you for taking the time to read this. I hope this will inspire you that if a goal is desired, to just put your head down and keep going no matter how difficult it may seem.\r\n\r\n<strong>Peter A. Fields, MD, DC </strong>\r\n<strong>The Athletic Doc<sup>®</sup></strong>\r\n\r\n<a href=\"https://www.drfields.com/about/the-athletic-doc/about-the-athletic-doc/\">Click here</a> to find out more about <strong>The Athletic Doc<sup>® </sup></strong>','Report of My Kilimanjaro Climb','','inherit','closed','closed','','2208-revision-v1','','','2022-07-26 11:44:35','2022-07-26 11:44:35','',2208,'https://www.drfields.com/?p=5376',0,'revision','',0),(5377,8,'2022-07-26 11:56:18','2022-07-26 11:56:18','<h1>Report of My Kilimanjaro Climb</h1>\r\n<em>By Peter A. Fields, MD, DC</em>\r\n\r\nAfter waiting ten years with this on my bucket list, I finally was going to climb Kilimanjaro.\r\n<h3>Getting to Mount Kilimanjaro</h3>\r\n<div class=\"reports-img-desc\">\r\n<div class=\"imgbox\"><img class=\"alignleft\" src=\"https://www.drfields.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/20190210_061752.jpg\" alt=\"\" /></div>\r\n<div class=\"reports-desc\">\r\n\r\nThe trip to Kilimanjaro began with an 11-hour flight to London where I had a 36-hour layover. Saw \"Tina, The Musical\" (life and times of Tina Turner). Great show.  Then 9 ½ hour flight to Nairobi, where I spent 24 hours so I was able to see the city. Then a one-hour flight to Kilimanjaro, Tanzania. My arrival at Kilimanjaro airport was on Sunday night. This was followed by a two-and-a-half-hour ride, with half of it on a very bumpy dirt road, before reaching the destination at the base camp. Since it was almost midnight, I went straight to my tent, which was quite luxurious for camping, and included a sink, a bathroom, and even a shower. I took advantage of a quick shower and went straight to bed.\r\n<div class=\"btn-wrap\"><a href=\"https://www.drfields.com/Day-1-Kiliminaro-and-base-camp-arrival\"><strong>See Photos</strong></a>\r\n<a href=\"/gallery/\"><strong>View Trip Gallery</strong></a></div>\r\n</div>\r\n</div>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<h2>Pre Hike</h2>\r\n<div class=\"reports-img-desc\">\r\n<div class=\"imgbox\"><img src=\"https://www.drfields.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/20190211_054908.jpg\" /></div>\r\n<div class=\"reports-desc\">\r\n\r\nAfter a nice breakfast, where I met the other climbers and our trek leaders, we went for a short two-hour hike just to see the local terrain. It was beautiful, with waterfalls and lots of lush plants and greenery. The guide leader went through our entire pack to make sure that we would be taking everything we needed and that everything was in good shape. The rest of the day was just spent relaxing, except for a short sunset hike of 10 minutes, where at the top of the small hill they had wine waiting for us. A pleasant surprise.\r\n<div class=\"btn-wrap\"><a href=\"/kilimanjaro-pre-hike/\"><strong>See Photos</strong></a>\r\n<a href=\"/gallery/\"><strong>View Trip Gallery</strong></a></div>\r\n</div>\r\n</div>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<h2>Getting to the Trailhead and First Day Hike Towards Kilimanjaro</h2>\r\n[gallery display=\"grid\" link=\"none\" columns=\"4\" size=\"wcsquare\" ids=\"5235,5231\"]\r\n<div class=\"reports-img-desc\">\r\n<div class=\"imgbox\"></div>\r\n<div class=\"reports-desc\">\r\n\r\nAfter a two-hour ride, we arrived at the check-in point. The weather was hot enough to wear shorts and t-shirts since we were only 3 degrees off the equator. There we saw the more than 45 plus Sherpa’s that would accompany us. There were six Sherpa’s( there were six hikers) to carry each person’s clothing (colder weather gear, nighttime clothes, toiletries, etc.). Then six to carry our bedding, and tents ( double roofed for better rain protection), six would carry our food for 7 days ( three full meals a day), eight of them made up the kitchen team, another team of two would carry the oxygen and medicine, four to carry the toilets and tents over them, plus about 10 other Sherpa’s would carry all the tents, tables and chairs. There were also 10 more to carry all of the sherpa’s food and equipment.\r\n\r\nWe had to register and show our passports, and after that, we took a short 20-minute drive to the trailhead. Arriving at noon, a very nice, well-prepared lunch was ready for us. We started the hike at 7700 feet and climbed to 9300 feet. The area was mostly jungle-like, with a lot of fantastic plants, birds, and other exotic wildlife, including Colobus monkeys and other animals. When we arrived at the camp at 9300 feet, the tents were already set up, and we unpacked our gear in each individual tent, had dinner and went to sleep.\r\n<div class=\"btn-wrap\"><a href=\"/Kili-Getting-to-the-trailhead/\"><strong>See Photos</strong></a>\r\n<a href=\"/gallery/\"><strong>View Trip Gallery</strong></a></div>\r\n</div>\r\n</div>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<h3>Hiking to 11,400 ft</h3>\r\n[gallery columns=\"4\" size=\"wcsquare\" display=\"grid\" link=\"file\" ids=\"5256,5261\"]\r\n<div class=\"reports-img-desc\">\r\n  <div class=\"imgbox\"></div>\r\n  <div class=\"reports-desc\">At 6:30 AM we were woken up with a hot bowl of water to wash up and get ready for the day. A very full breakfast was prepared for us and then we started off to hike again. For hiking, it’s important to eat three square meals a day as well as drink a minimum of three liters of water a day. Without this exhaustion, dehydration, and more can happen. The guides made sure that we would eat a lot and consume lots of water.\r\n\r\nWe headed off on our hike up to 11,400 feet, crossing from the Montane Forest into the Hagenia Zone, where we saw many different plants and beautiful trees throughout the canyon.\r\n\r\nI felt pretty good, as I had taken Diamox, a medicine to help prevent altitude sickness. I had a Camelback-style drinking system so I was drinking copious amounts of water. At night it was cold but with the proper gear (well worth the expense!), I felt warm.\r\n\r\n<div class=\"btn-wrap\">\r\n<a href=\"/kili-hiking-to-11400-ft/\"><strong>See Photos</strong></a>\r\n<a href=\"/gallery/\"><strong>View Trip Gallery</strong></a></div></div>\r\n</div>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<h3>Hiking to 13,400 ft</h3>\r\n[gallery columns=\"4\" size=\"wcsquare\" display=\"grid\" link=\"file\" ids=\"5351,5352\"]\r\n<div class=\"reports-img-desc\">\r\n  <div class=\"imgbox\"></div>\r\n  <div class=\"reports-desc\">We had another early wake-up call today and another substantial breakfast (scrambled eggs, toast, pancakes, fruit, toast, jelly, peanut butter, tea/coffee, and more. We hiked across a large plateau and gained about 2,100 feet in altitude. It was very interesting as we passed into the upper heath zone, where there were no more trees here, just a lot of different plants. And lots of volcanic rock (the last active volcano here took place over 10,000 years ago).\r\n\r\nThe hiking was very slow and consistent, as they say in Swahili, “Poli, Poli.” Again I felt very good when arriving at Moir camp at 13,500 feet. We had beautiful views of the mountain as the clouds moved away. It was really spectacular!\r\n<div class=\"btn-wrap\">\r\n<a href=\"/kili-hiking-to-13400-feet/\"><strong>See Photos</strong></a>\r\n<a href=\"/gallery/\"><strong>View Trip Gallery</strong></a></div></div>\r\n</div>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<h3>Kili Hiking to 15,500 feet</h3>\r\n[gallery columns=\"4\" size=\"wcsquare\" display=\"grid\" link=\"file\" ids=\"5271,5270\"]\r\n<div class=\"reports-img-desc\">\r\n  <div class=\"imgbox\"></div>\r\n  <div class=\"reports-desc\">We woke up again at 6:30 AM, had breakfast at 7, and were hiking by 7:30. Today was a shorter hike of only 3.1 miles, but we did climb 2000 feet. It was slow in some parts and the steep sections were even slower. Finally, we arrived at camp after hiking for only 2 hours and 20 minutes. We were now at 15,500 feet. The air is very thin, so with every step you take, you have to think about it. But when we arrived at camp, everything seemed to settle down. During the afternoon there was a hale storm that turned into snow, so everybody went into their tents. I probably took a 3-hour well-needed nap. After a good dinner, we all went to bed, but not until we viewed the beautiful skies at 15,500 feet in the southern hemisphere.\r\n<div class=\"btn-wrap\">\r\n<a href=\"/kili-hiking-to-15500-feet/\"><strong>See Photos</strong></a>\r\n<a href=\"/gallery/\"><strong>View Trip Gallery</strong></a></div></div>\r\n</div>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<h3>Getting to camp at 16,500 ft</h3>\r\n[gallery columns=\"4\" size=\"wcsquare\" display=\"grid\" link=\"file\" ids=\"5291,5283\"]\r\n<div class=\"reports-img-desc\">\r\n  <div class=\"imgbox\"></div>\r\n  <div class=\"reports-desc\">We had the usual wake-up call at 6:30 AM and were on the trail by 7:30. It snowed during the night, but only half an inch or so, making everything white and beautiful. The good news is this meant it was right around 32 degrees. The sun came out, so it was warm when we hiked but a little bit cooler when clouds were overhead. Plus with the altitude (lots of breathing) and hiking effort, one was rarely cold. Today’s hike was only 1,000 feet of climbing and a short hike to the base camp. The big hike tomorrow will only be about an hour and 20 minutes, but it will be over a lot of rocks and boulders and will be steep in some places. We arrived at the base camp around 10:30 – 11 in the morning. We were supposed to go for a short hike from there without our packs but it started snowing for over an hour, so that was canceled. Tomorrow morning, we will have a 4 AM wake-up call in anticipation of a 2,300-foot elevation climb up to 18,650 feet.\r\n<div class=\"btn-wrap\">\r\n<a href=\"/16-500-feet-to-18-400/\"><strong>See Photos</strong></a>\r\n<a href=\"/gallery/\"><strong>View Trip Gallery</strong></a></div></div>\r\n</div>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<h3>Kilimanjaro- final camp at 18,500 feet</h3>\r\n[gallery columns=\"4\" size=\"wcsquare\" display=\"grid\" link=\"file\" ids=\"5292,5293\"]\r\n<div class=\"video-flex-wrap\">\r\n<div class=\"video-box\">\r\n[video width=\"640\" height=\"480\" mp4=\"https://www.drfields.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/camp-16000ft.mp4\" poster=\"https://www.drfields.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/camp.png\"][/video]\r\n</div>\r\n<div class=\"video-box\">\r\n[video width=\"640\" height=\"480\" mp4=\"https://www.drfields.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/16000ft.mp4\" poster=\"https://www.drfields.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/dance-18000.png\"][/video]\r\n</div>\r\n</div>\r\n<div class=\"reports-img-desc\">\r\n  <div class=\"imgbox\"></div>\r\n  <div class=\"reports-desc\">Wake-up call at 4 AM and breakfast at 4:30. The slow group left at 5. We (my hiking partner, myself, and our guide) left about 5:30. At this altitude of over 16,000 feet, everyone moves very slowly. The first little part was steep and slightly snow-covered, but then it got extremely steep and no longer covered in snow. \r\n\r\nWe climbed 2,400 feet over 2.6 miles. The first hour was in the dark, but we all had headlamps. It was very rocky and we had to use our hands sometimes to climb. We ran into a few other tours on the trail and all of us had to cut across a mountainside since the snow had obliterated the trail the night before.\r\n\r\nWe were now over 17, 000 feet. One of the guides from another tour (all the guides know each other) had a pickaxe and so he chopped thru the snow to make it easier on our footing. Even so, it was very slippery. There were times we had to use all four extremities to climb, even kneeling on the next step up because the step was too high to reach with our foot. Breathing was becoming more and more labored and it was difficult to catch our breath in the thinning air.\r\n\r\nWhen we stopped at 18,000 feet for a snack and water, we thought the worst was over, but that wasn’t the case. The next 500 feet were very rocky and slippery, and that along with the very thin air meant we had to take three or four steps before needing to stop for a break. Like having a bag over your head and pulling for each breath.\r\n\r\nFinally, we reached the craters ridge and were very happy. These are remnants of glaciers that once covered this entire valley. The whole valley was snow-covered and looked like we were walking in a desert. When we arrived, we were not allowed to lie down in our tents for about a good hour because we needed to let our bodies acclimate to the thin air at 18,600 feet.\r\n\r\nAfter that, we enjoyed a well-deserved nap before an early dinner because we would be getting up again at 4 AM to climb to the top of Kilimanjaro!\r\n\r\n<div class=\"btn-wrap\">\r\n<a href=\"/kilimanjaro-final-camp-at-18500-feet/\"><strong>See Photos</strong></a>\r\n<a href=\"/gallery/\"><strong>View Trip Gallery</strong></a></div></div>\r\n</div>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<h2>Climbing to the top 19,341 ft/5895 meters and beginning the descent</h2>\r\n[gallery columns=\"4\" size=\"wcsquare\" display=\"grid\" link=\"file\" ids=\"5331,5372\"]\r\n<div class=\"reports-img-desc\">\r\n  <div class=\"imgbox\"></div>\r\n  <div class=\"reports-desc\">The night was extremely cold, with ground temperatures probably down to zero degrees Fahrenheit. We did everything to keep ourselves warm! I laid my down jacket on top of my sleeping bag (which was rated to zero degrees), plus I had a liner inside the sleeping bag which gave me an additional 25 degrees of warmth. I am definitely not a cold weather person but with the right gear, it was not too bad.\r\n    \r\nWe were woken up at 4 AM. After eating and packing our stuff (only our personal things; the Sherpa took care of the sleeping bag and tent each morning and night), we were off for a 75-minute climb, basically straight up and extremely cold. Fortunately, I had bought the best mittens ever and my hands were not cold. Nonetheless, my legs and face took the brunt of it, and we moved very, very slowly. 10 feet could take several minutes. After a very hard, straight-up climbing, we had to cross a flat plane to the actual top of the mountain. The wind was blowing like crazy. The air temp was around minus 10 Fahrenheit with the wind chill probably down to negative 45 or 50 Fahrenheit. But all 6 of us had made it. It was a special feeling…an unbelievable feeling!\r\n\r\nI always carry some ashes of my parents no matter where I travel in this world. And since this was a very special place, I quietly said a prayer, took off my mittens (brrr), and sprinkled some of their ashes at the top. They had made it the whole way with me!\r\n\r\nWe took our pictures and then had to get going due to the intense winds and brutal cold. Fortunately, we summited very early and there were only one or two other groups at the top. Later on, there would be at least 50-100 people. We saw a gorgeous sunrise since it was shortly before 7 in the morning. We were almost on the equator, and sunrise and sunsets are always at around 6:30 to 7 am without much variation from season to season.\r\n\r\nImmediately, once we started to go down, we could feel the release of pressure in our lungs and chest. The descent and decreasing pressure made it a lot easier on our lungs, plus it was now all downhill. After an hour or two, our quads really felt it, and we would be walking downhill for the next 5 to 6 hours!\r\n\r\nWe did stop for a small break for some lunch, but our appetite was low due to the altitude. Several of the hikers experienced altitude sickness on the way up, with nausea, diarrhea, headaches loss of appetite, and weakness. I felt worse while descending, but fortunately, I had only lost my appetite with slight nausea and it lasted only for a short period of time. Anyway, we finally made it to camp at 10,500 feet. The weather was really nice and a bit warmer, between about 45 to 50 degrees or more. What a difference from the night before! We all had a good meal and rested, as we had been hiking downhill for over 8 hours, and all of our legs were extremely tired.\r\n\r\n<div class=\"btn-wrap\">\r\n<a href=\"/Hiking-to-the-summit-19-341-feet/\"><strong>See Photos</strong></a>\r\n<a href=\"/gallery/\"><strong>View Trip Gallery</strong></a></div></div>\r\n</div>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<h3>The descent and saying goodbye</h3>\r\n<div class=\"reports-img-desc\">\r\n  <div class=\"imgbox\"></div>\r\n  <div class=\"reports-desc\"><img src=\"https://www.drfields.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/Sunriseuptop-3.jpg\" class=\"alignleft\" width=\"400\">We woke up at 6:30 AM, which was a big difference from 4 AM. Today would be our last night, and we would be saying goodbye to all the Sherpas as they would leave the trail. Only the guides would continue with us. I volunteered to be the spokesperson of the group, which meant I would be collecting the tip money and giving a short speech.\r\n\r\nAfter breakfast, the 40 or so sherpas gathered around singing and dancing. I actually joined them in the dancing, which I have a video of. I was very tired, but it was still worth it. I gave a 3-minute speech thanking every one of them for all of their hard work and dedication, and telling them that their help, whether by carrying a table, carrying sleeping bags, setting up tents, preparing food and everything else they did for us, was all very special and helped us so much.\r\n\r\nWe then set off for our last 6 to 7-hour hike downhill. Although it was not very steep, it was a dried-up river bed that was full of rocks and stones, making footing uneasy, and causing our quads to be even more on fire. I and several others had foldable walking sticks and this helped a lot. But we knew the end was coming, so we just kept going. We stopped for lunch and continued on. After about 7 hours, we saw the base camp. Nothing could be sweeter! I signed out at the Ranger station and basically collapsed into the waiting truck. There were a lot of campers and hikers ending in this same area, so they drove us about 20 minutes away.\r\n\r\nWe had some lunch and then drove the rest of the way back to the lodge, which was a beautiful hotel about half an hour outside of Arusha on an old coffee plantation. Everybody had their own cabin. For the first time in 9 days, I took a shower. It was wonderful! Then we all gathered with the two guides and I said a few more words to represent the group. We had a nice dinner, and then two people left for the airport by 7 PM. That night, was my first night of sleep in a bed, after 9 days. It was fantastic! The mission was accomplished!\r\n\r\n<div class=\"btn-wrap\">\r\n<a href=\"/Sunrise-up-top-and-heading-down\"><strong>See Photos</strong></a>\r\n</div></div>\r\n</div>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<h2>Kilimanjaro Was Amazing! Final Goodbyes and certificate</h2>\r\n<img class=\"size-full wp-image-2213 alignleft\" src=\"https://www.drfields.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/klimanjaro-5.jpg\" alt=\"Klimanjaro (5)\" width=\"128\" height=\"128\" />\r\n\r\nEven though the trip was not exactly as described in the pamphlet, it was something I had had on my bucket list for over 10 years. It was extremely difficult at times. Some of our hikers had difficulty even moving and needed assistance. But we all persevered. I\'ve done 10 Ironman races so far (now 11!), which require monumental training. But the long hike up to the crater from 16,800 feet to 18,400, with the subsequent day of summiting, followed by the 9,000-foot descent, were some of the hardest things that I\'ve ever done. And that includes all my Ironman competitions.\r\n\r\nYou just can\'t imagine what it\'s like trying to move at that altitude. As I said before, it is similar to having a paper bag over your head and trying to grasp for air. There were times I took two or three steps and then had to pause for 15 or 20 seconds just to get my heart rate and breathing back down, repeating that again and again and again. Never looking ahead, only down, because sometimes ten feet took 45-60 seconds to hike. All this while enduring the sub-freezing temperature, the blowing snow, and the wind chill factors. Nothing but grit and determination to keep you going. But the views were spectacular and the feeling of being literally on top of the world made it all worth it.\r\n\r\nI\'ll continue to enjoy my Ironman triathlons and continue to do them as long as I can. But as far as hiking up a mountain to 19,341 feet, this will be my one and only time! It\'s a tremendous accomplishment, but something I would not want to repeat.\r\n\r\n[video poster=\"https://www.drfields.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/Dancing.png\" width=\"352\" height=\"640\" mp4=\"https://www.drfields.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/DANCING-v3.mp4\"][/video]\r\n<div style=\"clear:both\"></div>\r\n<img class=\"alignright\" src=\"https://www.drfields.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/final-goodbyes-1.jpg\" />\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"https://www.drfields.com/Final-goodbyes-and-certificates\"><strong>See Photos</strong></a></p>\r\n\r\n<h3 style=\"text-align: center;\">Thank You to Everyone Who Made Kilimanjaro A Possibility!</h3>\r\nThank you to everyone that sent me well wishes before, during, and after my climb. It meant so much!\r\n\r\nI also thank my parents who gave me the will and determination to achieve all the goals in my life, no matter how hard they are.\r\nThey always ingrained this determination in me and encouraged me to just put my head down and keep going to achieve my goals.\r\nAs I said above, they were with me the whole way and always will be.\r\n\r\nThank you for taking the time to read this. I hope this will inspire you that if a goal is desired, to just put your head down and keep going no matter how difficult it may seem.\r\n\r\n<strong>Peter A. Fields, MD, DC </strong>\r\n<strong>The Athletic Doc<sup>®</sup></strong>\r\n\r\n<a href=\"https://www.drfields.com/about/the-athletic-doc/about-the-athletic-doc/\">Click here</a> to find out more about <strong>The Athletic Doc<sup>® </sup></strong>','Report of My Kilimanjaro Climb','','inherit','closed','closed','','2208-revision-v1','','','2022-07-26 11:56:18','2022-07-26 11:56:18','',2208,'https://www.drfields.com/?p=5377',0,'revision','',0),(5378,8,'2022-07-26 12:02:27','2022-07-26 12:02:27','<h1>Report of My Kilimanjaro Climb</h1>\r\n<em>By Peter A. Fields, MD, DC</em>\r\n\r\nAfter waiting ten years with this on my bucket list, I finally was going to climb Kilimanjaro.\r\n<h3>Getting to Mount Kilimanjaro</h3>\r\n<div class=\"reports-img-desc\">\r\n<div class=\"imgbox\"><img class=\"alignleft\" src=\"https://www.drfields.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/20190210_061752.jpg\" alt=\"\" /></div>\r\n<div class=\"reports-desc\">\r\n\r\nThe trip to Kilimanjaro began with an 11-hour flight to London where I had a 36-hour layover. Saw \"Tina, The Musical\" (life and times of Tina Turner). Great show.  Then 9 ½ hour flight to Nairobi, where I spent 24 hours so I was able to see the city. Then a one-hour flight to Kilimanjaro, Tanzania. My arrival at Kilimanjaro airport was on Sunday night. This was followed by a two-and-a-half-hour ride, with half of it on a very bumpy dirt road, before reaching the destination at the base camp. Since it was almost midnight, I went straight to my tent, which was quite luxurious for camping, and included a sink, a bathroom, and even a shower. I took advantage of a quick shower and went straight to bed.\r\n<div class=\"btn-wrap\"><a href=\"https://www.drfields.com/Day-1-Kiliminaro-and-base-camp-arrival\"><strong>See Photos</strong></a>\r\n<a href=\"/gallery/\"><strong>View Trip Gallery</strong></a></div>\r\n</div>\r\n</div>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<h2>Pre Hike</h2>\r\n<div class=\"reports-img-desc\">\r\n<div class=\"imgbox\"><img src=\"https://www.drfields.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/20190211_054908.jpg\" /></div>\r\n<div class=\"reports-desc\">\r\n\r\nAfter a nice breakfast, where I met the other climbers and our trek leaders, we went for a short two-hour hike just to see the local terrain. It was beautiful, with waterfalls and lots of lush plants and greenery. The guide leader went through our entire pack to make sure that we would be taking everything we needed and that everything was in good shape. The rest of the day was just spent relaxing, except for a short sunset hike of 10 minutes, where at the top of the small hill they had wine waiting for us. A pleasant surprise.\r\n<div class=\"btn-wrap\"><a href=\"/kilimanjaro-pre-hike/\"><strong>See Photos</strong></a>\r\n<a href=\"/gallery/\"><strong>View Trip Gallery</strong></a></div>\r\n</div>\r\n</div>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<h2>Getting to the Trailhead and First Day Hike Towards Kilimanjaro</h2>\r\n[gallery display=\"grid\" link=\"none\" columns=\"4\" size=\"wcsquare\" ids=\"5235,5231\"]\r\n<div class=\"reports-img-desc\">\r\n<div class=\"imgbox\"></div>\r\n<div class=\"reports-desc\">\r\n\r\nAfter a two-hour ride, we arrived at the check-in point. The weather was hot enough to wear shorts and t-shirts since we were only 3 degrees off the equator. There we saw the more than 45 plus Sherpa’s that would accompany us. There were six Sherpa’s( there were six hikers) to carry each person’s clothing (colder weather gear, nighttime clothes, toiletries, etc.). Then six to carry our bedding, and tents ( double roofed for better rain protection), six would carry our food for 7 days ( three full meals a day), eight of them made up the kitchen team, another team of two would carry the oxygen and medicine, four to carry the toilets and tents over them, plus about 10 other Sherpa’s would carry all the tents, tables and chairs. There were also 10 more to carry all of the sherpa’s food and equipment.\r\n\r\nWe had to register and show our passports, and after that, we took a short 20-minute drive to the trailhead. Arriving at noon, a very nice, well-prepared lunch was ready for us. We started the hike at 7700 feet and climbed to 9300 feet. The area was mostly jungle-like, with a lot of fantastic plants, birds, and other exotic wildlife, including Colobus monkeys and other animals. When we arrived at the camp at 9300 feet, the tents were already set up, and we unpacked our gear in each individual tent, had dinner and went to sleep.\r\n<div class=\"btn-wrap\"><a href=\"/Kili-Getting-to-the-trailhead/\"><strong>See Photos</strong></a>\r\n<a href=\"/gallery/\"><strong>View Trip Gallery</strong></a></div>\r\n</div>\r\n</div>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<h3>Hiking to 11,400 ft</h3>\r\n[gallery columns=\"4\" size=\"wcsquare\" display=\"grid\" link=\"file\" ids=\"5256,5261\"]\r\n<div class=\"reports-img-desc\">\r\n  <div class=\"imgbox\"></div>\r\n  <div class=\"reports-desc\">At 6:30 AM we were woken up with a hot bowl of water to wash up and get ready for the day. A very full breakfast was prepared for us and then we started off to hike again. For hiking, it’s important to eat three square meals a day as well as drink a minimum of three liters of water a day. Without this exhaustion, dehydration, and more can happen. The guides made sure that we would eat a lot and consume lots of water.\r\n\r\nWe headed off on our hike up to 11,400 feet, crossing from the Montane Forest into the Hagenia Zone, where we saw many different plants and beautiful trees throughout the canyon.\r\n\r\nI felt pretty good, as I had taken Diamox, a medicine to help prevent altitude sickness. I had a Camelback-style drinking system so I was drinking copious amounts of water. At night it was cold but with the proper gear (well worth the expense!), I felt warm.\r\n\r\n<div class=\"btn-wrap\">\r\n<a href=\"/kili-hiking-to-11400-ft/\"><strong>See Photos</strong></a>\r\n<a href=\"/gallery/\"><strong>View Trip Gallery</strong></a></div></div>\r\n</div>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<h3>Hiking to 13,400 ft</h3>\r\n[gallery columns=\"4\" size=\"wcsquare\" display=\"grid\" link=\"file\" ids=\"5351,5352\"]\r\n<div class=\"reports-img-desc\">\r\n  <div class=\"imgbox\"></div>\r\n  <div class=\"reports-desc\">We had another early wake-up call today and another substantial breakfast (scrambled eggs, toast, pancakes, fruit, toast, jelly, peanut butter, tea/coffee, and more. We hiked across a large plateau and gained about 2,100 feet in altitude. It was very interesting as we passed into the upper heath zone, where there were no more trees here, just a lot of different plants. And lots of volcanic rock (the last active volcano here took place over 10,000 years ago).\r\n\r\nThe hiking was very slow and consistent, as they say in Swahili, “Poli, Poli.” Again I felt very good when arriving at Moir camp at 13,500 feet. We had beautiful views of the mountain as the clouds moved away. It was really spectacular!\r\n<div class=\"btn-wrap\">\r\n<a href=\"/kili-hiking-to-13400-feet/\"><strong>See Photos</strong></a>\r\n<a href=\"/gallery/\"><strong>View Trip Gallery</strong></a></div></div>\r\n</div>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<h3>Kili Hiking to 15,500 feet</h3>\r\n[gallery columns=\"4\" size=\"wcsquare\" display=\"grid\" link=\"file\" ids=\"5271,5270\"]\r\n<div class=\"reports-img-desc\">\r\n  <div class=\"imgbox\"></div>\r\n  <div class=\"reports-desc\">We woke up again at 6:30 AM, had breakfast at 7, and were hiking by 7:30. Today was a shorter hike of only 3.1 miles, but we did climb 2000 feet. It was slow in some parts and the steep sections were even slower. Finally, we arrived at camp after hiking for only 2 hours and 20 minutes. We were now at 15,500 feet. The air is very thin, so with every step you take, you have to think about it. But when we arrived at camp, everything seemed to settle down. During the afternoon there was a hale storm that turned into snow, so everybody went into their tents. I probably took a 3-hour well-needed nap. After a good dinner, we all went to bed, but not until we viewed the beautiful skies at 15,500 feet in the southern hemisphere.\r\n<div class=\"btn-wrap\">\r\n<a href=\"/kili-hiking-to-15500-feet/\"><strong>See Photos</strong></a>\r\n<a href=\"/gallery/\"><strong>View Trip Gallery</strong></a></div></div>\r\n</div>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<h3>Getting to camp at 16,500 ft</h3>\r\n[gallery columns=\"4\" size=\"wcsquare\" display=\"grid\" link=\"file\" ids=\"5291,5283\"]\r\n<div class=\"reports-img-desc\">\r\n  <div class=\"imgbox\"></div>\r\n  <div class=\"reports-desc\">We had the usual wake-up call at 6:30 AM and were on the trail by 7:30. It snowed during the night, but only half an inch or so, making everything white and beautiful. The good news is this meant it was right around 32 degrees. The sun came out, so it was warm when we hiked but a little bit cooler when clouds were overhead. Plus with the altitude (lots of breathing) and hiking effort, one was rarely cold. Today’s hike was only 1,000 feet of climbing and a short hike to the base camp. The big hike tomorrow will only be about an hour and 20 minutes, but it will be over a lot of rocks and boulders and will be steep in some places. We arrived at the base camp around 10:30 – 11 in the morning. We were supposed to go for a short hike from there without our packs but it started snowing for over an hour, so that was canceled. Tomorrow morning, we will have a 4 AM wake-up call in anticipation of a 2,300-foot elevation climb up to 18,650 feet.\r\n<div class=\"btn-wrap\">\r\n<a href=\"/16-500-feet-to-18-400/\"><strong>See Photos</strong></a>\r\n<a href=\"/gallery/\"><strong>View Trip Gallery</strong></a></div></div>\r\n</div>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<h3>Kilimanjaro- final camp at 18,500 feet</h3>\r\n[gallery columns=\"4\" size=\"wcsquare\" display=\"grid\" link=\"file\" ids=\"5292,5293\"]\r\n<div class=\"video-flex-wrap\">\r\n<div class=\"video-box\">\r\n[video width=\"640\" height=\"480\" mp4=\"https://www.drfields.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/camp-16000ft.mp4\" poster=\"https://www.drfields.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/camp.png\"][/video]\r\n</div>\r\n<div class=\"video-box\">\r\n[video width=\"640\" height=\"480\" mp4=\"https://www.drfields.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/16000ft.mp4\" poster=\"https://www.drfields.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/dance-18000.png\"][/video]\r\n</div>\r\n</div>\r\n<div class=\"reports-img-desc\">\r\n  <div class=\"imgbox\"></div>\r\n  <div class=\"reports-desc\">Wake-up call at 4 AM and breakfast at 4:30. The slow group left at 5. We (my hiking partner, myself, and our guide) left about 5:30. At this altitude of over 16,000 feet, everyone moves very slowly. The first little part was steep and slightly snow-covered, but then it got extremely steep and no longer covered in snow. \r\n\r\nWe climbed 2,400 feet over 2.6 miles. The first hour was in the dark, but we all had headlamps. It was very rocky and we had to use our hands sometimes to climb. We ran into a few other tours on the trail and all of us had to cut across a mountainside since the snow had obliterated the trail the night before.\r\n\r\nWe were now over 17, 000 feet. One of the guides from another tour (all the guides know each other) had a pickaxe and so he chopped thru the snow to make it easier on our footing. Even so, it was very slippery. There were times we had to use all four extremities to climb, even kneeling on the next step up because the step was too high to reach with our foot. Breathing was becoming more and more labored and it was difficult to catch our breath in the thinning air.\r\n\r\nWhen we stopped at 18,000 feet for a snack and water, we thought the worst was over, but that wasn’t the case. The next 500 feet were very rocky and slippery, and that along with the very thin air meant we had to take three or four steps before needing to stop for a break. Like having a bag over your head and pulling for each breath.\r\n\r\nFinally, we reached the craters ridge and were very happy. These are remnants of glaciers that once covered this entire valley. The whole valley was snow-covered and looked like we were walking in a desert. When we arrived, we were not allowed to lie down in our tents for about a good hour because we needed to let our bodies acclimate to the thin air at 18,600 feet.\r\n\r\nAfter that, we enjoyed a well-deserved nap before an early dinner because we would be getting up again at 4 AM to climb to the top of Kilimanjaro!\r\n\r\n<div class=\"btn-wrap\">\r\n<a href=\"/kilimanjaro-final-camp-at-18500-feet/\"><strong>See Photos</strong></a>\r\n<a href=\"/gallery/\"><strong>View Trip Gallery</strong></a></div></div>\r\n</div>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<h2>Climbing to the top 19,341 ft/5895 meters and beginning the descent</h2>\r\n[gallery columns=\"4\" size=\"wcsquare\" display=\"grid\" link=\"file\" ids=\"5331,5372\"]\r\n<div class=\"reports-img-desc\">\r\n  <div class=\"imgbox\"></div>\r\n  <div class=\"reports-desc\">The night was extremely cold, with ground temperatures probably down to zero degrees Fahrenheit. We did everything to keep ourselves warm! I laid my down jacket on top of my sleeping bag (which was rated to zero degrees), plus I had a liner inside the sleeping bag which gave me an additional 25 degrees of warmth. I am definitely not a cold weather person but with the right gear, it was not too bad.\r\n    \r\nWe were woken up at 4 AM. After eating and packing our stuff (only our personal things; the Sherpa took care of the sleeping bag and tent each morning and night), we were off for a 75-minute climb, basically straight up and extremely cold. Fortunately, I had bought the best mittens ever and my hands were not cold. Nonetheless, my legs and face took the brunt of it, and we moved very, very slowly. 10 feet could take several minutes. After a very hard, straight-up climbing, we had to cross a flat plane to the actual top of the mountain. The wind was blowing like crazy. The air temp was around minus 10 Fahrenheit with the wind chill probably down to negative 45 or 50 Fahrenheit. But all 6 of us had made it. It was a special feeling…an unbelievable feeling!\r\n\r\nI always carry some ashes of my parents no matter where I travel in this world. And since this was a very special place, I quietly said a prayer, took off my mittens (brrr), and sprinkled some of their ashes at the top. They had made it the whole way with me!\r\n\r\nWe took our pictures and then had to get going due to the intense winds and brutal cold. Fortunately, we summited very early and there were only one or two other groups at the top. Later on, there would be at least 50-100 people. We saw a gorgeous sunrise since it was shortly before 7 in the morning. We were almost on the equator, and sunrise and sunsets are always at around 6:30 to 7 am without much variation from season to season.\r\n\r\nImmediately, once we started to go down, we could feel the release of pressure in our lungs and chest. The descent and decreasing pressure made it a lot easier on our lungs, plus it was now all downhill. After an hour or two, our quads really felt it, and we would be walking downhill for the next 5 to 6 hours!\r\n\r\nWe did stop for a small break for some lunch, but our appetite was low due to the altitude. Several of the hikers experienced altitude sickness on the way up, with nausea, diarrhea, headaches loss of appetite, and weakness. I felt worse while descending, but fortunately, I had only lost my appetite with slight nausea and it lasted only for a short period of time. Anyway, we finally made it to camp at 10,500 feet. The weather was really nice and a bit warmer, between about 45 to 50 degrees or more. What a difference from the night before! We all had a good meal and rested, as we had been hiking downhill for over 8 hours, and all of our legs were extremely tired.\r\n\r\n<div class=\"btn-wrap\">\r\n<a href=\"/Hiking-to-the-summit-19-341-feet/\"><strong>See Photos</strong></a>\r\n<a href=\"/gallery/\"><strong>View Trip Gallery</strong></a></div></div>\r\n</div>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<h3>The descent and saying goodbye</h3>\r\n<div class=\"reports-img-desc\">\r\n  <div class=\"imgbox\"></div>\r\n  <div class=\"reports-desc\"><img src=\"https://www.drfields.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/Sunriseuptop-3.jpg\" class=\"alignleft\" width=\"400\">We woke up at 6:30 AM, which was a big difference from 4 AM. Today would be our last night, and we would be saying goodbye to all the Sherpas as they would leave the trail. Only the guides would continue with us. I volunteered to be the spokesperson of the group, which meant I would be collecting the tip money and giving a short speech.\r\n\r\nAfter breakfast, the 40 or so sherpas gathered around singing and dancing. I actually joined them in the dancing, which I have a video of. I was very tired, but it was still worth it. I gave a 3-minute speech thanking every one of them for all of their hard work and dedication, and telling them that their help, whether by carrying a table, carrying sleeping bags, setting up tents, preparing food and everything else they did for us, was all very special and helped us so much.\r\n\r\nWe then set off for our last 6 to 7-hour hike downhill. Although it was not very steep, it was a dried-up river bed that was full of rocks and stones, making footing uneasy, and causing our quads to be even more on fire. I and several others had foldable walking sticks and this helped a lot. But we knew the end was coming, so we just kept going. We stopped for lunch and continued on. After about 7 hours, we saw the base camp. Nothing could be sweeter! I signed out at the Ranger station and basically collapsed into the waiting truck. There were a lot of campers and hikers ending in this same area, so they drove us about 20 minutes away.\r\n\r\nWe had some lunch and then drove the rest of the way back to the lodge, which was a beautiful hotel about half an hour outside of Arusha on an old coffee plantation. Everybody had their own cabin. For the first time in 9 days, I took a shower. It was wonderful! Then we all gathered with the two guides and I said a few more words to represent the group. We had a nice dinner, and then two people left for the airport by 7 PM. That night, was my first night of sleep in a bed, after 9 days. It was fantastic! The mission was accomplished!\r\n\r\n<div class=\"btn-wrap\">\r\n<a href=\"/Sunrise-up-top-and-heading-down\"><strong>See Photos</strong></a>\r\n</div></div>\r\n</div>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<h2>Kilimanjaro Was Amazing! Final Goodbyes and certificate</h2>\r\n[gallery columns=\"4\" size=\"wcsquare\" display=\"grid\" link=\"file\" ids=\"2299,2306\"]\r\n<div class=\"reports-img-desc\">\r\n  <div class=\"imgbox\"></div>\r\n  <div class=\"reports-desc\">Even though the trip was not exactly as described in the pamphlet, it was something I had had on my bucket list for over 10 years. It was extremely difficult at times. Some of our hikers had difficulty even moving and needed assistance. But we all persevered. I’ve done 10 Ironman races so far (now 11!), which require monumental training. But the long hike up to the crater from 16,800 feet to 18,400, with the subsequent day of summiting, followed by the 9,000-foot descent, were some of the hardest things that I’ve ever done. And that includes all my Ironman competitions.\r\n\r\nYou just can’t imagine what it’s like trying to move at that altitude. As I said before, it is similar to having a paper bag over your head and trying to grasp for air. There were times I took two or three steps and then had to pause for 15 or 20 seconds just to get my heart rate and breathing back down, repeating that again and again and again. Never looking ahead, only down, because sometimes ten feet took 45-60 seconds to hike. All this while enduring the sub-freezing temperature, the blowing snow, and the wind chill factors. Nothing but grit and determination to keep you going. But the views were spectacular and the feeling of being literally on top of the world made it all worth it.\r\n\r\nI’ll continue to enjoy my Ironman triathlons and continue to do them as long as I can. But as far as hiking up a mountain to 19,341 feet, this will be my one and only time! It’s a tremendous accomplishment, but something I would not want to repeat.\r\n\r\n<div class=\"btn-wrap\">\r\n<a href=\"/Final-goodbyes-and-certificates\"><strong>See Photos</strong></a>\r\n</div></div>\r\n</div>\r\n\r\n[video poster=\"https://www.drfields.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/Dancing.png\" width=\"352\" height=\"640\" mp4=\"https://www.drfields.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/DANCING-v3.mp4\"][/video]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<h3 style=\"text-align: center;\">Thank You to Everyone Who Made Kilimanjaro A Possibility!</h3>\r\nThank you to everyone that sent me well wishes before, during, and after my climb. It meant so much!\r\n\r\nI also thank my parents who gave me the will and determination to achieve all the goals in my life, no matter how hard they are.\r\nThey always ingrained this determination in me and encouraged me to just put my head down and keep going to achieve my goals.\r\nAs I said above, they were with me the whole way and always will be.\r\n\r\nThank you for taking the time to read this. I hope this will inspire you that if a goal is desired, to just put your head down and keep going no matter how difficult it may seem.\r\n\r\n<strong>Peter A. Fields, MD, DC </strong>\r\n<strong>The Athletic Doc<sup>®</sup></strong>\r\n\r\n<a href=\"https://www.drfields.com/about/the-athletic-doc/about-the-athletic-doc/\">Click here</a> to find out more about <strong>The Athletic Doc<sup>® </sup></strong>','Report of My Kilimanjaro Climb','','inherit','closed','closed','','2208-revision-v1','','','2022-07-26 12:02:27','2022-07-26 12:02:27','',2208,'https://www.drfields.com/?p=5378',0,'revision','',0),(5379,8,'2022-07-26 12:03:22','2022-07-26 12:03:22','<h1>Report of My Kilimanjaro Climb</h1>\r\n<em>By Peter A. Fields, MD, DC</em>\r\n\r\nAfter waiting ten years with this on my bucket list, I finally was going to climb Kilimanjaro.\r\n<h3>Getting to Mount Kilimanjaro</h3>\r\n<div class=\"reports-img-desc\">\r\n<div class=\"imgbox\"><img class=\"alignleft\" src=\"https://www.drfields.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/20190210_061752.jpg\" alt=\"\" /></div>\r\n<div class=\"reports-desc\">\r\n\r\nThe trip to Kilimanjaro began with an 11-hour flight to London where I had a 36-hour layover. Saw \"Tina, The Musical\" (life and times of Tina Turner). Great show.  Then 9 ½ hour flight to Nairobi, where I spent 24 hours so I was able to see the city. Then a one-hour flight to Kilimanjaro, Tanzania. My arrival at Kilimanjaro airport was on Sunday night. This was followed by a two-and-a-half-hour ride, with half of it on a very bumpy dirt road, before reaching the destination at the base camp. Since it was almost midnight, I went straight to my tent, which was quite luxurious for camping, and included a sink, a bathroom, and even a shower. I took advantage of a quick shower and went straight to bed.\r\n<div class=\"btn-wrap\"><a href=\"https://www.drfields.com/Day-1-Kiliminaro-and-base-camp-arrival\"><strong>See Photos</strong></a>\r\n<a href=\"/gallery/\"><strong>View Trip Gallery</strong></a></div>\r\n</div>\r\n</div>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<h2>Pre Hike</h2>\r\n<div class=\"reports-img-desc\">\r\n<div class=\"imgbox\"><img src=\"https://www.drfields.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/20190211_054908.jpg\" /></div>\r\n<div class=\"reports-desc\">\r\n\r\nAfter a nice breakfast, where I met the other climbers and our trek leaders, we went for a short two-hour hike just to see the local terrain. It was beautiful, with waterfalls and lots of lush plants and greenery. The guide leader went through our entire pack to make sure that we would be taking everything we needed and that everything was in good shape. The rest of the day was just spent relaxing, except for a short sunset hike of 10 minutes, where at the top of the small hill they had wine waiting for us. A pleasant surprise.\r\n<div class=\"btn-wrap\"><a href=\"/kilimanjaro-pre-hike/\"><strong>See Photos</strong></a>\r\n<a href=\"/gallery/\"><strong>View Trip Gallery</strong></a></div>\r\n</div>\r\n</div>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<h2>Getting to the Trailhead and First Day Hike Towards Kilimanjaro</h2>\r\n[gallery display=\"grid\" link=\"none\" columns=\"4\" size=\"wcsquare\" ids=\"5235,5231\"]\r\n<div class=\"reports-img-desc\">\r\n<div class=\"imgbox\"></div>\r\n<div class=\"reports-desc\">\r\n\r\nAfter a two-hour ride, we arrived at the check-in point. The weather was hot enough to wear shorts and t-shirts since we were only 3 degrees off the equator. There we saw the more than 45 plus Sherpa’s that would accompany us. There were six Sherpa’s( there were six hikers) to carry each person’s clothing (colder weather gear, nighttime clothes, toiletries, etc.). Then six to carry our bedding, and tents ( double roofed for better rain protection), six would carry our food for 7 days ( three full meals a day), eight of them made up the kitchen team, another team of two would carry the oxygen and medicine, four to carry the toilets and tents over them, plus about 10 other Sherpa’s would carry all the tents, tables and chairs. There were also 10 more to carry all of the sherpa’s food and equipment.\r\n\r\nWe had to register and show our passports, and after that, we took a short 20-minute drive to the trailhead. Arriving at noon, a very nice, well-prepared lunch was ready for us. We started the hike at 7700 feet and climbed to 9300 feet. The area was mostly jungle-like, with a lot of fantastic plants, birds, and other exotic wildlife, including Colobus monkeys and other animals. When we arrived at the camp at 9300 feet, the tents were already set up, and we unpacked our gear in each individual tent, had dinner and went to sleep.\r\n<div class=\"btn-wrap\"><a href=\"/Kili-Getting-to-the-trailhead/\"><strong>See Photos</strong></a>\r\n<a href=\"/gallery/\"><strong>View Trip Gallery</strong></a></div>\r\n</div>\r\n</div>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<h3>Hiking to 11,400 ft</h3>\r\n[gallery columns=\"4\" size=\"wcsquare\" display=\"grid\" link=\"file\" ids=\"5256,5261\"]\r\n<div class=\"reports-img-desc\">\r\n  <div class=\"imgbox\"></div>\r\n  <div class=\"reports-desc\">At 6:30 AM we were woken up with a hot bowl of water to wash up and get ready for the day. A very full breakfast was prepared for us and then we started off to hike again. For hiking, it’s important to eat three square meals a day as well as drink a minimum of three liters of water a day. Without this exhaustion, dehydration, and more can happen. The guides made sure that we would eat a lot and consume lots of water.\r\n\r\nWe headed off on our hike up to 11,400 feet, crossing from the Montane Forest into the Hagenia Zone, where we saw many different plants and beautiful trees throughout the canyon.\r\n\r\nI felt pretty good, as I had taken Diamox, a medicine to help prevent altitude sickness. I had a Camelback-style drinking system so I was drinking copious amounts of water. At night it was cold but with the proper gear (well worth the expense!), I felt warm.\r\n\r\n<div class=\"btn-wrap\">\r\n<a href=\"/kili-hiking-to-11400-ft/\"><strong>See Photos</strong></a>\r\n<a href=\"/gallery/\"><strong>View Trip Gallery</strong></a></div></div>\r\n</div>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<h3>Hiking to 13,400 ft</h3>\r\n[gallery columns=\"4\" size=\"wcsquare\" display=\"grid\" link=\"file\" ids=\"5351,5352\"]\r\n<div class=\"reports-img-desc\">\r\n  <div class=\"imgbox\"></div>\r\n  <div class=\"reports-desc\">We had another early wake-up call today and another substantial breakfast (scrambled eggs, toast, pancakes, fruit, toast, jelly, peanut butter, tea/coffee, and more. We hiked across a large plateau and gained about 2,100 feet in altitude. It was very interesting as we passed into the upper heath zone, where there were no more trees here, just a lot of different plants. And lots of volcanic rock (the last active volcano here took place over 10,000 years ago).\r\n\r\nThe hiking was very slow and consistent, as they say in Swahili, “Poli, Poli.” Again I felt very good when arriving at Moir camp at 13,500 feet. We had beautiful views of the mountain as the clouds moved away. It was really spectacular!\r\n<div class=\"btn-wrap\">\r\n<a href=\"/kili-hiking-to-13400-feet/\"><strong>See Photos</strong></a>\r\n<a href=\"/gallery/\"><strong>View Trip Gallery</strong></a></div></div>\r\n</div>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<h3>Kili Hiking to 15,500 feet</h3>\r\n[gallery columns=\"4\" size=\"wcsquare\" display=\"grid\" link=\"file\" ids=\"5271,5270\"]\r\n<div class=\"reports-img-desc\">\r\n  <div class=\"imgbox\"></div>\r\n  <div class=\"reports-desc\">We woke up again at 6:30 AM, had breakfast at 7, and were hiking by 7:30. Today was a shorter hike of only 3.1 miles, but we did climb 2000 feet. It was slow in some parts and the steep sections were even slower. Finally, we arrived at camp after hiking for only 2 hours and 20 minutes. We were now at 15,500 feet. The air is very thin, so with every step you take, you have to think about it. But when we arrived at camp, everything seemed to settle down. During the afternoon there was a hale storm that turned into snow, so everybody went into their tents. I probably took a 3-hour well-needed nap. After a good dinner, we all went to bed, but not until we viewed the beautiful skies at 15,500 feet in the southern hemisphere.\r\n<div class=\"btn-wrap\">\r\n<a href=\"/kili-hiking-to-15500-feet/\"><strong>See Photos</strong></a>\r\n<a href=\"/gallery/\"><strong>View Trip Gallery</strong></a></div></div>\r\n</div>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<h3>Getting to camp at 16,500 ft</h3>\r\n[gallery columns=\"4\" size=\"wcsquare\" display=\"grid\" link=\"file\" ids=\"5291,5283\"]\r\n<div class=\"reports-img-desc\">\r\n  <div class=\"imgbox\"></div>\r\n  <div class=\"reports-desc\">We had the usual wake-up call at 6:30 AM and were on the trail by 7:30. It snowed during the night, but only half an inch or so, making everything white and beautiful. The good news is this meant it was right around 32 degrees. The sun came out, so it was warm when we hiked but a little bit cooler when clouds were overhead. Plus with the altitude (lots of breathing) and hiking effort, one was rarely cold. Today’s hike was only 1,000 feet of climbing and a short hike to the base camp. The big hike tomorrow will only be about an hour and 20 minutes, but it will be over a lot of rocks and boulders and will be steep in some places. We arrived at the base camp around 10:30 – 11 in the morning. We were supposed to go for a short hike from there without our packs but it started snowing for over an hour, so that was canceled. Tomorrow morning, we will have a 4 AM wake-up call in anticipation of a 2,300-foot elevation climb up to 18,650 feet.\r\n<div class=\"btn-wrap\">\r\n<a href=\"/16-500-feet-to-18-400/\"><strong>See Photos</strong></a>\r\n<a href=\"/gallery/\"><strong>View Trip Gallery</strong></a></div></div>\r\n</div>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<h3>Kilimanjaro- final camp at 18,500 feet</h3>\r\n[gallery columns=\"4\" size=\"wcsquare\" display=\"grid\" link=\"file\" ids=\"5292,5293\"]\r\n<div class=\"video-flex-wrap\">\r\n<div class=\"video-box\">\r\n[video width=\"640\" height=\"480\" mp4=\"https://www.drfields.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/camp-16000ft.mp4\" poster=\"https://www.drfields.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/camp.png\"][/video]\r\n</div>\r\n<div class=\"video-box\">\r\n[video width=\"640\" height=\"480\" mp4=\"https://www.drfields.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/16000ft.mp4\" poster=\"https://www.drfields.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/dance-18000.png\"][/video]\r\n</div>\r\n</div>\r\n<div class=\"reports-img-desc\">\r\n  <div class=\"imgbox\"></div>\r\n  <div class=\"reports-desc\">Wake-up call at 4 AM and breakfast at 4:30. The slow group left at 5. We (my hiking partner, myself, and our guide) left about 5:30. At this altitude of over 16,000 feet, everyone moves very slowly. The first little part was steep and slightly snow-covered, but then it got extremely steep and no longer covered in snow. \r\n\r\nWe climbed 2,400 feet over 2.6 miles. The first hour was in the dark, but we all had headlamps. It was very rocky and we had to use our hands sometimes to climb. We ran into a few other tours on the trail and all of us had to cut across a mountainside since the snow had obliterated the trail the night before.\r\n\r\nWe were now over 17, 000 feet. One of the guides from another tour (all the guides know each other) had a pickaxe and so he chopped thru the snow to make it easier on our footing. Even so, it was very slippery. There were times we had to use all four extremities to climb, even kneeling on the next step up because the step was too high to reach with our foot. Breathing was becoming more and more labored and it was difficult to catch our breath in the thinning air.\r\n\r\nWhen we stopped at 18,000 feet for a snack and water, we thought the worst was over, but that wasn’t the case. The next 500 feet were very rocky and slippery, and that along with the very thin air meant we had to take three or four steps before needing to stop for a break. Like having a bag over your head and pulling for each breath.\r\n\r\nFinally, we reached the craters ridge and were very happy. These are remnants of glaciers that once covered this entire valley. The whole valley was snow-covered and looked like we were walking in a desert. When we arrived, we were not allowed to lie down in our tents for about a good hour because we needed to let our bodies acclimate to the thin air at 18,600 feet.\r\n\r\nAfter that, we enjoyed a well-deserved nap before an early dinner because we would be getting up again at 4 AM to climb to the top of Kilimanjaro!\r\n\r\n<div class=\"btn-wrap\">\r\n<a href=\"/kilimanjaro-final-camp-at-18500-feet/\"><strong>See Photos</strong></a>\r\n<a href=\"/gallery/\"><strong>View Trip Gallery</strong></a></div></div>\r\n</div>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<h2>Climbing to the top 19,341 ft/5895 meters and beginning the descent</h2>\r\n[gallery columns=\"4\" size=\"wcsquare\" display=\"grid\" link=\"file\" ids=\"5331,5372\"]\r\n<div class=\"reports-img-desc\">\r\n  <div class=\"imgbox\"></div>\r\n  <div class=\"reports-desc\">The night was extremely cold, with ground temperatures probably down to zero degrees Fahrenheit. We did everything to keep ourselves warm! I laid my down jacket on top of my sleeping bag (which was rated to zero degrees), plus I had a liner inside the sleeping bag which gave me an additional 25 degrees of warmth. I am definitely not a cold weather person but with the right gear, it was not too bad.\r\n    \r\nWe were woken up at 4 AM. After eating and packing our stuff (only our personal things; the Sherpa took care of the sleeping bag and tent each morning and night), we were off for a 75-minute climb, basically straight up and extremely cold. Fortunately, I had bought the best mittens ever and my hands were not cold. Nonetheless, my legs and face took the brunt of it, and we moved very, very slowly. 10 feet could take several minutes. After a very hard, straight-up climbing, we had to cross a flat plane to the actual top of the mountain. The wind was blowing like crazy. The air temp was around minus 10 Fahrenheit with the wind chill probably down to negative 45 or 50 Fahrenheit. But all 6 of us had made it. It was a special feeling…an unbelievable feeling!\r\n\r\nI always carry some ashes of my parents no matter where I travel in this world. And since this was a very special place, I quietly said a prayer, took off my mittens (brrr), and sprinkled some of their ashes at the top. They had made it the whole way with me!\r\n\r\nWe took our pictures and then had to get going due to the intense winds and brutal cold. Fortunately, we summited very early and there were only one or two other groups at the top. Later on, there would be at least 50-100 people. We saw a gorgeous sunrise since it was shortly before 7 in the morning. We were almost on the equator, and sunrise and sunsets are always at around 6:30 to 7 am without much variation from season to season.\r\n\r\nImmediately, once we started to go down, we could feel the release of pressure in our lungs and chest. The descent and decreasing pressure made it a lot easier on our lungs, plus it was now all downhill. After an hour or two, our quads really felt it, and we would be walking downhill for the next 5 to 6 hours!\r\n\r\nWe did stop for a small break for some lunch, but our appetite was low due to the altitude. Several of the hikers experienced altitude sickness on the way up, with nausea, diarrhea, headaches loss of appetite, and weakness. I felt worse while descending, but fortunately, I had only lost my appetite with slight nausea and it lasted only for a short period of time. Anyway, we finally made it to camp at 10,500 feet. The weather was really nice and a bit warmer, between about 45 to 50 degrees or more. What a difference from the night before! We all had a good meal and rested, as we had been hiking downhill for over 8 hours, and all of our legs were extremely tired.\r\n\r\n<div class=\"btn-wrap\">\r\n<a href=\"/Hiking-to-the-summit-19-341-feet/\"><strong>See Photos</strong></a>\r\n<a href=\"/gallery/\"><strong>View Trip Gallery</strong></a></div></div>\r\n</div>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<h3>The descent and saying goodbye</h3>\r\n<div class=\"reports-img-desc\">\r\n  <div class=\"imgbox\"></div>\r\n  <div class=\"reports-desc\"><img src=\"https://www.drfields.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/Sunriseuptop-3.jpg\" class=\"alignleft\" width=\"400\">We woke up at 6:30 AM, which was a big difference from 4 AM. Today would be our last night, and we would be saying goodbye to all the Sherpas as they would leave the trail. Only the guides would continue with us. I volunteered to be the spokesperson of the group, which meant I would be collecting the tip money and giving a short speech.\r\n\r\nAfter breakfast, the 40 or so sherpas gathered around singing and dancing. I actually joined them in the dancing, which I have a video of. I was very tired, but it was still worth it. I gave a 3-minute speech thanking every one of them for all of their hard work and dedication, and telling them that their help, whether by carrying a table, carrying sleeping bags, setting up tents, preparing food and everything else they did for us, was all very special and helped us so much.\r\n\r\nWe then set off for our last 6 to 7-hour hike downhill. Although it was not very steep, it was a dried-up river bed that was full of rocks and stones, making footing uneasy, and causing our quads to be even more on fire. I and several others had foldable walking sticks and this helped a lot. But we knew the end was coming, so we just kept going. We stopped for lunch and continued on. After about 7 hours, we saw the base camp. Nothing could be sweeter! I signed out at the Ranger station and basically collapsed into the waiting truck. There were a lot of campers and hikers ending in this same area, so they drove us about 20 minutes away.\r\n\r\nWe had some lunch and then drove the rest of the way back to the lodge, which was a beautiful hotel about half an hour outside of Arusha on an old coffee plantation. Everybody had their own cabin. For the first time in 9 days, I took a shower. It was wonderful! Then we all gathered with the two guides and I said a few more words to represent the group. We had a nice dinner, and then two people left for the airport by 7 PM. That night, was my first night of sleep in a bed, after 9 days. It was fantastic! The mission was accomplished!\r\n\r\n<div class=\"btn-wrap\">\r\n<a href=\"/Sunrise-up-top-and-heading-down\"><strong>See Photos</strong></a>\r\n</div></div>\r\n</div>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<h2>Kilimanjaro Was Amazing! Final Goodbyes and certificate</h2>\r\n[gallery columns=\"2\" size=\"wcsquare\" display=\"grid\" link=\"file\" ids=\"2299,2306\"]\r\n<div class=\"reports-img-desc\">\r\n  <div class=\"imgbox\"></div>\r\n  <div class=\"reports-desc\">Even though the trip was not exactly as described in the pamphlet, it was something I had had on my bucket list for over 10 years. It was extremely difficult at times. Some of our hikers had difficulty even moving and needed assistance. But we all persevered. I’ve done 10 Ironman races so far (now 11!), which require monumental training. But the long hike up to the crater from 16,800 feet to 18,400, with the subsequent day of summiting, followed by the 9,000-foot descent, were some of the hardest things that I’ve ever done. And that includes all my Ironman competitions.\r\n\r\nYou just can’t imagine what it’s like trying to move at that altitude. As I said before, it is similar to having a paper bag over your head and trying to grasp for air. There were times I took two or three steps and then had to pause for 15 or 20 seconds just to get my heart rate and breathing back down, repeating that again and again and again. Never looking ahead, only down, because sometimes ten feet took 45-60 seconds to hike. All this while enduring the sub-freezing temperature, the blowing snow, and the wind chill factors. Nothing but grit and determination to keep you going. But the views were spectacular and the feeling of being literally on top of the world made it all worth it.\r\n\r\nI’ll continue to enjoy my Ironman triathlons and continue to do them as long as I can. But as far as hiking up a mountain to 19,341 feet, this will be my one and only time! It’s a tremendous accomplishment, but something I would not want to repeat.\r\n\r\n<div class=\"btn-wrap\">\r\n<a href=\"/Final-goodbyes-and-certificates\"><strong>See Photos</strong></a>\r\n</div></div>\r\n</div>\r\n\r\n[video poster=\"https://www.drfields.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/Dancing.png\" width=\"352\" height=\"640\" mp4=\"https://www.drfields.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/DANCING-v3.mp4\"][/video]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<h3 style=\"text-align: center;\">Thank You to Everyone Who Made Kilimanjaro A Possibility!</h3>\r\nThank you to everyone that sent me well wishes before, during, and after my climb. It meant so much!\r\n\r\nI also thank my parents who gave me the will and determination to achieve all the goals in my life, no matter how hard they are.\r\nThey always ingrained this determination in me and encouraged me to just put my head down and keep going to achieve my goals.\r\nAs I said above, they were with me the whole way and always will be.\r\n\r\nThank you for taking the time to read this. I hope this will inspire you that if a goal is desired, to just put your head down and keep going no matter how difficult it may seem.\r\n\r\n<strong>Peter A. Fields, MD, DC </strong>\r\n<strong>The Athletic Doc<sup>®</sup></strong>\r\n\r\n<a href=\"https://www.drfields.com/about/the-athletic-doc/about-the-athletic-doc/\">Click here</a> to find out more about <strong>The Athletic Doc<sup>® </sup></strong>','Report of My Kilimanjaro Climb','','inherit','closed','closed','','2208-revision-v1','','','2022-07-26 12:03:22','2022-07-26 12:03:22','',2208,'https://www.drfields.com/?p=5379',0,'revision','',0),(5380,8,'2022-07-26 12:04:47','2022-07-26 12:04:47','<h1>Report of My Kilimanjaro Climb</h1>\r\n<em>By Peter A. Fields, MD, DC</em>\r\n\r\nAfter waiting ten years with this on my bucket list, I finally was going to climb Kilimanjaro.\r\n<h3>Getting to Mount Kilimanjaro</h3>\r\n<div class=\"reports-img-desc\">\r\n<div class=\"imgbox\"><img class=\"alignleft\" src=\"https://www.drfields.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/20190210_061752.jpg\" alt=\"\" /></div>\r\n<div class=\"reports-desc\">\r\n\r\nThe trip to Kilimanjaro began with an 11-hour flight to London where I had a 36-hour layover. Saw \"Tina, The Musical\" (life and times of Tina Turner). Great show.  Then 9 ½ hour flight to Nairobi, where I spent 24 hours so I was able to see the city. Then a one-hour flight to Kilimanjaro, Tanzania. My arrival at Kilimanjaro airport was on Sunday night. This was followed by a two-and-a-half-hour ride, with half of it on a very bumpy dirt road, before reaching the destination at the base camp. Since it was almost midnight, I went straight to my tent, which was quite luxurious for camping, and included a sink, a bathroom, and even a shower. I took advantage of a quick shower and went straight to bed.\r\n<div class=\"btn-wrap\"><a href=\"https://www.drfields.com/Day-1-Kiliminaro-and-base-camp-arrival\"><strong>See Photos</strong></a>\r\n<a href=\"/gallery/\"><strong>View Trip Gallery</strong></a></div>\r\n</div>\r\n</div>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<h2>Pre Hike</h2>\r\n<div class=\"reports-img-desc\">\r\n<div class=\"imgbox\"><img src=\"https://www.drfields.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/20190211_054908.jpg\" /></div>\r\n<div class=\"reports-desc\">\r\n\r\nAfter a nice breakfast, where I met the other climbers and our trek leaders, we went for a short two-hour hike just to see the local terrain. It was beautiful, with waterfalls and lots of lush plants and greenery. The guide leader went through our entire pack to make sure that we would be taking everything we needed and that everything was in good shape. The rest of the day was just spent relaxing, except for a short sunset hike of 10 minutes, where at the top of the small hill they had wine waiting for us. A pleasant surprise.\r\n<div class=\"btn-wrap\"><a href=\"/kilimanjaro-pre-hike/\"><strong>See Photos</strong></a>\r\n<a href=\"/gallery/\"><strong>View Trip Gallery</strong></a></div>\r\n</div>\r\n</div>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<h2>Getting to the Trailhead and First Day Hike Towards Kilimanjaro</h2>\r\n[gallery display=\"grid\" link=\"none\" columns=\"4\" size=\"wcsquare\" ids=\"5235,5231\"]\r\n<div class=\"reports-img-desc\">\r\n<div class=\"imgbox\"></div>\r\n<div class=\"reports-desc\">\r\n\r\nAfter a two-hour ride, we arrived at the check-in point. The weather was hot enough to wear shorts and t-shirts since we were only 3 degrees off the equator. There we saw the more than 45 plus Sherpa’s that would accompany us. There were six Sherpa’s( there were six hikers) to carry each person’s clothing (colder weather gear, nighttime clothes, toiletries, etc.). Then six to carry our bedding, and tents ( double roofed for better rain protection), six would carry our food for 7 days ( three full meals a day), eight of them made up the kitchen team, another team of two would carry the oxygen and medicine, four to carry the toilets and tents over them, plus about 10 other Sherpa’s would carry all the tents, tables and chairs. There were also 10 more to carry all of the sherpa’s food and equipment.\r\n\r\nWe had to register and show our passports, and after that, we took a short 20-minute drive to the trailhead. Arriving at noon, a very nice, well-prepared lunch was ready for us. We started the hike at 7700 feet and climbed to 9300 feet. The area was mostly jungle-like, with a lot of fantastic plants, birds, and other exotic wildlife, including Colobus monkeys and other animals. When we arrived at the camp at 9300 feet, the tents were already set up, and we unpacked our gear in each individual tent, had dinner and went to sleep.\r\n<div class=\"btn-wrap\"><a href=\"/Kili-Getting-to-the-trailhead/\"><strong>See Photos</strong></a>\r\n<a href=\"/gallery/\"><strong>View Trip Gallery</strong></a></div>\r\n</div>\r\n</div>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<h3>Hiking to 11,400 ft</h3>\r\n[gallery columns=\"4\" size=\"wcsquare\" display=\"grid\" link=\"file\" ids=\"5256,5261\"]\r\n<div class=\"reports-img-desc\">\r\n  <div class=\"imgbox\"></div>\r\n  <div class=\"reports-desc\">At 6:30 AM we were woken up with a hot bowl of water to wash up and get ready for the day. A very full breakfast was prepared for us and then we started off to hike again. For hiking, it’s important to eat three square meals a day as well as drink a minimum of three liters of water a day. Without this exhaustion, dehydration, and more can happen. The guides made sure that we would eat a lot and consume lots of water.\r\n\r\nWe headed off on our hike up to 11,400 feet, crossing from the Montane Forest into the Hagenia Zone, where we saw many different plants and beautiful trees throughout the canyon.\r\n\r\nI felt pretty good, as I had taken Diamox, a medicine to help prevent altitude sickness. I had a Camelback-style drinking system so I was drinking copious amounts of water. At night it was cold but with the proper gear (well worth the expense!), I felt warm.\r\n\r\n<div class=\"btn-wrap\">\r\n<a href=\"/kili-hiking-to-11400-ft/\"><strong>See Photos</strong></a>\r\n<a href=\"/gallery/\"><strong>View Trip Gallery</strong></a></div></div>\r\n</div>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<h3>Hiking to 13,400 ft</h3>\r\n[gallery columns=\"4\" size=\"wcsquare\" display=\"grid\" link=\"file\" ids=\"5351,5352\"]\r\n<div class=\"reports-img-desc\">\r\n  <div class=\"imgbox\"></div>\r\n  <div class=\"reports-desc\">We had another early wake-up call today and another substantial breakfast (scrambled eggs, toast, pancakes, fruit, toast, jelly, peanut butter, tea/coffee, and more. We hiked across a large plateau and gained about 2,100 feet in altitude. It was very interesting as we passed into the upper heath zone, where there were no more trees here, just a lot of different plants. And lots of volcanic rock (the last active volcano here took place over 10,000 years ago).\r\n\r\nThe hiking was very slow and consistent, as they say in Swahili, “Poli, Poli.” Again I felt very good when arriving at Moir camp at 13,500 feet. We had beautiful views of the mountain as the clouds moved away. It was really spectacular!\r\n<div class=\"btn-wrap\">\r\n<a href=\"/kili-hiking-to-13400-feet/\"><strong>See Photos</strong></a>\r\n<a href=\"/gallery/\"><strong>View Trip Gallery</strong></a></div></div>\r\n</div>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<h3>Kili Hiking to 15,500 feet</h3>\r\n[gallery columns=\"4\" size=\"wcsquare\" display=\"grid\" link=\"file\" ids=\"5271,5270\"]\r\n<div class=\"reports-img-desc\">\r\n  <div class=\"imgbox\"></div>\r\n  <div class=\"reports-desc\">We woke up again at 6:30 AM, had breakfast at 7, and were hiking by 7:30. Today was a shorter hike of only 3.1 miles, but we did climb 2000 feet. It was slow in some parts and the steep sections were even slower. Finally, we arrived at camp after hiking for only 2 hours and 20 minutes. We were now at 15,500 feet. The air is very thin, so with every step you take, you have to think about it. But when we arrived at camp, everything seemed to settle down. During the afternoon there was a hale storm that turned into snow, so everybody went into their tents. I probably took a 3-hour well-needed nap. After a good dinner, we all went to bed, but not until we viewed the beautiful skies at 15,500 feet in the southern hemisphere.\r\n<div class=\"btn-wrap\">\r\n<a href=\"/kili-hiking-to-15500-feet/\"><strong>See Photos</strong></a>\r\n<a href=\"/gallery/\"><strong>View Trip Gallery</strong></a></div></div>\r\n</div>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<h3>Getting to camp at 16,500 ft</h3>\r\n[gallery columns=\"4\" size=\"wcsquare\" display=\"grid\" link=\"file\" ids=\"5291,5283\"]\r\n<div class=\"reports-img-desc\">\r\n  <div class=\"imgbox\"></div>\r\n  <div class=\"reports-desc\">We had the usual wake-up call at 6:30 AM and were on the trail by 7:30. It snowed during the night, but only half an inch or so, making everything white and beautiful. The good news is this meant it was right around 32 degrees. The sun came out, so it was warm when we hiked but a little bit cooler when clouds were overhead. Plus with the altitude (lots of breathing) and hiking effort, one was rarely cold. Today’s hike was only 1,000 feet of climbing and a short hike to the base camp. The big hike tomorrow will only be about an hour and 20 minutes, but it will be over a lot of rocks and boulders and will be steep in some places. We arrived at the base camp around 10:30 – 11 in the morning. We were supposed to go for a short hike from there without our packs but it started snowing for over an hour, so that was canceled. Tomorrow morning, we will have a 4 AM wake-up call in anticipation of a 2,300-foot elevation climb up to 18,650 feet.\r\n<div class=\"btn-wrap\">\r\n<a href=\"/16-500-feet-to-18-400/\"><strong>See Photos</strong></a>\r\n<a href=\"/gallery/\"><strong>View Trip Gallery</strong></a></div></div>\r\n</div>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<h3>Kilimanjaro- final camp at 18,500 feet</h3>\r\n[gallery columns=\"4\" size=\"wcsquare\" display=\"grid\" link=\"file\" ids=\"5292,5293\"]\r\n<div class=\"video-flex-wrap\">\r\n<div class=\"video-box\">\r\n[video width=\"640\" height=\"480\" mp4=\"https://www.drfields.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/camp-16000ft.mp4\" poster=\"https://www.drfields.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/camp.png\"][/video]\r\n</div>\r\n<div class=\"video-box\">\r\n[video width=\"640\" height=\"480\" mp4=\"https://www.drfields.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/16000ft.mp4\" poster=\"https://www.drfields.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/dance-18000.png\"][/video]\r\n</div>\r\n</div>\r\n<div class=\"reports-img-desc\">\r\n  <div class=\"imgbox\"></div>\r\n  <div class=\"reports-desc\">Wake-up call at 4 AM and breakfast at 4:30. The slow group left at 5. We (my hiking partner, myself, and our guide) left about 5:30. At this altitude of over 16,000 feet, everyone moves very slowly. The first little part was steep and slightly snow-covered, but then it got extremely steep and no longer covered in snow. \r\n\r\nWe climbed 2,400 feet over 2.6 miles. The first hour was in the dark, but we all had headlamps. It was very rocky and we had to use our hands sometimes to climb. We ran into a few other tours on the trail and all of us had to cut across a mountainside since the snow had obliterated the trail the night before.\r\n\r\nWe were now over 17, 000 feet. One of the guides from another tour (all the guides know each other) had a pickaxe and so he chopped thru the snow to make it easier on our footing. Even so, it was very slippery. There were times we had to use all four extremities to climb, even kneeling on the next step up because the step was too high to reach with our foot. Breathing was becoming more and more labored and it was difficult to catch our breath in the thinning air.\r\n\r\nWhen we stopped at 18,000 feet for a snack and water, we thought the worst was over, but that wasn’t the case. The next 500 feet were very rocky and slippery, and that along with the very thin air meant we had to take three or four steps before needing to stop for a break. Like having a bag over your head and pulling for each breath.\r\n\r\nFinally, we reached the craters ridge and were very happy. These are remnants of glaciers that once covered this entire valley. The whole valley was snow-covered and looked like we were walking in a desert. When we arrived, we were not allowed to lie down in our tents for about a good hour because we needed to let our bodies acclimate to the thin air at 18,600 feet.\r\n\r\nAfter that, we enjoyed a well-deserved nap before an early dinner because we would be getting up again at 4 AM to climb to the top of Kilimanjaro!\r\n\r\n<div class=\"btn-wrap\">\r\n<a href=\"/kilimanjaro-final-camp-at-18500-feet/\"><strong>See Photos</strong></a>\r\n<a href=\"/gallery/\"><strong>View Trip Gallery</strong></a></div></div>\r\n</div>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<h2>Climbing to the top 19,341 ft/5895 meters and beginning the descent</h2>\r\n[gallery columns=\"4\" size=\"wcsquare\" display=\"grid\" link=\"file\" ids=\"5331,5372\"]\r\n<div class=\"reports-img-desc\">\r\n  <div class=\"imgbox\"></div>\r\n  <div class=\"reports-desc\">The night was extremely cold, with ground temperatures probably down to zero degrees Fahrenheit. We did everything to keep ourselves warm! I laid my down jacket on top of my sleeping bag (which was rated to zero degrees), plus I had a liner inside the sleeping bag which gave me an additional 25 degrees of warmth. I am definitely not a cold weather person but with the right gear, it was not too bad.\r\n    \r\nWe were woken up at 4 AM. After eating and packing our stuff (only our personal things; the Sherpa took care of the sleeping bag and tent each morning and night), we were off for a 75-minute climb, basically straight up and extremely cold. Fortunately, I had bought the best mittens ever and my hands were not cold. Nonetheless, my legs and face took the brunt of it, and we moved very, very slowly. 10 feet could take several minutes. After a very hard, straight-up climbing, we had to cross a flat plane to the actual top of the mountain. The wind was blowing like crazy. The air temp was around minus 10 Fahrenheit with the wind chill probably down to negative 45 or 50 Fahrenheit. But all 6 of us had made it. It was a special feeling…an unbelievable feeling!\r\n\r\nI always carry some ashes of my parents no matter where I travel in this world. And since this was a very special place, I quietly said a prayer, took off my mittens (brrr), and sprinkled some of their ashes at the top. They had made it the whole way with me!\r\n\r\nWe took our pictures and then had to get going due to the intense winds and brutal cold. Fortunately, we summited very early and there were only one or two other groups at the top. Later on, there would be at least 50-100 people. We saw a gorgeous sunrise since it was shortly before 7 in the morning. We were almost on the equator, and sunrise and sunsets are always at around 6:30 to 7 am without much variation from season to season.\r\n\r\nImmediately, once we started to go down, we could feel the release of pressure in our lungs and chest. The descent and decreasing pressure made it a lot easier on our lungs, plus it was now all downhill. After an hour or two, our quads really felt it, and we would be walking downhill for the next 5 to 6 hours!\r\n\r\nWe did stop for a small break for some lunch, but our appetite was low due to the altitude. Several of the hikers experienced altitude sickness on the way up, with nausea, diarrhea, headaches loss of appetite, and weakness. I felt worse while descending, but fortunately, I had only lost my appetite with slight nausea and it lasted only for a short period of time. Anyway, we finally made it to camp at 10,500 feet. The weather was really nice and a bit warmer, between about 45 to 50 degrees or more. What a difference from the night before! We all had a good meal and rested, as we had been hiking downhill for over 8 hours, and all of our legs were extremely tired.\r\n\r\n<div class=\"btn-wrap\">\r\n<a href=\"/Hiking-to-the-summit-19-341-feet/\"><strong>See Photos</strong></a>\r\n<a href=\"/gallery/\"><strong>View Trip Gallery</strong></a></div></div>\r\n</div>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<h3>The descent and saying goodbye</h3>\r\n<div class=\"reports-img-desc\">\r\n  <div class=\"imgbox\"></div>\r\n  <div class=\"reports-desc\"><img src=\"https://www.drfields.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/Sunriseuptop-3.jpg\" class=\"alignleft\" width=\"400\">We woke up at 6:30 AM, which was a big difference from 4 AM. Today would be our last night, and we would be saying goodbye to all the Sherpas as they would leave the trail. Only the guides would continue with us. I volunteered to be the spokesperson of the group, which meant I would be collecting the tip money and giving a short speech.\r\n\r\nAfter breakfast, the 40 or so sherpas gathered around singing and dancing. I actually joined them in the dancing, which I have a video of. I was very tired, but it was still worth it. I gave a 3-minute speech thanking every one of them for all of their hard work and dedication, and telling them that their help, whether by carrying a table, carrying sleeping bags, setting up tents, preparing food and everything else they did for us, was all very special and helped us so much.\r\n\r\nWe then set off for our last 6 to 7-hour hike downhill. Although it was not very steep, it was a dried-up river bed that was full of rocks and stones, making footing uneasy, and causing our quads to be even more on fire. I and several others had foldable walking sticks and this helped a lot. But we knew the end was coming, so we just kept going. We stopped for lunch and continued on. After about 7 hours, we saw the base camp. Nothing could be sweeter! I signed out at the Ranger station and basically collapsed into the waiting truck. There were a lot of campers and hikers ending in this same area, so they drove us about 20 minutes away.\r\n\r\nWe had some lunch and then drove the rest of the way back to the lodge, which was a beautiful hotel about half an hour outside of Arusha on an old coffee plantation. Everybody had their own cabin. For the first time in 9 days, I took a shower. It was wonderful! Then we all gathered with the two guides and I said a few more words to represent the group. We had a nice dinner, and then two people left for the airport by 7 PM. That night, was my first night of sleep in a bed, after 9 days. It was fantastic! The mission was accomplished!\r\n\r\n<div class=\"btn-wrap\">\r\n<a href=\"/Sunrise-up-top-and-heading-down\"><strong>See Photos</strong></a>\r\n</div></div>\r\n</div>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<h2>Kilimanjaro Was Amazing! Final Goodbyes and certificate</h2>\r\n<div class=\"reports-img-desc\">\r\n  <div class=\"imgbox\"><img src=\"https://www.drfields.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/final-goodbyes-9.jpg\" /></div>\r\n  <div class=\"reports-desc\">Even though the trip was not exactly as described in the pamphlet, it was something I had had on my bucket list for over 10 years. It was extremely difficult at times. Some of our hikers had difficulty even moving and needed assistance. But we all persevered. I’ve done 10 Ironman races so far (now 11!), which require monumental training. But the long hike up to the crater from 16,800 feet to 18,400, with the subsequent day of summiting, followed by the 9,000-foot descent, were some of the hardest things that I’ve ever done. And that includes all my Ironman competitions.\r\n\r\nYou just can’t imagine what it’s like trying to move at that altitude. As I said before, it is similar to having a paper bag over your head and trying to grasp for air. There were times I took two or three steps and then had to pause for 15 or 20 seconds just to get my heart rate and breathing back down, repeating that again and again and again. Never looking ahead, only down, because sometimes ten feet took 45-60 seconds to hike. All this while enduring the sub-freezing temperature, the blowing snow, and the wind chill factors. Nothing but grit and determination to keep you going. But the views were spectacular and the feeling of being literally on top of the world made it all worth it.\r\n\r\nI’ll continue to enjoy my Ironman triathlons and continue to do them as long as I can. But as far as hiking up a mountain to 19,341 feet, this will be my one and only time! It’s a tremendous accomplishment, but something I would not want to repeat.\r\n\r\n<div class=\"btn-wrap\">\r\n<a href=\"/Final-goodbyes-and-certificates\"><strong>See Photos</strong></a>\r\n</div></div>\r\n</div>\r\n\r\n[video poster=\"https://www.drfields.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/Dancing.png\" width=\"352\" height=\"640\" mp4=\"https://www.drfields.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/DANCING-v3.mp4\"][/video]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<h3 style=\"text-align: center;\">Thank You to Everyone Who Made Kilimanjaro A Possibility!</h3>\r\nThank you to everyone that sent me well wishes before, during, and after my climb. It meant so much!\r\n\r\nI also thank my parents who gave me the will and determination to achieve all the goals in my life, no matter how hard they are.\r\nThey always ingrained this determination in me and encouraged me to just put my head down and keep going to achieve my goals.\r\nAs I said above, they were with me the whole way and always will be.\r\n\r\nThank you for taking the time to read this. I hope this will inspire you that if a goal is desired, to just put your head down and keep going no matter how difficult it may seem.\r\n\r\n<strong>Peter A. Fields, MD, DC </strong>\r\n<strong>The Athletic Doc<sup>®</sup></strong>\r\n\r\n<a href=\"https://www.drfields.com/about/the-athletic-doc/about-the-athletic-doc/\">Click here</a> to find out more about <strong>The Athletic Doc<sup>® </sup></strong>','Report of My Kilimanjaro Climb','','inherit','closed','closed','','2208-revision-v1','','','2022-07-26 12:04:47','2022-07-26 12:04:47','',2208,'https://www.drfields.com/?p=5380',0,'revision','',0),(5381,8,'2022-07-26 12:05:38','2022-07-26 12:05:38','<h1>Report of My Kilimanjaro Climb</h1>\r\n<em>By Peter A. Fields, MD, DC</em>\r\n\r\nAfter waiting ten years with this on my bucket list, I finally was going to climb Kilimanjaro.\r\n<h3>Getting to Mount Kilimanjaro</h3>\r\n<div class=\"reports-img-desc\">\r\n<div class=\"imgbox\"><img class=\"alignleft\" src=\"https://www.drfields.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/20190210_061752.jpg\" alt=\"\" /></div>\r\n<div class=\"reports-desc\">\r\n\r\nThe trip to Kilimanjaro began with an 11-hour flight to London where I had a 36-hour layover. Saw \"Tina, The Musical\" (life and times of Tina Turner). Great show.  Then 9 ½ hour flight to Nairobi, where I spent 24 hours so I was able to see the city. Then a one-hour flight to Kilimanjaro, Tanzania. My arrival at Kilimanjaro airport was on Sunday night. This was followed by a two-and-a-half-hour ride, with half of it on a very bumpy dirt road, before reaching the destination at the base camp. Since it was almost midnight, I went straight to my tent, which was quite luxurious for camping, and included a sink, a bathroom, and even a shower. I took advantage of a quick shower and went straight to bed.\r\n<div class=\"btn-wrap\"><a href=\"https://www.drfields.com/Day-1-Kiliminaro-and-base-camp-arrival\"><strong>See Photos</strong></a>\r\n<a href=\"/gallery/\"><strong>View Trip Gallery</strong></a></div>\r\n</div>\r\n</div>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<h2>Pre Hike</h2>\r\n<div class=\"reports-img-desc\">\r\n<div class=\"imgbox\"><img src=\"https://www.drfields.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/20190211_054908.jpg\" /></div>\r\n<div class=\"reports-desc\">\r\n\r\nAfter a nice breakfast, where I met the other climbers and our trek leaders, we went for a short two-hour hike just to see the local terrain. It was beautiful, with waterfalls and lots of lush plants and greenery. The guide leader went through our entire pack to make sure that we would be taking everything we needed and that everything was in good shape. The rest of the day was just spent relaxing, except for a short sunset hike of 10 minutes, where at the top of the small hill they had wine waiting for us. A pleasant surprise.\r\n<div class=\"btn-wrap\"><a href=\"/kilimanjaro-pre-hike/\"><strong>See Photos</strong></a>\r\n<a href=\"/gallery/\"><strong>View Trip Gallery</strong></a></div>\r\n</div>\r\n</div>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<h2>Getting to the Trailhead and First Day Hike Towards Kilimanjaro</h2>\r\n[gallery display=\"grid\" link=\"none\" columns=\"4\" size=\"wcsquare\" ids=\"5235,5231\"]\r\n<div class=\"reports-img-desc\">\r\n<div class=\"imgbox\"></div>\r\n<div class=\"reports-desc\">\r\n\r\nAfter a two-hour ride, we arrived at the check-in point. The weather was hot enough to wear shorts and t-shirts since we were only 3 degrees off the equator. There we saw the more than 45 plus Sherpa’s that would accompany us. There were six Sherpa’s( there were six hikers) to carry each person’s clothing (colder weather gear, nighttime clothes, toiletries, etc.). Then six to carry our bedding, and tents ( double roofed for better rain protection), six would carry our food for 7 days ( three full meals a day), eight of them made up the kitchen team, another team of two would carry the oxygen and medicine, four to carry the toilets and tents over them, plus about 10 other Sherpa’s would carry all the tents, tables and chairs. There were also 10 more to carry all of the sherpa’s food and equipment.\r\n\r\nWe had to register and show our passports, and after that, we took a short 20-minute drive to the trailhead. Arriving at noon, a very nice, well-prepared lunch was ready for us. We started the hike at 7700 feet and climbed to 9300 feet. The area was mostly jungle-like, with a lot of fantastic plants, birds, and other exotic wildlife, including Colobus monkeys and other animals. When we arrived at the camp at 9300 feet, the tents were already set up, and we unpacked our gear in each individual tent, had dinner and went to sleep.\r\n<div class=\"btn-wrap\"><a href=\"/Kili-Getting-to-the-trailhead/\"><strong>See Photos</strong></a>\r\n<a href=\"/gallery/\"><strong>View Trip Gallery</strong></a></div>\r\n</div>\r\n</div>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<h3>Hiking to 11,400 ft</h3>\r\n[gallery columns=\"4\" size=\"wcsquare\" display=\"grid\" link=\"file\" ids=\"5256,5261\"]\r\n<div class=\"reports-img-desc\">\r\n  <div class=\"imgbox\"></div>\r\n  <div class=\"reports-desc\">At 6:30 AM we were woken up with a hot bowl of water to wash up and get ready for the day. A very full breakfast was prepared for us and then we started off to hike again. For hiking, it’s important to eat three square meals a day as well as drink a minimum of three liters of water a day. Without this exhaustion, dehydration, and more can happen. The guides made sure that we would eat a lot and consume lots of water.\r\n\r\nWe headed off on our hike up to 11,400 feet, crossing from the Montane Forest into the Hagenia Zone, where we saw many different plants and beautiful trees throughout the canyon.\r\n\r\nI felt pretty good, as I had taken Diamox, a medicine to help prevent altitude sickness. I had a Camelback-style drinking system so I was drinking copious amounts of water. At night it was cold but with the proper gear (well worth the expense!), I felt warm.\r\n\r\n<div class=\"btn-wrap\">\r\n<a href=\"/kili-hiking-to-11400-ft/\"><strong>See Photos</strong></a>\r\n<a href=\"/gallery/\"><strong>View Trip Gallery</strong></a></div></div>\r\n</div>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<h3>Hiking to 13,400 ft</h3>\r\n[gallery columns=\"4\" size=\"wcsquare\" display=\"grid\" link=\"file\" ids=\"5351,5352\"]\r\n<div class=\"reports-img-desc\">\r\n  <div class=\"imgbox\"></div>\r\n  <div class=\"reports-desc\">We had another early wake-up call today and another substantial breakfast (scrambled eggs, toast, pancakes, fruit, toast, jelly, peanut butter, tea/coffee, and more. We hiked across a large plateau and gained about 2,100 feet in altitude. It was very interesting as we passed into the upper heath zone, where there were no more trees here, just a lot of different plants. And lots of volcanic rock (the last active volcano here took place over 10,000 years ago).\r\n\r\nThe hiking was very slow and consistent, as they say in Swahili, “Poli, Poli.” Again I felt very good when arriving at Moir camp at 13,500 feet. We had beautiful views of the mountain as the clouds moved away. It was really spectacular!\r\n<div class=\"btn-wrap\">\r\n<a href=\"/kili-hiking-to-13400-feet/\"><strong>See Photos</strong></a>\r\n<a href=\"/gallery/\"><strong>View Trip Gallery</strong></a></div></div>\r\n</div>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<h3>Kili Hiking to 15,500 feet</h3>\r\n[gallery columns=\"4\" size=\"wcsquare\" display=\"grid\" link=\"file\" ids=\"5271,5270\"]\r\n<div class=\"reports-img-desc\">\r\n  <div class=\"imgbox\"></div>\r\n  <div class=\"reports-desc\">We woke up again at 6:30 AM, had breakfast at 7, and were hiking by 7:30. Today was a shorter hike of only 3.1 miles, but we did climb 2000 feet. It was slow in some parts and the steep sections were even slower. Finally, we arrived at camp after hiking for only 2 hours and 20 minutes. We were now at 15,500 feet. The air is very thin, so with every step you take, you have to think about it. But when we arrived at camp, everything seemed to settle down. During the afternoon there was a hale storm that turned into snow, so everybody went into their tents. I probably took a 3-hour well-needed nap. After a good dinner, we all went to bed, but not until we viewed the beautiful skies at 15,500 feet in the southern hemisphere.\r\n<div class=\"btn-wrap\">\r\n<a href=\"/kili-hiking-to-15500-feet/\"><strong>See Photos</strong></a>\r\n<a href=\"/gallery/\"><strong>View Trip Gallery</strong></a></div></div>\r\n</div>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<h3>Getting to camp at 16,500 ft</h3>\r\n[gallery columns=\"4\" size=\"wcsquare\" display=\"grid\" link=\"file\" ids=\"5291,5283\"]\r\n<div class=\"reports-img-desc\">\r\n  <div class=\"imgbox\"></div>\r\n  <div class=\"reports-desc\">We had the usual wake-up call at 6:30 AM and were on the trail by 7:30. It snowed during the night, but only half an inch or so, making everything white and beautiful. The good news is this meant it was right around 32 degrees. The sun came out, so it was warm when we hiked but a little bit cooler when clouds were overhead. Plus with the altitude (lots of breathing) and hiking effort, one was rarely cold. Today’s hike was only 1,000 feet of climbing and a short hike to the base camp. The big hike tomorrow will only be about an hour and 20 minutes, but it will be over a lot of rocks and boulders and will be steep in some places. We arrived at the base camp around 10:30 – 11 in the morning. We were supposed to go for a short hike from there without our packs but it started snowing for over an hour, so that was canceled. Tomorrow morning, we will have a 4 AM wake-up call in anticipation of a 2,300-foot elevation climb up to 18,650 feet.\r\n<div class=\"btn-wrap\">\r\n<a href=\"/16-500-feet-to-18-400/\"><strong>See Photos</strong></a>\r\n<a href=\"/gallery/\"><strong>View Trip Gallery</strong></a></div></div>\r\n</div>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<h3>Kilimanjaro- final camp at 18,500 feet</h3>\r\n[gallery columns=\"4\" size=\"wcsquare\" display=\"grid\" link=\"file\" ids=\"5292,5293\"]\r\n<div class=\"video-flex-wrap\">\r\n<div class=\"video-box\">\r\n[video width=\"640\" height=\"480\" mp4=\"https://www.drfields.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/camp-16000ft.mp4\" poster=\"https://www.drfields.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/camp.png\"][/video]\r\n</div>\r\n<div class=\"video-box\">\r\n[video width=\"640\" height=\"480\" mp4=\"https://www.drfields.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/16000ft.mp4\" poster=\"https://www.drfields.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/dance-18000.png\"][/video]\r\n</div>\r\n</div>\r\n<div class=\"reports-img-desc\">\r\n  <div class=\"imgbox\"></div>\r\n  <div class=\"reports-desc\">Wake-up call at 4 AM and breakfast at 4:30. The slow group left at 5. We (my hiking partner, myself, and our guide) left about 5:30. At this altitude of over 16,000 feet, everyone moves very slowly. The first little part was steep and slightly snow-covered, but then it got extremely steep and no longer covered in snow. \r\n\r\nWe climbed 2,400 feet over 2.6 miles. The first hour was in the dark, but we all had headlamps. It was very rocky and we had to use our hands sometimes to climb. We ran into a few other tours on the trail and all of us had to cut across a mountainside since the snow had obliterated the trail the night before.\r\n\r\nWe were now over 17, 000 feet. One of the guides from another tour (all the guides know each other) had a pickaxe and so he chopped thru the snow to make it easier on our footing. Even so, it was very slippery. There were times we had to use all four extremities to climb, even kneeling on the next step up because the step was too high to reach with our foot. Breathing was becoming more and more labored and it was difficult to catch our breath in the thinning air.\r\n\r\nWhen we stopped at 18,000 feet for a snack and water, we thought the worst was over, but that wasn’t the case. The next 500 feet were very rocky and slippery, and that along with the very thin air meant we had to take three or four steps before needing to stop for a break. Like having a bag over your head and pulling for each breath.\r\n\r\nFinally, we reached the craters ridge and were very happy. These are remnants of glaciers that once covered this entire valley. The whole valley was snow-covered and looked like we were walking in a desert. When we arrived, we were not allowed to lie down in our tents for about a good hour because we needed to let our bodies acclimate to the thin air at 18,600 feet.\r\n\r\nAfter that, we enjoyed a well-deserved nap before an early dinner because we would be getting up again at 4 AM to climb to the top of Kilimanjaro!\r\n\r\n<div class=\"btn-wrap\">\r\n<a href=\"/kilimanjaro-final-camp-at-18500-feet/\"><strong>See Photos</strong></a>\r\n<a href=\"/gallery/\"><strong>View Trip Gallery</strong></a></div></div>\r\n</div>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<h2>Climbing to the top 19,341 ft/5895 meters and beginning the descent</h2>\r\n[gallery columns=\"4\" size=\"wcsquare\" display=\"grid\" link=\"file\" ids=\"5331,5372\"]\r\n<div class=\"reports-img-desc\">\r\n  <div class=\"imgbox\"></div>\r\n  <div class=\"reports-desc\">The night was extremely cold, with ground temperatures probably down to zero degrees Fahrenheit. We did everything to keep ourselves warm! I laid my down jacket on top of my sleeping bag (which was rated to zero degrees), plus I had a liner inside the sleeping bag which gave me an additional 25 degrees of warmth. I am definitely not a cold weather person but with the right gear, it was not too bad.\r\n    \r\nWe were woken up at 4 AM. After eating and packing our stuff (only our personal things; the Sherpa took care of the sleeping bag and tent each morning and night), we were off for a 75-minute climb, basically straight up and extremely cold. Fortunately, I had bought the best mittens ever and my hands were not cold. Nonetheless, my legs and face took the brunt of it, and we moved very, very slowly. 10 feet could take several minutes. After a very hard, straight-up climbing, we had to cross a flat plane to the actual top of the mountain. The wind was blowing like crazy. The air temp was around minus 10 Fahrenheit with the wind chill probably down to negative 45 or 50 Fahrenheit. But all 6 of us had made it. It was a special feeling…an unbelievable feeling!\r\n\r\nI always carry some ashes of my parents no matter where I travel in this world. And since this was a very special place, I quietly said a prayer, took off my mittens (brrr), and sprinkled some of their ashes at the top. They had made it the whole way with me!\r\n\r\nWe took our pictures and then had to get going due to the intense winds and brutal cold. Fortunately, we summited very early and there were only one or two other groups at the top. Later on, there would be at least 50-100 people. We saw a gorgeous sunrise since it was shortly before 7 in the morning. We were almost on the equator, and sunrise and sunsets are always at around 6:30 to 7 am without much variation from season to season.\r\n\r\nImmediately, once we started to go down, we could feel the release of pressure in our lungs and chest. The descent and decreasing pressure made it a lot easier on our lungs, plus it was now all downhill. After an hour or two, our quads really felt it, and we would be walking downhill for the next 5 to 6 hours!\r\n\r\nWe did stop for a small break for some lunch, but our appetite was low due to the altitude. Several of the hikers experienced altitude sickness on the way up, with nausea, diarrhea, headaches loss of appetite, and weakness. I felt worse while descending, but fortunately, I had only lost my appetite with slight nausea and it lasted only for a short period of time. Anyway, we finally made it to camp at 10,500 feet. The weather was really nice and a bit warmer, between about 45 to 50 degrees or more. What a difference from the night before! We all had a good meal and rested, as we had been hiking downhill for over 8 hours, and all of our legs were extremely tired.\r\n\r\n<div class=\"btn-wrap\">\r\n<a href=\"/Hiking-to-the-summit-19-341-feet/\"><strong>See Photos</strong></a>\r\n<a href=\"/gallery/\"><strong>View Trip Gallery</strong></a></div></div>\r\n</div>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<h3>The descent and saying goodbye</h3>\r\n<div class=\"reports-img-desc\">\r\n  <div class=\"imgbox\"></div>\r\n  <div class=\"reports-desc\"><img src=\"https://www.drfields.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/Sunriseuptop-3.jpg\" class=\"alignleft\" width=\"400\">We woke up at 6:30 AM, which was a big difference from 4 AM. Today would be our last night, and we would be saying goodbye to all the Sherpas as they would leave the trail. Only the guides would continue with us. I volunteered to be the spokesperson of the group, which meant I would be collecting the tip money and giving a short speech.\r\n\r\nAfter breakfast, the 40 or so sherpas gathered around singing and dancing. I actually joined them in the dancing, which I have a video of. I was very tired, but it was still worth it. I gave a 3-minute speech thanking every one of them for all of their hard work and dedication, and telling them that their help, whether by carrying a table, carrying sleeping bags, setting up tents, preparing food and everything else they did for us, was all very special and helped us so much.\r\n\r\nWe then set off for our last 6 to 7-hour hike downhill. Although it was not very steep, it was a dried-up river bed that was full of rocks and stones, making footing uneasy, and causing our quads to be even more on fire. I and several others had foldable walking sticks and this helped a lot. But we knew the end was coming, so we just kept going. We stopped for lunch and continued on. After about 7 hours, we saw the base camp. Nothing could be sweeter! I signed out at the Ranger station and basically collapsed into the waiting truck. There were a lot of campers and hikers ending in this same area, so they drove us about 20 minutes away.\r\n\r\nWe had some lunch and then drove the rest of the way back to the lodge, which was a beautiful hotel about half an hour outside of Arusha on an old coffee plantation. Everybody had their own cabin. For the first time in 9 days, I took a shower. It was wonderful! Then we all gathered with the two guides and I said a few more words to represent the group. We had a nice dinner, and then two people left for the airport by 7 PM. That night, was my first night of sleep in a bed, after 9 days. It was fantastic! The mission was accomplished!\r\n\r\n<div class=\"btn-wrap\">\r\n<a href=\"/Sunrise-up-top-and-heading-down\"><strong>See Photos</strong></a>\r\n</div></div>\r\n</div>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<h2>Kilimanjaro Was Amazing! Final Goodbyes and certificate</h2>\r\n<div class=\"reports-img-desc\">\r\n  <div class=\"imgbox\"></div>\r\n  <div class=\"reports-desc\"><img src=\"https://www.drfields.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/final-goodbyes-9.jpg\" class=\"alignleft\" width=\"400\"/>Even though the trip was not exactly as described in the pamphlet, it was something I had had on my bucket list for over 10 years. It was extremely difficult at times. Some of our hikers had difficulty even moving and needed assistance. But we all persevered. I’ve done 10 Ironman races so far (now 11!), which require monumental training. But the long hike up to the crater from 16,800 feet to 18,400, with the subsequent day of summiting, followed by the 9,000-foot descent, were some of the hardest things that I’ve ever done. And that includes all my Ironman competitions.\r\n\r\nYou just can’t imagine what it’s like trying to move at that altitude. As I said before, it is similar to having a paper bag over your head and trying to grasp for air. There were times I took two or three steps and then had to pause for 15 or 20 seconds just to get my heart rate and breathing back down, repeating that again and again and again. Never looking ahead, only down, because sometimes ten feet took 45-60 seconds to hike. All this while enduring the sub-freezing temperature, the blowing snow, and the wind chill factors. Nothing but grit and determination to keep you going. But the views were spectacular and the feeling of being literally on top of the world made it all worth it.\r\n\r\nI’ll continue to enjoy my Ironman triathlons and continue to do them as long as I can. But as far as hiking up a mountain to 19,341 feet, this will be my one and only time! It’s a tremendous accomplishment, but something I would not want to repeat.\r\n\r\n<div class=\"btn-wrap\">\r\n<a href=\"/Final-goodbyes-and-certificates\"><strong>See Photos</strong></a>\r\n</div></div>\r\n</div>\r\n\r\n[video poster=\"https://www.drfields.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/Dancing.png\" width=\"352\" height=\"640\" mp4=\"https://www.drfields.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/DANCING-v3.mp4\"][/video]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<h3 style=\"text-align: center;\">Thank You to Everyone Who Made Kilimanjaro A Possibility!</h3>\r\nThank you to everyone that sent me well wishes before, during, and after my climb. It meant so much!\r\n\r\nI also thank my parents who gave me the will and determination to achieve all the goals in my life, no matter how hard they are.\r\nThey always ingrained this determination in me and encouraged me to just put my head down and keep going to achieve my goals.\r\nAs I said above, they were with me the whole way and always will be.\r\n\r\nThank you for taking the time to read this. I hope this will inspire you that if a goal is desired, to just put your head down and keep going no matter how difficult it may seem.\r\n\r\n<strong>Peter A. Fields, MD, DC </strong>\r\n<strong>The Athletic Doc<sup>®</sup></strong>\r\n\r\n<a href=\"https://www.drfields.com/about/the-athletic-doc/about-the-athletic-doc/\">Click here</a> to find out more about <strong>The Athletic Doc<sup>® </sup></strong>','Report of My Kilimanjaro Climb','','inherit','closed','closed','','2208-revision-v1','','','2022-07-26 12:05:38','2022-07-26 12:05:38','',2208,'https://www.drfields.com/?p=5381',0,'revision','',0),(5382,8,'2022-07-26 12:06:44','2022-07-26 12:06:44','<h1>Report of My Kilimanjaro Climb</h1>\r\n<em>By Peter A. Fields, MD, DC</em>\r\n\r\nAfter waiting ten years with this on my bucket list, I finally was going to climb Kilimanjaro.\r\n<h3>Getting to Mount Kilimanjaro</h3>\r\n<div class=\"reports-img-desc\">\r\n<div class=\"imgbox\"><img class=\"alignleft\" src=\"https://www.drfields.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/20190210_061752.jpg\" alt=\"\" /></div>\r\n<div class=\"reports-desc\">\r\n\r\nThe trip to Kilimanjaro began with an 11-hour flight to London where I had a 36-hour layover. Saw \"Tina, The Musical\" (life and times of Tina Turner). Great show.  Then 9 ½ hour flight to Nairobi, where I spent 24 hours so I was able to see the city. Then a one-hour flight to Kilimanjaro, Tanzania. My arrival at Kilimanjaro airport was on Sunday night. This was followed by a two-and-a-half-hour ride, with half of it on a very bumpy dirt road, before reaching the destination at the base camp. Since it was almost midnight, I went straight to my tent, which was quite luxurious for camping, and included a sink, a bathroom, and even a shower. I took advantage of a quick shower and went straight to bed.\r\n<div class=\"btn-wrap\"><a href=\"https://www.drfields.com/Day-1-Kiliminaro-and-base-camp-arrival\"><strong>See Photos</strong></a>\r\n<a href=\"/gallery/\"><strong>View Trip Gallery</strong></a></div>\r\n</div>\r\n</div>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<h2>Pre Hike</h2>\r\n<div class=\"reports-img-desc\">\r\n<div class=\"imgbox\"><img src=\"https://www.drfields.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/20190211_054908.jpg\" /></div>\r\n<div class=\"reports-desc\">\r\n\r\nAfter a nice breakfast, where I met the other climbers and our trek leaders, we went for a short two-hour hike just to see the local terrain. It was beautiful, with waterfalls and lots of lush plants and greenery. The guide leader went through our entire pack to make sure that we would be taking everything we needed and that everything was in good shape. The rest of the day was just spent relaxing, except for a short sunset hike of 10 minutes, where at the top of the small hill they had wine waiting for us. A pleasant surprise.\r\n<div class=\"btn-wrap\"><a href=\"/kilimanjaro-pre-hike/\"><strong>See Photos</strong></a>\r\n<a href=\"/gallery/\"><strong>View Trip Gallery</strong></a></div>\r\n</div>\r\n</div>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<h2>Getting to the Trailhead and First Day Hike Towards Kilimanjaro</h2>\r\n[gallery display=\"grid\" link=\"none\" columns=\"4\" size=\"wcsquare\" ids=\"5235,5231\"]\r\n<div class=\"reports-img-desc\">\r\n<div class=\"imgbox\"></div>\r\n<div class=\"reports-desc\">\r\n\r\nAfter a two-hour ride, we arrived at the check-in point. The weather was hot enough to wear shorts and t-shirts since we were only 3 degrees off the equator. There we saw the more than 45 plus Sherpa’s that would accompany us. There were six Sherpa’s( there were six hikers) to carry each person’s clothing (colder weather gear, nighttime clothes, toiletries, etc.). Then six to carry our bedding, and tents ( double roofed for better rain protection), six would carry our food for 7 days ( three full meals a day), eight of them made up the kitchen team, another team of two would carry the oxygen and medicine, four to carry the toilets and tents over them, plus about 10 other Sherpa’s would carry all the tents, tables and chairs. There were also 10 more to carry all of the sherpa’s food and equipment.\r\n\r\nWe had to register and show our passports, and after that, we took a short 20-minute drive to the trailhead. Arriving at noon, a very nice, well-prepared lunch was ready for us. We started the hike at 7700 feet and climbed to 9300 feet. The area was mostly jungle-like, with a lot of fantastic plants, birds, and other exotic wildlife, including Colobus monkeys and other animals. When we arrived at the camp at 9300 feet, the tents were already set up, and we unpacked our gear in each individual tent, had dinner and went to sleep.\r\n<div class=\"btn-wrap\"><a href=\"/Kili-Getting-to-the-trailhead/\"><strong>See Photos</strong></a>\r\n<a href=\"/gallery/\"><strong>View Trip Gallery</strong></a></div>\r\n</div>\r\n</div>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<h3>Hiking to 11,400 ft</h3>\r\n[gallery columns=\"4\" size=\"wcsquare\" display=\"grid\" link=\"file\" ids=\"5256,5261\"]\r\n<div class=\"reports-img-desc\">\r\n  <div class=\"imgbox\"></div>\r\n  <div class=\"reports-desc\">At 6:30 AM we were woken up with a hot bowl of water to wash up and get ready for the day. A very full breakfast was prepared for us and then we started off to hike again. For hiking, it’s important to eat three square meals a day as well as drink a minimum of three liters of water a day. Without this exhaustion, dehydration, and more can happen. The guides made sure that we would eat a lot and consume lots of water.\r\n\r\nWe headed off on our hike up to 11,400 feet, crossing from the Montane Forest into the Hagenia Zone, where we saw many different plants and beautiful trees throughout the canyon.\r\n\r\nI felt pretty good, as I had taken Diamox, a medicine to help prevent altitude sickness. I had a Camelback-style drinking system so I was drinking copious amounts of water. At night it was cold but with the proper gear (well worth the expense!), I felt warm.\r\n\r\n<div class=\"btn-wrap\">\r\n<a href=\"/kili-hiking-to-11400-ft/\"><strong>See Photos</strong></a>\r\n<a href=\"/gallery/\"><strong>View Trip Gallery</strong></a></div></div>\r\n</div>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<h3>Hiking to 13,400 ft</h3>\r\n[gallery columns=\"4\" size=\"wcsquare\" display=\"grid\" link=\"file\" ids=\"5351,5352\"]\r\n<div class=\"reports-img-desc\">\r\n  <div class=\"imgbox\"></div>\r\n  <div class=\"reports-desc\">We had another early wake-up call today and another substantial breakfast (scrambled eggs, toast, pancakes, fruit, toast, jelly, peanut butter, tea/coffee, and more. We hiked across a large plateau and gained about 2,100 feet in altitude. It was very interesting as we passed into the upper heath zone, where there were no more trees here, just a lot of different plants. And lots of volcanic rock (the last active volcano here took place over 10,000 years ago).\r\n\r\nThe hiking was very slow and consistent, as they say in Swahili, “Poli, Poli.” Again I felt very good when arriving at Moir camp at 13,500 feet. We had beautiful views of the mountain as the clouds moved away. It was really spectacular!\r\n<div class=\"btn-wrap\">\r\n<a href=\"/kili-hiking-to-13400-feet/\"><strong>See Photos</strong></a>\r\n<a href=\"/gallery/\"><strong>View Trip Gallery</strong></a></div></div>\r\n</div>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<h3>Kili Hiking to 15,500 feet</h3>\r\n[gallery columns=\"4\" size=\"wcsquare\" display=\"grid\" link=\"file\" ids=\"5271,5270\"]\r\n<div class=\"reports-img-desc\">\r\n  <div class=\"imgbox\"></div>\r\n  <div class=\"reports-desc\">We woke up again at 6:30 AM, had breakfast at 7, and were hiking by 7:30. Today was a shorter hike of only 3.1 miles, but we did climb 2000 feet. It was slow in some parts and the steep sections were even slower. Finally, we arrived at camp after hiking for only 2 hours and 20 minutes. We were now at 15,500 feet. The air is very thin, so with every step you take, you have to think about it. But when we arrived at camp, everything seemed to settle down. During the afternoon there was a hale storm that turned into snow, so everybody went into their tents. I probably took a 3-hour well-needed nap. After a good dinner, we all went to bed, but not until we viewed the beautiful skies at 15,500 feet in the southern hemisphere.\r\n<div class=\"btn-wrap\">\r\n<a href=\"/kili-hiking-to-15500-feet/\"><strong>See Photos</strong></a>\r\n<a href=\"/gallery/\"><strong>View Trip Gallery</strong></a></div></div>\r\n</div>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<h3>Getting to camp at 16,500 ft</h3>\r\n[gallery columns=\"4\" size=\"wcsquare\" display=\"grid\" link=\"file\" ids=\"5291,5283\"]\r\n<div class=\"reports-img-desc\">\r\n  <div class=\"imgbox\"></div>\r\n  <div class=\"reports-desc\">We had the usual wake-up call at 6:30 AM and were on the trail by 7:30. It snowed during the night, but only half an inch or so, making everything white and beautiful. The good news is this meant it was right around 32 degrees. The sun came out, so it was warm when we hiked but a little bit cooler when clouds were overhead. Plus with the altitude (lots of breathing) and hiking effort, one was rarely cold. Today’s hike was only 1,000 feet of climbing and a short hike to the base camp. The big hike tomorrow will only be about an hour and 20 minutes, but it will be over a lot of rocks and boulders and will be steep in some places. We arrived at the base camp around 10:30 – 11 in the morning. We were supposed to go for a short hike from there without our packs but it started snowing for over an hour, so that was canceled. Tomorrow morning, we will have a 4 AM wake-up call in anticipation of a 2,300-foot elevation climb up to 18,650 feet.\r\n<div class=\"btn-wrap\">\r\n<a href=\"/16-500-feet-to-18-400/\"><strong>See Photos</strong></a>\r\n<a href=\"/gallery/\"><strong>View Trip Gallery</strong></a></div></div>\r\n</div>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<h3>Kilimanjaro- final camp at 18,500 feet</h3>\r\n[gallery columns=\"4\" size=\"wcsquare\" display=\"grid\" link=\"file\" ids=\"5292,5293\"]\r\n<div class=\"video-flex-wrap\">\r\n<div class=\"video-box\">\r\n[video width=\"640\" height=\"480\" mp4=\"https://www.drfields.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/camp-16000ft.mp4\" poster=\"https://www.drfields.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/camp.png\"][/video]\r\n</div>\r\n<div class=\"video-box\">\r\n[video width=\"640\" height=\"480\" mp4=\"https://www.drfields.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/16000ft.mp4\" poster=\"https://www.drfields.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/dance-18000.png\"][/video]\r\n</div>\r\n</div>\r\n<div class=\"reports-img-desc\">\r\n  <div class=\"imgbox\"></div>\r\n  <div class=\"reports-desc\">Wake-up call at 4 AM and breakfast at 4:30. The slow group left at 5. We (my hiking partner, myself, and our guide) left about 5:30. At this altitude of over 16,000 feet, everyone moves very slowly. The first little part was steep and slightly snow-covered, but then it got extremely steep and no longer covered in snow. \r\n\r\nWe climbed 2,400 feet over 2.6 miles. The first hour was in the dark, but we all had headlamps. It was very rocky and we had to use our hands sometimes to climb. We ran into a few other tours on the trail and all of us had to cut across a mountainside since the snow had obliterated the trail the night before.\r\n\r\nWe were now over 17, 000 feet. One of the guides from another tour (all the guides know each other) had a pickaxe and so he chopped thru the snow to make it easier on our footing. Even so, it was very slippery. There were times we had to use all four extremities to climb, even kneeling on the next step up because the step was too high to reach with our foot. Breathing was becoming more and more labored and it was difficult to catch our breath in the thinning air.\r\n\r\nWhen we stopped at 18,000 feet for a snack and water, we thought the worst was over, but that wasn’t the case. The next 500 feet were very rocky and slippery, and that along with the very thin air meant we had to take three or four steps before needing to stop for a break. Like having a bag over your head and pulling for each breath.\r\n\r\nFinally, we reached the craters ridge and were very happy. These are remnants of glaciers that once covered this entire valley. The whole valley was snow-covered and looked like we were walking in a desert. When we arrived, we were not allowed to lie down in our tents for about a good hour because we needed to let our bodies acclimate to the thin air at 18,600 feet.\r\n\r\nAfter that, we enjoyed a well-deserved nap before an early dinner because we would be getting up again at 4 AM to climb to the top of Kilimanjaro!\r\n\r\n<div class=\"btn-wrap\">\r\n<a href=\"/kilimanjaro-final-camp-at-18500-feet/\"><strong>See Photos</strong></a>\r\n<a href=\"/gallery/\"><strong>View Trip Gallery</strong></a></div></div>\r\n</div>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<h2>Climbing to the top 19,341 ft/5895 meters and beginning the descent</h2>\r\n[gallery columns=\"4\" size=\"wcsquare\" display=\"grid\" link=\"file\" ids=\"5331,5372\"]\r\n<div class=\"reports-img-desc\">\r\n  <div class=\"imgbox\"></div>\r\n  <div class=\"reports-desc\">The night was extremely cold, with ground temperatures probably down to zero degrees Fahrenheit. We did everything to keep ourselves warm! I laid my down jacket on top of my sleeping bag (which was rated to zero degrees), plus I had a liner inside the sleeping bag which gave me an additional 25 degrees of warmth. I am definitely not a cold weather person but with the right gear, it was not too bad.\r\n    \r\nWe were woken up at 4 AM. After eating and packing our stuff (only our personal things; the Sherpa took care of the sleeping bag and tent each morning and night), we were off for a 75-minute climb, basically straight up and extremely cold. Fortunately, I had bought the best mittens ever and my hands were not cold. Nonetheless, my legs and face took the brunt of it, and we moved very, very slowly. 10 feet could take several minutes. After a very hard, straight-up climbing, we had to cross a flat plane to the actual top of the mountain. The wind was blowing like crazy. The air temp was around minus 10 Fahrenheit with the wind chill probably down to negative 45 or 50 Fahrenheit. But all 6 of us had made it. It was a special feeling…an unbelievable feeling!\r\n\r\nI always carry some ashes of my parents no matter where I travel in this world. And since this was a very special place, I quietly said a prayer, took off my mittens (brrr), and sprinkled some of their ashes at the top. They had made it the whole way with me!\r\n\r\nWe took our pictures and then had to get going due to the intense winds and brutal cold. Fortunately, we summited very early and there were only one or two other groups at the top. Later on, there would be at least 50-100 people. We saw a gorgeous sunrise since it was shortly before 7 in the morning. We were almost on the equator, and sunrise and sunsets are always at around 6:30 to 7 am without much variation from season to season.\r\n\r\nImmediately, once we started to go down, we could feel the release of pressure in our lungs and chest. The descent and decreasing pressure made it a lot easier on our lungs, plus it was now all downhill. After an hour or two, our quads really felt it, and we would be walking downhill for the next 5 to 6 hours!\r\n\r\nWe did stop for a small break for some lunch, but our appetite was low due to the altitude. Several of the hikers experienced altitude sickness on the way up, with nausea, diarrhea, headaches loss of appetite, and weakness. I felt worse while descending, but fortunately, I had only lost my appetite with slight nausea and it lasted only for a short period of time. Anyway, we finally made it to camp at 10,500 feet. The weather was really nice and a bit warmer, between about 45 to 50 degrees or more. What a difference from the night before! We all had a good meal and rested, as we had been hiking downhill for over 8 hours, and all of our legs were extremely tired.\r\n\r\n<div class=\"btn-wrap\">\r\n<a href=\"/Hiking-to-the-summit-19-341-feet/\"><strong>See Photos</strong></a>\r\n<a href=\"/gallery/\"><strong>View Trip Gallery</strong></a></div></div>\r\n</div>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<h3>The descent and saying goodbye</h3>\r\n<div class=\"reports-img-desc\">\r\n  <div class=\"imgbox\"></div>\r\n  <div class=\"reports-desc\"><img src=\"https://www.drfields.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/Sunriseuptop-3.jpg\" class=\"alignleft\" width=\"400\">We woke up at 6:30 AM, which was a big difference from 4 AM. Today would be our last night, and we would be saying goodbye to all the Sherpas as they would leave the trail. Only the guides would continue with us. I volunteered to be the spokesperson of the group, which meant I would be collecting the tip money and giving a short speech.\r\n\r\nAfter breakfast, the 40 or so sherpas gathered around singing and dancing. I actually joined them in the dancing, which I have a video of. I was very tired, but it was still worth it. I gave a 3-minute speech thanking every one of them for all of their hard work and dedication, and telling them that their help, whether by carrying a table, carrying sleeping bags, setting up tents, preparing food and everything else they did for us, was all very special and helped us so much.\r\n\r\nWe then set off for our last 6 to 7-hour hike downhill. Although it was not very steep, it was a dried-up river bed that was full of rocks and stones, making footing uneasy, and causing our quads to be even more on fire. I and several others had foldable walking sticks and this helped a lot. But we knew the end was coming, so we just kept going. We stopped for lunch and continued on. After about 7 hours, we saw the base camp. Nothing could be sweeter! I signed out at the Ranger station and basically collapsed into the waiting truck. There were a lot of campers and hikers ending in this same area, so they drove us about 20 minutes away.\r\n\r\nWe had some lunch and then drove the rest of the way back to the lodge, which was a beautiful hotel about half an hour outside of Arusha on an old coffee plantation. Everybody had their own cabin. For the first time in 9 days, I took a shower. It was wonderful! Then we all gathered with the two guides and I said a few more words to represent the group. We had a nice dinner, and then two people left for the airport by 7 PM. That night, was my first night of sleep in a bed, after 9 days. It was fantastic! The mission was accomplished!\r\n\r\n<div class=\"btn-wrap\">\r\n<a href=\"/Sunrise-up-top-and-heading-down\"><strong>See Photos</strong></a>\r\n</div></div>\r\n</div>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<h2>Kilimanjaro Was Amazing! Final Goodbyes and certificate</h2>\r\n<div class=\"reports-img-desc\">\r\n  <div class=\"imgbox\"></div>\r\n  <div class=\"reports-desc\"><img src=\"https://www.drfields.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/final-goodbyes-9.jpg\" class=\"alignleft\" width=\"400\"/>Even though the trip was not exactly as described in the pamphlet, it was something I had had on my bucket list for over 10 years. It was extremely difficult at times. Some of our hikers had difficulty even moving and needed assistance. But we all persevered. I’ve done 10 Ironman races so far (now 11!), which require monumental training. But the long hike up to the crater from 16,800 feet to 18,400, with the subsequent day of summiting, followed by the 9,000-foot descent, were some of the hardest things that I’ve ever done. And that includes all my Ironman competitions.\r\n\r\nYou just can’t imagine what it’s like trying to move at that altitude. As I said before, it is similar to having a paper bag over your head and trying to grasp for air. There were times I took two or three steps and then had to pause for 15 or 20 seconds just to get my heart rate and breathing back down, repeating that again and again and again. Never looking ahead, only down, because sometimes ten feet took 45-60 seconds to hike. All this while enduring the sub-freezing temperature, the blowing snow, and the wind chill factors. Nothing but grit and determination to keep you going. But the views were spectacular and the feeling of being literally on top of the world made it all worth it.\r\n\r\nI’ll continue to enjoy my Ironman triathlons and continue to do them as long as I can. But as far as hiking up a mountain to 19,341 feet, this will be my one and only time! It’s a tremendous accomplishment, but something I would not want to repeat.\r\n\r\n<div class=\"btn-wrap\">\r\n<a href=\"/Final-goodbyes-and-certificates\"><strong>See Photos</strong></a>\r\n</div></div>\r\n</div>\r\n\r\n<div class=\"video-flex-wrap\">\r\n<div class=\"video-box\">\r\n[video poster=\"https://www.drfields.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/Dancing.png\" width=\"352\" height=\"640\" mp4=\"https://www.drfields.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/DANCING-v3.mp4\"][/video]\r\n</div>\r\n<div class=\"video-box\">\r\n<img src=\"https://www.drfields.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/final-goodbyes-1.jpg\">\r\n</div>\r\n</div>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<h3 style=\"text-align: center;\">Thank You to Everyone Who Made Kilimanjaro A Possibility!</h3>\r\nThank you to everyone that sent me well wishes before, during, and after my climb. It meant so much!\r\n\r\nI also thank my parents who gave me the will and determination to achieve all the goals in my life, no matter how hard they are.\r\nThey always ingrained this determination in me and encouraged me to just put my head down and keep going to achieve my goals.\r\nAs I said above, they were with me the whole way and always will be.\r\n\r\nThank you for taking the time to read this. I hope this will inspire you that if a goal is desired, to just put your head down and keep going no matter how difficult it may seem.\r\n\r\n<strong>Peter A. Fields, MD, DC </strong>\r\n<strong>The Athletic Doc<sup>®</sup></strong>\r\n\r\n<a href=\"https://www.drfields.com/about/the-athletic-doc/about-the-athletic-doc/\">Click here</a> to find out more about <strong>The Athletic Doc<sup>® </sup></strong>','Report of My Kilimanjaro Climb','','inherit','closed','closed','','2208-revision-v1','','','2022-07-26 12:06:44','2022-07-26 12:06:44','',2208,'https://www.drfields.com/?p=5382',0,'revision','',0),(5383,8,'2022-07-26 12:07:07','2022-07-26 12:07:07','<h1>Report of My Kilimanjaro Climb</h1>\r\n<em>By Peter A. Fields, MD, DC</em>\r\n\r\nAfter waiting ten years with this on my bucket list, I finally was going to climb Kilimanjaro.\r\n<h3>Getting to Mount Kilimanjaro</h3>\r\n<div class=\"reports-img-desc\">\r\n<div class=\"imgbox\"><img class=\"alignleft\" src=\"https://www.drfields.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/20190210_061752.jpg\" alt=\"\" /></div>\r\n<div class=\"reports-desc\">\r\n\r\nThe trip to Kilimanjaro began with an 11-hour flight to London where I had a 36-hour layover. Saw \"Tina, The Musical\" (life and times of Tina Turner). Great show.  Then 9 ½ hour flight to Nairobi, where I spent 24 hours so I was able to see the city. Then a one-hour flight to Kilimanjaro, Tanzania. My arrival at Kilimanjaro airport was on Sunday night. This was followed by a two-and-a-half-hour ride, with half of it on a very bumpy dirt road, before reaching the destination at the base camp. Since it was almost midnight, I went straight to my tent, which was quite luxurious for camping, and included a sink, a bathroom, and even a shower. I took advantage of a quick shower and went straight to bed.\r\n<div class=\"btn-wrap\"><a href=\"https://www.drfields.com/Day-1-Kiliminaro-and-base-camp-arrival\"><strong>See Photos</strong></a>\r\n<a href=\"/gallery/\"><strong>View Trip Gallery</strong></a></div>\r\n</div>\r\n</div>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<h2>Pre Hike</h2>\r\n<div class=\"reports-img-desc\">\r\n<div class=\"imgbox\"><img src=\"https://www.drfields.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/20190211_054908.jpg\" /></div>\r\n<div class=\"reports-desc\">\r\n\r\nAfter a nice breakfast, where I met the other climbers and our trek leaders, we went for a short two-hour hike just to see the local terrain. It was beautiful, with waterfalls and lots of lush plants and greenery. The guide leader went through our entire pack to make sure that we would be taking everything we needed and that everything was in good shape. The rest of the day was just spent relaxing, except for a short sunset hike of 10 minutes, where at the top of the small hill they had wine waiting for us. A pleasant surprise.\r\n<div class=\"btn-wrap\"><a href=\"/kilimanjaro-pre-hike/\"><strong>See Photos</strong></a>\r\n<a href=\"/gallery/\"><strong>View Trip Gallery</strong></a></div>\r\n</div>\r\n</div>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<h2>Getting to the Trailhead and First Day Hike Towards Kilimanjaro</h2>\r\n[gallery display=\"grid\" link=\"none\" columns=\"4\" size=\"wcsquare\" ids=\"5235,5231\"]\r\n<div class=\"reports-img-desc\">\r\n<div class=\"imgbox\"></div>\r\n<div class=\"reports-desc\">\r\n\r\nAfter a two-hour ride, we arrived at the check-in point. The weather was hot enough to wear shorts and t-shirts since we were only 3 degrees off the equator. There we saw the more than 45 plus Sherpa’s that would accompany us. There were six Sherpa’s( there were six hikers) to carry each person’s clothing (colder weather gear, nighttime clothes, toiletries, etc.). Then six to carry our bedding, and tents ( double roofed for better rain protection), six would carry our food for 7 days ( three full meals a day), eight of them made up the kitchen team, another team of two would carry the oxygen and medicine, four to carry the toilets and tents over them, plus about 10 other Sherpa’s would carry all the tents, tables and chairs. There were also 10 more to carry all of the sherpa’s food and equipment.\r\n\r\nWe had to register and show our passports, and after that, we took a short 20-minute drive to the trailhead. Arriving at noon, a very nice, well-prepared lunch was ready for us. We started the hike at 7700 feet and climbed to 9300 feet. The area was mostly jungle-like, with a lot of fantastic plants, birds, and other exotic wildlife, including Colobus monkeys and other animals. When we arrived at the camp at 9300 feet, the tents were already set up, and we unpacked our gear in each individual tent, had dinner and went to sleep.\r\n<div class=\"btn-wrap\"><a href=\"/Kili-Getting-to-the-trailhead/\"><strong>See Photos</strong></a>\r\n<a href=\"/gallery/\"><strong>View Trip Gallery</strong></a></div>\r\n</div>\r\n</div>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<h3>Hiking to 11,400 ft</h3>\r\n[gallery columns=\"4\" size=\"wcsquare\" display=\"grid\" link=\"file\" ids=\"5256,5261\"]\r\n<div class=\"reports-img-desc\">\r\n  <div class=\"imgbox\"></div>\r\n  <div class=\"reports-desc\">At 6:30 AM we were woken up with a hot bowl of water to wash up and get ready for the day. A very full breakfast was prepared for us and then we started off to hike again. For hiking, it’s important to eat three square meals a day as well as drink a minimum of three liters of water a day. Without this exhaustion, dehydration, and more can happen. The guides made sure that we would eat a lot and consume lots of water.\r\n\r\nWe headed off on our hike up to 11,400 feet, crossing from the Montane Forest into the Hagenia Zone, where we saw many different plants and beautiful trees throughout the canyon.\r\n\r\nI felt pretty good, as I had taken Diamox, a medicine to help prevent altitude sickness. I had a Camelback-style drinking system so I was drinking copious amounts of water. At night it was cold but with the proper gear (well worth the expense!), I felt warm.\r\n\r\n<div class=\"btn-wrap\">\r\n<a href=\"/kili-hiking-to-11400-ft/\"><strong>See Photos</strong></a>\r\n<a href=\"/gallery/\"><strong>View Trip Gallery</strong></a></div></div>\r\n</div>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<h3>Hiking to 13,400 ft</h3>\r\n[gallery columns=\"4\" size=\"wcsquare\" display=\"grid\" link=\"file\" ids=\"5351,5352\"]\r\n<div class=\"reports-img-desc\">\r\n  <div class=\"imgbox\"></div>\r\n  <div class=\"reports-desc\">We had another early wake-up call today and another substantial breakfast (scrambled eggs, toast, pancakes, fruit, toast, jelly, peanut butter, tea/coffee, and more. We hiked across a large plateau and gained about 2,100 feet in altitude. It was very interesting as we passed into the upper heath zone, where there were no more trees here, just a lot of different plants. And lots of volcanic rock (the last active volcano here took place over 10,000 years ago).\r\n\r\nThe hiking was very slow and consistent, as they say in Swahili, “Poli, Poli.” Again I felt very good when arriving at Moir camp at 13,500 feet. We had beautiful views of the mountain as the clouds moved away. It was really spectacular!\r\n<div class=\"btn-wrap\">\r\n<a href=\"/kili-hiking-to-13400-feet/\"><strong>See Photos</strong></a>\r\n<a href=\"/gallery/\"><strong>View Trip Gallery</strong></a></div></div>\r\n</div>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<h3>Kili Hiking to 15,500 feet</h3>\r\n[gallery columns=\"4\" size=\"wcsquare\" display=\"grid\" link=\"file\" ids=\"5271,5270\"]\r\n<div class=\"reports-img-desc\">\r\n  <div class=\"imgbox\"></div>\r\n  <div class=\"reports-desc\">We woke up again at 6:30 AM, had breakfast at 7, and were hiking by 7:30. Today was a shorter hike of only 3.1 miles, but we did climb 2000 feet. It was slow in some parts and the steep sections were even slower. Finally, we arrived at camp after hiking for only 2 hours and 20 minutes. We were now at 15,500 feet. The air is very thin, so with every step you take, you have to think about it. But when we arrived at camp, everything seemed to settle down. During the afternoon there was a hale storm that turned into snow, so everybody went into their tents. I probably took a 3-hour well-needed nap. After a good dinner, we all went to bed, but not until we viewed the beautiful skies at 15,500 feet in the southern hemisphere.\r\n<div class=\"btn-wrap\">\r\n<a href=\"/kili-hiking-to-15500-feet/\"><strong>See Photos</strong></a>\r\n<a href=\"/gallery/\"><strong>View Trip Gallery</strong></a></div></div>\r\n</div>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<h3>Getting to camp at 16,500 ft</h3>\r\n[gallery columns=\"4\" size=\"wcsquare\" display=\"grid\" link=\"file\" ids=\"5291,5283\"]\r\n<div class=\"reports-img-desc\">\r\n  <div class=\"imgbox\"></div>\r\n  <div class=\"reports-desc\">We had the usual wake-up call at 6:30 AM and were on the trail by 7:30. It snowed during the night, but only half an inch or so, making everything white and beautiful. The good news is this meant it was right around 32 degrees. The sun came out, so it was warm when we hiked but a little bit cooler when clouds were overhead. Plus with the altitude (lots of breathing) and hiking effort, one was rarely cold. Today’s hike was only 1,000 feet of climbing and a short hike to the base camp. The big hike tomorrow will only be about an hour and 20 minutes, but it will be over a lot of rocks and boulders and will be steep in some places. We arrived at the base camp around 10:30 – 11 in the morning. We were supposed to go for a short hike from there without our packs but it started snowing for over an hour, so that was canceled. Tomorrow morning, we will have a 4 AM wake-up call in anticipation of a 2,300-foot elevation climb up to 18,650 feet.\r\n<div class=\"btn-wrap\">\r\n<a href=\"/16-500-feet-to-18-400/\"><strong>See Photos</strong></a>\r\n<a href=\"/gallery/\"><strong>View Trip Gallery</strong></a></div></div>\r\n</div>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<h3>Kilimanjaro- final camp at 18,500 feet</h3>\r\n[gallery columns=\"4\" size=\"wcsquare\" display=\"grid\" link=\"file\" ids=\"5292,5293\"]\r\n<div class=\"video-flex-wrap\">\r\n<div class=\"video-box\">\r\n[video width=\"640\" height=\"480\" mp4=\"https://www.drfields.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/camp-16000ft.mp4\" poster=\"https://www.drfields.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/camp.png\"][/video]\r\n</div>\r\n<div class=\"video-box\">\r\n[video width=\"640\" height=\"480\" mp4=\"https://www.drfields.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/16000ft.mp4\" poster=\"https://www.drfields.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/dance-18000.png\"][/video]\r\n</div>\r\n</div>\r\n<div class=\"reports-img-desc\">\r\n  <div class=\"imgbox\"></div>\r\n  <div class=\"reports-desc\">Wake-up call at 4 AM and breakfast at 4:30. The slow group left at 5. We (my hiking partner, myself, and our guide) left about 5:30. At this altitude of over 16,000 feet, everyone moves very slowly. The first little part was steep and slightly snow-covered, but then it got extremely steep and no longer covered in snow. \r\n\r\nWe climbed 2,400 feet over 2.6 miles. The first hour was in the dark, but we all had headlamps. It was very rocky and we had to use our hands sometimes to climb. We ran into a few other tours on the trail and all of us had to cut across a mountainside since the snow had obliterated the trail the night before.\r\n\r\nWe were now over 17, 000 feet. One of the guides from another tour (all the guides know each other) had a pickaxe and so he chopped thru the snow to make it easier on our footing. Even so, it was very slippery. There were times we had to use all four extremities to climb, even kneeling on the next step up because the step was too high to reach with our foot. Breathing was becoming more and more labored and it was difficult to catch our breath in the thinning air.\r\n\r\nWhen we stopped at 18,000 feet for a snack and water, we thought the worst was over, but that wasn’t the case. The next 500 feet were very rocky and slippery, and that along with the very thin air meant we had to take three or four steps before needing to stop for a break. Like having a bag over your head and pulling for each breath.\r\n\r\nFinally, we reached the craters ridge and were very happy. These are remnants of glaciers that once covered this entire valley. The whole valley was snow-covered and looked like we were walking in a desert. When we arrived, we were not allowed to lie down in our tents for about a good hour because we needed to let our bodies acclimate to the thin air at 18,600 feet.\r\n\r\nAfter that, we enjoyed a well-deserved nap before an early dinner because we would be getting up again at 4 AM to climb to the top of Kilimanjaro!\r\n\r\n<div class=\"btn-wrap\">\r\n<a href=\"/kilimanjaro-final-camp-at-18500-feet/\"><strong>See Photos</strong></a>\r\n<a href=\"/gallery/\"><strong>View Trip Gallery</strong></a></div></div>\r\n</div>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<h2>Climbing to the top 19,341 ft/5895 meters and beginning the descent</h2>\r\n[gallery columns=\"4\" size=\"wcsquare\" display=\"grid\" link=\"file\" ids=\"5331,5372\"]\r\n<div class=\"reports-img-desc\">\r\n  <div class=\"imgbox\"></div>\r\n  <div class=\"reports-desc\">The night was extremely cold, with ground temperatures probably down to zero degrees Fahrenheit. We did everything to keep ourselves warm! I laid my down jacket on top of my sleeping bag (which was rated to zero degrees), plus I had a liner inside the sleeping bag which gave me an additional 25 degrees of warmth. I am definitely not a cold weather person but with the right gear, it was not too bad.\r\n    \r\nWe were woken up at 4 AM. After eating and packing our stuff (only our personal things; the Sherpa took care of the sleeping bag and tent each morning and night), we were off for a 75-minute climb, basically straight up and extremely cold. Fortunately, I had bought the best mittens ever and my hands were not cold. Nonetheless, my legs and face took the brunt of it, and we moved very, very slowly. 10 feet could take several minutes. After a very hard, straight-up climbing, we had to cross a flat plane to the actual top of the mountain. The wind was blowing like crazy. The air temp was around minus 10 Fahrenheit with the wind chill probably down to negative 45 or 50 Fahrenheit. But all 6 of us had made it. It was a special feeling…an unbelievable feeling!\r\n\r\nI always carry some ashes of my parents no matter where I travel in this world. And since this was a very special place, I quietly said a prayer, took off my mittens (brrr), and sprinkled some of their ashes at the top. They had made it the whole way with me!\r\n\r\nWe took our pictures and then had to get going due to the intense winds and brutal cold. Fortunately, we summited very early and there were only one or two other groups at the top. Later on, there would be at least 50-100 people. We saw a gorgeous sunrise since it was shortly before 7 in the morning. We were almost on the equator, and sunrise and sunsets are always at around 6:30 to 7 am without much variation from season to season.\r\n\r\nImmediately, once we started to go down, we could feel the release of pressure in our lungs and chest. The descent and decreasing pressure made it a lot easier on our lungs, plus it was now all downhill. After an hour or two, our quads really felt it, and we would be walking downhill for the next 5 to 6 hours!\r\n\r\nWe did stop for a small break for some lunch, but our appetite was low due to the altitude. Several of the hikers experienced altitude sickness on the way up, with nausea, diarrhea, headaches loss of appetite, and weakness. I felt worse while descending, but fortunately, I had only lost my appetite with slight nausea and it lasted only for a short period of time. Anyway, we finally made it to camp at 10,500 feet. The weather was really nice and a bit warmer, between about 45 to 50 degrees or more. What a difference from the night before! We all had a good meal and rested, as we had been hiking downhill for over 8 hours, and all of our legs were extremely tired.\r\n\r\n<div class=\"btn-wrap\">\r\n<a href=\"/Hiking-to-the-summit-19-341-feet/\"><strong>See Photos</strong></a>\r\n<a href=\"/gallery/\"><strong>View Trip Gallery</strong></a></div></div>\r\n</div>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<h3>The descent and saying goodbye</h3>\r\n<div class=\"reports-img-desc\">\r\n  <div class=\"imgbox\"></div>\r\n  <div class=\"reports-desc\"><img src=\"https://www.drfields.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/Sunriseuptop-3.jpg\" class=\"alignleft\" width=\"400\">We woke up at 6:30 AM, which was a big difference from 4 AM. Today would be our last night, and we would be saying goodbye to all the Sherpas as they would leave the trail. Only the guides would continue with us. I volunteered to be the spokesperson of the group, which meant I would be collecting the tip money and giving a short speech.\r\n\r\nAfter breakfast, the 40 or so sherpas gathered around singing and dancing. I actually joined them in the dancing, which I have a video of. I was very tired, but it was still worth it. I gave a 3-minute speech thanking every one of them for all of their hard work and dedication, and telling them that their help, whether by carrying a table, carrying sleeping bags, setting up tents, preparing food and everything else they did for us, was all very special and helped us so much.\r\n\r\nWe then set off for our last 6 to 7-hour hike downhill. Although it was not very steep, it was a dried-up river bed that was full of rocks and stones, making footing uneasy, and causing our quads to be even more on fire. I and several others had foldable walking sticks and this helped a lot. But we knew the end was coming, so we just kept going. We stopped for lunch and continued on. After about 7 hours, we saw the base camp. Nothing could be sweeter! I signed out at the Ranger station and basically collapsed into the waiting truck. There were a lot of campers and hikers ending in this same area, so they drove us about 20 minutes away.\r\n\r\nWe had some lunch and then drove the rest of the way back to the lodge, which was a beautiful hotel about half an hour outside of Arusha on an old coffee plantation. Everybody had their own cabin. For the first time in 9 days, I took a shower. It was wonderful! Then we all gathered with the two guides and I said a few more words to represent the group. We had a nice dinner, and then two people left for the airport by 7 PM. That night, was my first night of sleep in a bed, after 9 days. It was fantastic! The mission was accomplished!\r\n\r\n<div class=\"btn-wrap\">\r\n<a href=\"/Sunrise-up-top-and-heading-down\"><strong>See Photos</strong></a>\r\n</div></div>\r\n</div>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<h2>Kilimanjaro Was Amazing! Final Goodbyes and certificate</h2>\r\n<div class=\"reports-img-desc\">\r\n  <div class=\"imgbox\"></div>\r\n  <div class=\"reports-desc\"><img src=\"https://www.drfields.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/final-goodbyes-9.jpg\" class=\"alignleft\" width=\"400\"/>Even though the trip was not exactly as described in the pamphlet, it was something I had had on my bucket list for over 10 years. It was extremely difficult at times. Some of our hikers had difficulty even moving and needed assistance. But we all persevered. I’ve done 10 Ironman races so far (now 11!), which require monumental training. But the long hike up to the crater from 16,800 feet to 18,400, with the subsequent day of summiting, followed by the 9,000-foot descent, were some of the hardest things that I’ve ever done. And that includes all my Ironman competitions.\r\n\r\nYou just can’t imagine what it’s like trying to move at that altitude. As I said before, it is similar to having a paper bag over your head and trying to grasp for air. There were times I took two or three steps and then had to pause for 15 or 20 seconds just to get my heart rate and breathing back down, repeating that again and again and again. Never looking ahead, only down, because sometimes ten feet took 45-60 seconds to hike. All this while enduring the sub-freezing temperature, the blowing snow, and the wind chill factors. Nothing but grit and determination to keep you going. But the views were spectacular and the feeling of being literally on top of the world made it all worth it.\r\n\r\nI’ll continue to enjoy my Ironman triathlons and continue to do them as long as I can. But as far as hiking up a mountain to 19,341 feet, this will be my one and only time! It’s a tremendous accomplishment, but something I would not want to repeat.\r\n\r\n<div class=\"btn-wrap\">\r\n<a href=\"/Final-goodbyes-and-certificates\"><strong>See Photos</strong></a>\r\n</div></div>\r\n</div>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<div class=\"video-flex-wrap\">\r\n<div class=\"video-box\">\r\n[video poster=\"https://www.drfields.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/Dancing.png\" width=\"352\" height=\"640\" mp4=\"https://www.drfields.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/DANCING-v3.mp4\"][/video]\r\n</div>\r\n<div class=\"video-box\">\r\n<img src=\"https://www.drfields.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/final-goodbyes-1.jpg\">\r\n</div>\r\n</div>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<h3 style=\"text-align: center;\">Thank You to Everyone Who Made Kilimanjaro A Possibility!</h3>\r\nThank you to everyone that sent me well wishes before, during, and after my climb. It meant so much!\r\n\r\nI also thank my parents who gave me the will and determination to achieve all the goals in my life, no matter how hard they are.\r\nThey always ingrained this determination in me and encouraged me to just put my head down and keep going to achieve my goals.\r\nAs I said above, they were with me the whole way and always will be.\r\n\r\nThank you for taking the time to read this. I hope this will inspire you that if a goal is desired, to just put your head down and keep going no matter how difficult it may seem.\r\n\r\n<strong>Peter A. Fields, MD, DC </strong>\r\n<strong>The Athletic Doc<sup>®</sup></strong>\r\n\r\n<a href=\"https://www.drfields.com/about/the-athletic-doc/about-the-athletic-doc/\">Click here</a> to find out more about <strong>The Athletic Doc<sup>® </sup></strong>','Report of My Kilimanjaro Climb','','inherit','closed','closed','','2208-revision-v1','','','2022-07-26 12:07:07','2022-07-26 12:07:07','',2208,'https://www.drfields.com/?p=5383',0,'revision','',0),(5384,8,'2022-07-26 12:10:55','2022-07-26 12:10:55','<h1>Report of My Kilimanjaro Climb</h1>\r\n<em>By Peter A. Fields, MD, DC</em>\r\n\r\nAfter waiting ten years with this on my bucket list, I finally was going to climb Kilimanjaro.\r\n<h3>Getting to Mount Kilimanjaro</h3>\r\n<div class=\"reports-img-desc\">\r\n<div class=\"imgbox\"><img class=\"alignleft\" src=\"https://www.drfields.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/20190210_061752.jpg\" alt=\"\" /></div>\r\n<div class=\"reports-desc\">\r\n\r\nThe trip to Kilimanjaro began with an 11-hour flight to London where I had a 36-hour layover. Saw \"Tina, The Musical\" (life and times of Tina Turner). Great show.  Then 9 ½ hour flight to Nairobi, where I spent 24 hours so I was able to see the city. Then a one-hour flight to Kilimanjaro, Tanzania. My arrival at Kilimanjaro airport was on Sunday night. This was followed by a two-and-a-half-hour ride, with half of it on a very bumpy dirt road, before reaching the destination at the base camp. Since it was almost midnight, I went straight to my tent, which was quite luxurious for camping, and included a sink, a bathroom, and even a shower. I took advantage of a quick shower and went straight to bed.\r\n<div class=\"btn-wrap\"><a href=\"https://www.drfields.com/Day-1-Kiliminaro-and-base-camp-arrival\"><strong>See Photos</strong></a>\r\n<a href=\"/gallery/\"><strong>View Trip Gallery</strong></a></div>\r\n</div>\r\n</div>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<h2>Kilimanjaro Pre-Hike</h2>\r\n<div class=\"reports-img-desc\">\r\n<div class=\"imgbox\"><img src=\"https://www.drfields.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/20190211_054908.jpg\" /></div>\r\n<div class=\"reports-desc\">\r\n\r\nAfter a nice breakfast, where I met the other climbers and our trek leaders, we went for a short two-hour hike just to see the local terrain. It was beautiful, with waterfalls and lots of lush plants and greenery. The guide leader went through our entire pack to make sure that we would be taking everything we needed and that everything was in good shape. The rest of the day was just spent relaxing, except for a short sunset hike of 10 minutes, where at the top of the small hill they had wine waiting for us. A pleasant surprise.\r\n<div class=\"btn-wrap\"><a href=\"/kilimanjaro-pre-hike/\"><strong>See Photos</strong></a>\r\n<a href=\"/gallery/\"><strong>View Trip Gallery</strong></a></div>\r\n</div>\r\n</div>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<h2>Getting to the Trailhead and First Day Hike Towards Kilimanjaro</h2>\r\n[gallery display=\"grid\" link=\"none\" columns=\"4\" size=\"wcsquare\" ids=\"5235,5231\"]\r\n<div class=\"reports-img-desc\">\r\n<div class=\"imgbox\"></div>\r\n<div class=\"reports-desc\">\r\n\r\nAfter a two-hour ride, we arrived at the check-in point. The weather was hot enough to wear shorts and t-shirts since we were only 3 degrees off the equator. There we saw the more than 45 plus Sherpa’s that would accompany us. There were six Sherpa’s( there were six hikers) to carry each person’s clothing (colder weather gear, nighttime clothes, toiletries, etc.). Then six to carry our bedding, and tents ( double roofed for better rain protection), six would carry our food for 7 days ( three full meals a day), eight of them made up the kitchen team, another team of two would carry the oxygen and medicine, four to carry the toilets and tents over them, plus about 10 other Sherpa’s would carry all the tents, tables and chairs. There were also 10 more to carry all of the sherpa’s food and equipment.\r\n\r\nWe had to register and show our passports, and after that, we took a short 20-minute drive to the trailhead. Arriving at noon, a very nice, well-prepared lunch was ready for us. We started the hike at 7700 feet and climbed to 9300 feet. The area was mostly jungle-like, with a lot of fantastic plants, birds, and other exotic wildlife, including Colobus monkeys and other animals. When we arrived at the camp at 9300 feet, the tents were already set up, and we unpacked our gear in each individual tent, had dinner and went to sleep.\r\n<div class=\"btn-wrap\"><a href=\"/Kili-Getting-to-the-trailhead/\"><strong>See Photos</strong></a>\r\n<a href=\"/gallery/\"><strong>View Trip Gallery</strong></a></div>\r\n</div>\r\n</div>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<h3>Hiking to 11,400 ft</h3>\r\n[gallery columns=\"4\" size=\"wcsquare\" display=\"grid\" link=\"file\" ids=\"5256,5261\"]\r\n<div class=\"reports-img-desc\">\r\n  <div class=\"imgbox\"></div>\r\n  <div class=\"reports-desc\">At 6:30 AM we were woken up with a hot bowl of water to wash up and get ready for the day. A very full breakfast was prepared for us and then we started off to hike again. For hiking, it’s important to eat three square meals a day as well as drink a minimum of three liters of water a day. Without this exhaustion, dehydration, and more can happen. The guides made sure that we would eat a lot and consume lots of water.\r\n\r\nWe headed off on our hike up to 11,400 feet, crossing from the Montane Forest into the Hagenia Zone, where we saw many different plants and beautiful trees throughout the canyon.\r\n\r\nI felt pretty good, as I had taken Diamox, a medicine to help prevent altitude sickness. I had a Camelback-style drinking system so I was drinking copious amounts of water. At night it was cold but with the proper gear (well worth the expense!), I felt warm.\r\n\r\n<div class=\"btn-wrap\">\r\n<a href=\"/kili-hiking-to-11400-ft/\"><strong>See Photos</strong></a>\r\n<a href=\"/gallery/\"><strong>View Trip Gallery</strong></a></div></div>\r\n</div>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<h3>Hiking to 13,400 ft</h3>\r\n[gallery columns=\"4\" size=\"wcsquare\" display=\"grid\" link=\"file\" ids=\"5351,5352\"]\r\n<div class=\"reports-img-desc\">\r\n  <div class=\"imgbox\"></div>\r\n  <div class=\"reports-desc\">We had another early wake-up call today and another substantial breakfast (scrambled eggs, toast, pancakes, fruit, toast, jelly, peanut butter, tea/coffee, and more. We hiked across a large plateau and gained about 2,100 feet in altitude. It was very interesting as we passed into the upper heath zone, where there were no more trees here, just a lot of different plants. And lots of volcanic rock (the last active volcano here took place over 10,000 years ago).\r\n\r\nThe hiking was very slow and consistent, as they say in Swahili, “Poli, Poli.” Again I felt very good when arriving at Moir camp at 13,500 feet. We had beautiful views of the mountain as the clouds moved away. It was really spectacular!\r\n<div class=\"btn-wrap\">\r\n<a href=\"/kili-hiking-to-13400-feet/\"><strong>See Photos</strong></a>\r\n<a href=\"/gallery/\"><strong>View Trip Gallery</strong></a></div></div>\r\n</div>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<h3>Kili Hiking to 15,500 feet</h3>\r\n[gallery columns=\"4\" size=\"wcsquare\" display=\"grid\" link=\"file\" ids=\"5271,5270\"]\r\n<div class=\"reports-img-desc\">\r\n  <div class=\"imgbox\"></div>\r\n  <div class=\"reports-desc\">We woke up again at 6:30 AM, had breakfast at 7, and were hiking by 7:30. Today was a shorter hike of only 3.1 miles, but we did climb 2000 feet. It was slow in some parts and the steep sections were even slower. Finally, we arrived at camp after hiking for only 2 hours and 20 minutes. We were now at 15,500 feet. The air is very thin, so with every step you take, you have to think about it. But when we arrived at camp, everything seemed to settle down. During the afternoon there was a hale storm that turned into snow, so everybody went into their tents. I probably took a 3-hour well-needed nap. After a good dinner, we all went to bed, but not until we viewed the beautiful skies at 15,500 feet in the southern hemisphere.\r\n<div class=\"btn-wrap\">\r\n<a href=\"/kili-hiking-to-15500-feet/\"><strong>See Photos</strong></a>\r\n<a href=\"/gallery/\"><strong>View Trip Gallery</strong></a></div></div>\r\n</div>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<h3>Getting to camp at 16,500 ft</h3>\r\n[gallery columns=\"4\" size=\"wcsquare\" display=\"grid\" link=\"file\" ids=\"5291,5283\"]\r\n<div class=\"reports-img-desc\">\r\n  <div class=\"imgbox\"></div>\r\n  <div class=\"reports-desc\">We had the usual wake-up call at 6:30 AM and were on the trail by 7:30. It snowed during the night, but only half an inch or so, making everything white and beautiful. The good news is this meant it was right around 32 degrees. The sun came out, so it was warm when we hiked but a little bit cooler when clouds were overhead. Plus with the altitude (lots of breathing) and hiking effort, one was rarely cold. Today’s hike was only 1,000 feet of climbing and a short hike to the base camp. The big hike tomorrow will only be about an hour and 20 minutes, but it will be over a lot of rocks and boulders and will be steep in some places. We arrived at the base camp around 10:30 – 11 in the morning. We were supposed to go for a short hike from there without our packs but it started snowing for over an hour, so that was canceled. Tomorrow morning, we will have a 4 AM wake-up call in anticipation of a 2,300-foot elevation climb up to 18,650 feet.\r\n<div class=\"btn-wrap\">\r\n<a href=\"/16-500-feet-to-18-400/\"><strong>See Photos</strong></a>\r\n<a href=\"/gallery/\"><strong>View Trip Gallery</strong></a></div></div>\r\n</div>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<h3>Kilimanjaro- final camp at 18,500 feet</h3>\r\n[gallery columns=\"4\" size=\"wcsquare\" display=\"grid\" link=\"file\" ids=\"5292,5293\"]\r\n<div class=\"video-flex-wrap\">\r\n<div class=\"video-box\">\r\n[video width=\"640\" height=\"480\" mp4=\"https://www.drfields.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/camp-16000ft.mp4\" poster=\"https://www.drfields.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/camp.png\"][/video]\r\n</div>\r\n<div class=\"video-box\">\r\n[video width=\"640\" height=\"480\" mp4=\"https://www.drfields.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/16000ft.mp4\" poster=\"https://www.drfields.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/dance-18000.png\"][/video]\r\n</div>\r\n</div>\r\n<div class=\"reports-img-desc\">\r\n  <div class=\"imgbox\"></div>\r\n  <div class=\"reports-desc\">Wake-up call at 4 AM and breakfast at 4:30. The slow group left at 5. We (my hiking partner, myself, and our guide) left about 5:30. At this altitude of over 16,000 feet, everyone moves very slowly. The first little part was steep and slightly snow-covered, but then it got extremely steep and no longer covered in snow. \r\n\r\nWe climbed 2,400 feet over 2.6 miles. The first hour was in the dark, but we all had headlamps. It was very rocky and we had to use our hands sometimes to climb. We ran into a few other tours on the trail and all of us had to cut across a mountainside since the snow had obliterated the trail the night before.\r\n\r\nWe were now over 17, 000 feet. One of the guides from another tour (all the guides know each other) had a pickaxe and so he chopped thru the snow to make it easier on our footing. Even so, it was very slippery. There were times we had to use all four extremities to climb, even kneeling on the next step up because the step was too high to reach with our foot. Breathing was becoming more and more labored and it was difficult to catch our breath in the thinning air.\r\n\r\nWhen we stopped at 18,000 feet for a snack and water, we thought the worst was over, but that wasn’t the case. The next 500 feet were very rocky and slippery, and that along with the very thin air meant we had to take three or four steps before needing to stop for a break. Like having a bag over your head and pulling for each breath.\r\n\r\nFinally, we reached the craters ridge and were very happy. These are remnants of glaciers that once covered this entire valley. The whole valley was snow-covered and looked like we were walking in a desert. When we arrived, we were not allowed to lie down in our tents for about a good hour because we needed to let our bodies acclimate to the thin air at 18,600 feet.\r\n\r\nAfter that, we enjoyed a well-deserved nap before an early dinner because we would be getting up again at 4 AM to climb to the top of Kilimanjaro!\r\n\r\n<div class=\"btn-wrap\">\r\n<a href=\"/kilimanjaro-final-camp-at-18500-feet/\"><strong>See Photos</strong></a>\r\n<a href=\"/gallery/\"><strong>View Trip Gallery</strong></a></div></div>\r\n</div>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<h2>Climbing to the top 19,341 ft/5895 meters and beginning the descent</h2>\r\n[gallery columns=\"4\" size=\"wcsquare\" display=\"grid\" link=\"file\" ids=\"5331,5372\"]\r\n<div class=\"reports-img-desc\">\r\n  <div class=\"imgbox\"></div>\r\n  <div class=\"reports-desc\">The night was extremely cold, with ground temperatures probably down to zero degrees Fahrenheit. We did everything to keep ourselves warm! I laid my down jacket on top of my sleeping bag (which was rated to zero degrees), plus I had a liner inside the sleeping bag which gave me an additional 25 degrees of warmth. I am definitely not a cold weather person but with the right gear, it was not too bad.\r\n    \r\nWe were woken up at 4 AM. After eating and packing our stuff (only our personal things; the Sherpa took care of the sleeping bag and tent each morning and night), we were off for a 75-minute climb, basically straight up and extremely cold. Fortunately, I had bought the best mittens ever and my hands were not cold. Nonetheless, my legs and face took the brunt of it, and we moved very, very slowly. 10 feet could take several minutes. After a very hard, straight-up climbing, we had to cross a flat plane to the actual top of the mountain. The wind was blowing like crazy. The air temp was around minus 10 Fahrenheit with the wind chill probably down to negative 45 or 50 Fahrenheit. But all 6 of us had made it. It was a special feeling…an unbelievable feeling!\r\n\r\nI always carry some ashes of my parents no matter where I travel in this world. And since this was a very special place, I quietly said a prayer, took off my mittens (brrr), and sprinkled some of their ashes at the top. They had made it the whole way with me!\r\n\r\nWe took our pictures and then had to get going due to the intense winds and brutal cold. Fortunately, we summited very early and there were only one or two other groups at the top. Later on, there would be at least 50-100 people. We saw a gorgeous sunrise since it was shortly before 7 in the morning. We were almost on the equator, and sunrise and sunsets are always at around 6:30 to 7 am without much variation from season to season.\r\n\r\nImmediately, once we started to go down, we could feel the release of pressure in our lungs and chest. The descent and decreasing pressure made it a lot easier on our lungs, plus it was now all downhill. After an hour or two, our quads really felt it, and we would be walking downhill for the next 5 to 6 hours!\r\n\r\nWe did stop for a small break for some lunch, but our appetite was low due to the altitude. Several of the hikers experienced altitude sickness on the way up, with nausea, diarrhea, headaches loss of appetite, and weakness. I felt worse while descending, but fortunately, I had only lost my appetite with slight nausea and it lasted only for a short period of time. Anyway, we finally made it to camp at 10,500 feet. The weather was really nice and a bit warmer, between about 45 to 50 degrees or more. What a difference from the night before! We all had a good meal and rested, as we had been hiking downhill for over 8 hours, and all of our legs were extremely tired.\r\n\r\n<div class=\"btn-wrap\">\r\n<a href=\"/Hiking-to-the-summit-19-341-feet/\"><strong>See Photos</strong></a>\r\n<a href=\"/gallery/\"><strong>View Trip Gallery</strong></a></div></div>\r\n</div>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<h3>The descent and saying goodbye</h3>\r\n<div class=\"reports-img-desc\">\r\n  <div class=\"imgbox\"></div>\r\n  <div class=\"reports-desc\"><img src=\"https://www.drfields.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/Sunriseuptop-3.jpg\" class=\"alignleft\" width=\"400\">We woke up at 6:30 AM, which was a big difference from 4 AM. Today would be our last night, and we would be saying goodbye to all the Sherpas as they would leave the trail. Only the guides would continue with us. I volunteered to be the spokesperson of the group, which meant I would be collecting the tip money and giving a short speech.\r\n\r\nAfter breakfast, the 40 or so sherpas gathered around singing and dancing. I actually joined them in the dancing, which I have a video of. I was very tired, but it was still worth it. I gave a 3-minute speech thanking every one of them for all of their hard work and dedication, and telling them that their help, whether by carrying a table, carrying sleeping bags, setting up tents, preparing food and everything else they did for us, was all very special and helped us so much.\r\n\r\nWe then set off for our last 6 to 7-hour hike downhill. Although it was not very steep, it was a dried-up river bed that was full of rocks and stones, making footing uneasy, and causing our quads to be even more on fire. I and several others had foldable walking sticks and this helped a lot. But we knew the end was coming, so we just kept going. We stopped for lunch and continued on. After about 7 hours, we saw the base camp. Nothing could be sweeter! I signed out at the Ranger station and basically collapsed into the waiting truck. There were a lot of campers and hikers ending in this same area, so they drove us about 20 minutes away.\r\n\r\nWe had some lunch and then drove the rest of the way back to the lodge, which was a beautiful hotel about half an hour outside of Arusha on an old coffee plantation. Everybody had their own cabin. For the first time in 9 days, I took a shower. It was wonderful! Then we all gathered with the two guides and I said a few more words to represent the group. We had a nice dinner, and then two people left for the airport by 7 PM. That night, was my first night of sleep in a bed, after 9 days. It was fantastic! The mission was accomplished!\r\n\r\n<div class=\"btn-wrap\">\r\n<a href=\"/Sunrise-up-top-and-heading-down\"><strong>See Photos</strong></a>\r\n</div></div>\r\n</div>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<h2>Kilimanjaro Was Amazing! Final Goodbyes and certificate</h2>\r\n<div class=\"reports-img-desc\">\r\n  <div class=\"imgbox\"></div>\r\n  <div class=\"reports-desc\"><img src=\"https://www.drfields.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/final-goodbyes-9.jpg\" class=\"alignleft\" width=\"400\"/>Even though the trip was not exactly as described in the pamphlet, it was something I had had on my bucket list for over 10 years. It was extremely difficult at times. Some of our hikers had difficulty even moving and needed assistance. But we all persevered. I’ve done 10 Ironman races so far (now 11!), which require monumental training. But the long hike up to the crater from 16,800 feet to 18,400, with the subsequent day of summiting, followed by the 9,000-foot descent, were some of the hardest things that I’ve ever done. And that includes all my Ironman competitions.\r\n\r\nYou just can’t imagine what it’s like trying to move at that altitude. As I said before, it is similar to having a paper bag over your head and trying to grasp for air. There were times I took two or three steps and then had to pause for 15 or 20 seconds just to get my heart rate and breathing back down, repeating that again and again and again. Never looking ahead, only down, because sometimes ten feet took 45-60 seconds to hike. All this while enduring the sub-freezing temperature, the blowing snow, and the wind chill factors. Nothing but grit and determination to keep you going. But the views were spectacular and the feeling of being literally on top of the world made it all worth it.\r\n\r\nI’ll continue to enjoy my Ironman triathlons and continue to do them as long as I can. But as far as hiking up a mountain to 19,341 feet, this will be my one and only time! It’s a tremendous accomplishment, but something I would not want to repeat.\r\n\r\n<div class=\"btn-wrap\">\r\n<a href=\"/Final-goodbyes-and-certificates\"><strong>See Photos</strong></a>\r\n</div></div>\r\n</div>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<div class=\"video-flex-wrap\">\r\n<div class=\"video-box\">\r\n[video poster=\"https://www.drfields.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/Dancing.png\" width=\"352\" height=\"640\" mp4=\"https://www.drfields.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/DANCING-v3.mp4\"][/video]\r\n</div>\r\n<div class=\"video-box\">\r\n<img src=\"https://www.drfields.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/final-goodbyes-1.jpg\">\r\n</div>\r\n</div>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<h3 style=\"text-align: center;\">Thank You to Everyone Who Made Kilimanjaro A Possibility!</h3>\r\nThank you to everyone that sent me well wishes before, during, and after my climb. It meant so much!\r\n\r\nI also thank my parents who gave me the will and determination to achieve all the goals in my life, no matter how hard they are.\r\nThey always ingrained this determination in me and encouraged me to just put my head down and keep going to achieve my goals.\r\nAs I said above, they were with me the whole way and always will be.\r\n\r\nThank you for taking the time to read this. I hope this will inspire you that if a goal is desired, to just put your head down and keep going no matter how difficult it may seem.\r\n\r\n<strong>Peter A. Fields, MD, DC </strong>\r\n<strong>The Athletic Doc<sup>®</sup></strong>\r\n\r\n<a href=\"https://www.drfields.com/about/the-athletic-doc/about-the-athletic-doc/\">Click here</a> to find out more about <strong>The Athletic Doc<sup>® </sup></strong>','Report of My Kilimanjaro Climb','','inherit','closed','closed','','2208-revision-v1','','','2022-07-26 12:10:55','2022-07-26 12:10:55','',2208,'https://www.drfields.com/?p=5384',0,'revision','',0),(5385,8,'2022-07-27 04:18:02','2022-07-27 04:18:02','<div id=\"kiliminaroimg\"><img src=\"https://www.drfields.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/Sunriseuptop-1.jpg\" />\n<img src=\"https://www.drfields.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/Sunriseuptop-2.jpg\" />\n<img src=\"https://www.drfields.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/Sunriseuptop-3.jpg\" />\n<img src=\"https://www.drfields.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/Sunriseuptop-4.jpg\" /><img src=\"https://www.drfields.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/Sunriseuptop-5.jpg\" /><img 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ft</h2>\r\n[gallery columns=\"4\" size=\"wcsquare\" display=\"grid\" link=\"file\" captions=\"hide\" ids=\"5253,5254,5255,5256,5257,5259,5260,5261\"]\r\n<br/>\r\n<h2>Kilimanjaro- Hiking to 13,400 feet</h2>\r\n[gallery columns=\"4\" size=\"wcsquare\" display=\"grid\" link=\"file\" captions=\"hide\" ids=\"5351,5352,5353,5354,5355,5356,5357,5358,5359,5360,5361,5362\"]\r\n<br/>\r\n<h2>Kilimanjaro Hiking to 15,500 feet</h2>\r\n[gallery columns=\"4\" size=\"wcsquare\" display=\"grid\" link=\"file\" ids=\"5266,5267,5268,5269,5270,5271,5272,5273,5274,5275,5276,5277\"]\r\n<br/>\r\n<h2>Kilimanjaro Hiking 16500 feet to 18400</h2>\r\n[gallery columns=\"4\" size=\"wcsquare\" display=\"grid\" link=\"file\" captions=\"hide\" ids=\"2261,2262,5281,5282,5283,5284,5285,5286,5287,5288,5289,5290,5291,5292,5293,5294,5295,5296,5297\"]\r\n<br/>\r\n<h2>Kilimanjaro Final Camp At 18,500 Feet</h2>\r\n[gallery columns=\"4\" size=\"wcsquare\" display=\"grid\" link=\"file\" captions=\"hide\" ids=\"5310,5311\"]\r\n<br/>\r\n<h2>Climbing To The Top Of Kilimanjaro 19,341 Ft/5895 Meters And Beginning The Descent</h2>\r\n[gallery columns=\"4\" size=\"wcsquare\" display=\"grid\" link=\"file\" captions=\"hide\" ids=\"5324,5325,5326,5327,5328,5329,5330,5331,5332\"]','Kilimanjaro Climb Gallery','','inherit','closed','closed','','5190-revision-v1','','','2022-07-27 03:39:39','2022-07-27 03:39:39','',5190,'https://www.drfields.com/?p=5393',0,'revision','',0),(5394,8,'2022-07-27 03:43:05','2022-07-27 03:43:05','<h2>Kilimanjaro Arrival- 1st day pre hike camp</h2>\r\n[gallery columns=\"4\" size=\"wcsquare\" display=\"grid\" link=\"file\" ids=\"5200,5199,5201,5202,5203,5204,5205,5206\"]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<h2>Kilimanjaro Pre-Hike</h2>\r\n[gallery columns=\"4\" size=\"wcsquare\" display=\"grid\" link=\"file\" captions=\"hide\" ids=\"5216,5217,5218,5219,5220\"]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<h2>Kilimanjaro- Getting to the trailhead</h2>\r\n[gallery columns=\"4\" size=\"wcsquare\" display=\"grid\" link=\"file\" captions=\"hide\" ids=\"5230,5231,5233,5234\"]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<h2>Kilimanjaro- First Day hike</h2>\r\n[gallery columns=\"4\" size=\"wcsquare\" display=\"grid\" link=\"file\" captions=\"hide\" ids=\"5235,5236,5237,5238,5239,5242,5243,5244,5245,5246\"]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<h2>Kilimanjaro Hiking to 11,400 ft</h2>\r\n[gallery columns=\"4\" size=\"wcsquare\" display=\"grid\" link=\"file\" captions=\"hide\" ids=\"5253,5254,5255,5256,5257,5259,5260,5261\"]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<h2>Kilimanjaro- Hiking to 13,400 feet</h2>\r\n[gallery columns=\"4\" size=\"wcsquare\" display=\"grid\" link=\"file\" captions=\"hide\" ids=\"5351,5352,5353,5354,5355,5356,5357,5358,5359,5360,5361,5362\"]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<h2>Kilimanjaro Hiking to 15,500 feet</h2>\r\n[gallery columns=\"4\" size=\"wcsquare\" display=\"grid\" link=\"file\" ids=\"5266,5267,5268,5269,5270,5271,5272,5273,5274,5275,5276,5277\"]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<h2>Kilimanjaro Hiking 16500 feet to 18400</h2>\r\n[gallery columns=\"4\" size=\"wcsquare\" display=\"grid\" link=\"file\" captions=\"hide\" ids=\"2261,2262,5281,5282,5283,5284,5285,5286,5287,5288,5289,5290,5291,5292,5293,5294,5295,5296,5297\"]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<h2>Kilimanjaro Final Camp At 18,500 Feet</h2>\r\n[gallery columns=\"4\" size=\"wcsquare\" display=\"grid\" link=\"file\" captions=\"hide\" ids=\"5310,5311\"]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<h2>Climbing To The Top Of Kilimanjaro 19,341 Ft/5895 Meters And Beginning The Descent</h2>\r\n[gallery columns=\"4\" size=\"wcsquare\" display=\"grid\" link=\"file\" captions=\"hide\" ids=\"5324,5325,5326,5327,5328,5329,5330,5331,5332\"]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<h2>Sunrise Up Top And Heading Down</h2>\r\n[gallery columns=\"4\" size=\"wcsquare\" display=\"grid\" link=\"file\" captions=\"hide\" ids=\"2285,2286,2287,2293,2292,2291,2289,2290,2288\"]','Kilimanjaro Climb Gallery','','inherit','closed','closed','','5190-revision-v1','','','2022-07-27 03:43:05','2022-07-27 03:43:05','',5190,'https://www.drfields.com/?p=5394',0,'revision','',0),(5395,8,'2022-07-27 03:43:49','2022-07-27 03:43:49','<h2>Kilimanjaro Arrival- 1st day pre hike camp</h2>\r\n[gallery columns=\"4\" size=\"wcsquare\" display=\"grid\" link=\"file\" ids=\"5200,5199,5201,5202,5203,5204,5205,5206\"]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<h2>Kilimanjaro Pre-Hike</h2>\r\n[gallery columns=\"4\" size=\"wcsquare\" display=\"grid\" link=\"file\" captions=\"hide\" ids=\"5216,5217,5218,5219,5220\"]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<h2>Kilimanjaro- Getting to the trailhead</h2>\r\n[gallery columns=\"4\" size=\"wcsquare\" display=\"grid\" link=\"file\" captions=\"hide\" ids=\"5230,5231,5233,5234\"]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<h2>Kilimanjaro- First Day hike</h2>\r\n[gallery columns=\"4\" size=\"wcsquare\" display=\"grid\" link=\"file\" captions=\"hide\" ids=\"5235,5236,5237,5238,5239,5242,5243,5244,5245,5246\"]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<h2>Kilimanjaro Hiking to 11,400 ft</h2>\r\n[gallery columns=\"4\" size=\"wcsquare\" display=\"grid\" link=\"file\" captions=\"hide\" ids=\"5253,5254,5255,5256,5257,5259,5260,5261\"]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<h2>Kilimanjaro- Hiking to 13,400 feet</h2>\r\n[gallery columns=\"4\" size=\"wcsquare\" display=\"grid\" link=\"file\" captions=\"hide\" ids=\"5351,5352,5353,5354,5355,5356,5357,5358,5359,5360,5361,5362\"]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<h2>Kilimanjaro Hiking to 15,500 feet</h2>\r\n[gallery columns=\"4\" size=\"wcsquare\" display=\"grid\" link=\"file\" ids=\"5266,5267,5268,5269,5270,5271,5272,5273,5274,5275,5276,5277\"]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<h2>Kilimanjaro Hiking 16500 feet to 18400</h2>\r\n[gallery columns=\"4\" size=\"wcsquare\" display=\"grid\" link=\"file\" captions=\"hide\" ids=\"2261,2262,5281,5282,5283,5284,5285,5286,5287,5288,5289,5290,5291,5292,5293,5294,5295,5296,5297\"]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<h2>Kilimanjaro Final Camp At 18,500 Feet</h2>\r\n[gallery columns=\"4\" size=\"wcsquare\" display=\"grid\" link=\"file\" captions=\"hide\" ids=\"5310,5311\"]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<h2>Climbing To The Top Of Kilimanjaro 19,341 Ft/5895 Meters And Beginning The Descent</h2>\r\n[gallery columns=\"4\" size=\"wcsquare\" display=\"grid\" link=\"file\" captions=\"hide\" ids=\"5324,5325,5326,5327,5328,5329,5330,5331,5332\"]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<h2>Sunrise Up Top And Heading Down</h2>\r\n[gallery columns=\"4\" size=\"wcsquare\" display=\"grid\" link=\"file\" captions=\"hide\" ids=\"2285,2286,2287,2293,2292,2291,2289,2290\"]','Kilimanjaro Climb Gallery','','inherit','closed','closed','','5190-revision-v1','','','2022-07-27 03:43:49','2022-07-27 03:43:49','',5190,'https://www.drfields.com/?p=5395',0,'revision','',0),(5396,8,'2022-07-27 03:46:09','2022-07-27 03:46:09','<h2>Kilimanjaro Arrival- 1st day pre hike camp</h2>\r\n[gallery columns=\"4\" size=\"wcsquare\" display=\"grid\" link=\"file\" ids=\"5200,5199,5201,5202,5203,5204,5205,5206\"]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<h2>Kilimanjaro Pre-Hike</h2>\r\n[gallery columns=\"4\" size=\"wcsquare\" display=\"grid\" link=\"file\" captions=\"hide\" ids=\"5216,5217,5218,5219,5220\"]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<h2>Kilimanjaro- Getting to the trailhead</h2>\r\n[gallery columns=\"4\" size=\"wcsquare\" display=\"grid\" link=\"file\" captions=\"hide\" ids=\"5230,5231,5233,5234\"]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<h2>Kilimanjaro- First Day hike</h2>\r\n[gallery columns=\"4\" size=\"wcsquare\" display=\"grid\" link=\"file\" captions=\"hide\" ids=\"5235,5236,5237,5238,5239,5242,5243,5244,5245,5246\"]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<h2>Kilimanjaro Hiking to 11,400 ft</h2>\r\n[gallery columns=\"4\" size=\"wcsquare\" display=\"grid\" link=\"file\" captions=\"hide\" ids=\"5253,5254,5255,5256,5257,5259,5260,5261\"]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<h2>Kilimanjaro- Hiking to 13,400 feet</h2>\r\n[gallery columns=\"4\" size=\"wcsquare\" display=\"grid\" link=\"file\" captions=\"hide\" ids=\"5351,5352,5353,5354,5355,5356,5357,5358,5359,5360,5361,5362\"]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<h2>Kilimanjaro Hiking to 15,500 feet</h2>\r\n[gallery columns=\"4\" size=\"wcsquare\" display=\"grid\" link=\"file\" ids=\"5266,5267,5268,5269,5270,5271,5272,5273,5274,5275,5276,5277\"]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<h2>Kilimanjaro Hiking 16500 feet to 18400</h2>\r\n[gallery columns=\"4\" size=\"wcsquare\" display=\"grid\" link=\"file\" captions=\"hide\" ids=\"2261,2262,5281,5282,5283,5284,5285,5286,5287,5288,5289,5290,5291,5292,5293,5294,5295,5296,5297\"]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<h2>Kilimanjaro Final Camp At 18,500 Feet</h2>\r\n[gallery columns=\"4\" size=\"wcsquare\" display=\"grid\" link=\"file\" captions=\"hide\" ids=\"5310,5311\"]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<h2>Climbing To The Top Of Kilimanjaro 19,341 Ft/5895 Meters And Beginning The Descent</h2>\r\n[gallery columns=\"4\" size=\"wcsquare\" display=\"grid\" link=\"file\" captions=\"hide\" ids=\"5324,5325,5326,5327,5328,5329,5330,5331,5332\"]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<h2>Sunrise Up Top And Heading Down</h2>\r\n[gallery columns=\"4\" size=\"wcsquare\" display=\"grid\" link=\"file\" captions=\"hide\" ids=\"2285,2286,2287,2293,2292,2291,2289,2290\"]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<h2>Final Goodbyes And Certificates</h2>\r\n[gallery columns=\"4\" size=\"wcsquare\" display=\"grid\" link=\"file\" captions=\"hide\" ids=\"2306,2299,2297,2296,2304,2303,2302,2301,2300\"]','Kilimanjaro Climb Gallery','','inherit','closed','closed','','5190-revision-v1','','','2022-07-27 03:46:09','2022-07-27 03:46:09','',5190,'https://www.drfields.com/?p=5396',0,'revision','',0),(5397,8,'2022-07-27 03:47:00','2022-07-27 03:47:00','<h2>Kilimanjaro Arrival- 1st day pre hike camp</h2>\r\n[gallery columns=\"4\" size=\"wcsquare\" display=\"grid\" link=\"file\" ids=\"5200,5199,5201,5202,5203,5204,5205,5206\"]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<h2>Kilimanjaro Pre-Hike</h2>\r\n[gallery columns=\"4\" size=\"wcsquare\" display=\"grid\" link=\"file\" captions=\"hide\" ids=\"5216,5217,5218,5219,5220\"]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<h2>Kilimanjaro- Getting to the trailhead</h2>\r\n[gallery columns=\"4\" size=\"wcsquare\" display=\"grid\" link=\"file\" captions=\"hide\" ids=\"5230,5231,5233,5234\"]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<h2>Kilimanjaro- First Day hike</h2>\r\n[gallery columns=\"4\" size=\"wcsquare\" display=\"grid\" link=\"file\" captions=\"hide\" ids=\"5235,5236,5237,5238,5239,5242,5243,5244,5245,5246\"]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<h2>Kilimanjaro Hiking to 11,400 ft</h2>\r\n[gallery columns=\"4\" size=\"wcsquare\" display=\"grid\" link=\"file\" captions=\"hide\" ids=\"5253,5254,5255,5256,5257,5259,5260,5261\"]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<h2>Kilimanjaro- Hiking to 13,400 feet</h2>\r\n[gallery columns=\"4\" size=\"wcsquare\" display=\"grid\" link=\"file\" captions=\"hide\" ids=\"5351,5352,5353,5354,5355,5356,5357,5358,5359,5360,5361,5362\"]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<h2>Kilimanjaro Hiking to 15,500 feet</h2>\r\n[gallery columns=\"4\" size=\"wcsquare\" display=\"grid\" link=\"file\" ids=\"5266,5267,5268,5269,5270,5271,5272,5273,5274,5275,5276,5277\"]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<h2>Kilimanjaro Hiking 16500 feet to 18400</h2>\r\n[gallery columns=\"4\" size=\"wcsquare\" display=\"grid\" link=\"file\" captions=\"hide\" ids=\"2261,2262,5281,5282,5283,5284,5285,5286,5287,5288,5289,5290,5291,5292,5293,5294,5295,5296,5297\"]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<h2>Kilimanjaro Final Camp At 18,500 Feet</h2>\r\n[gallery columns=\"4\" size=\"wcsquare\" display=\"grid\" link=\"file\" captions=\"hide\" ids=\"5310,5311\"]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<h2>Climbing To The Top Of Kilimanjaro 19,341 Ft/5895 Meters And Beginning The Descent</h2>\r\n[gallery columns=\"4\" size=\"wcsquare\" display=\"grid\" link=\"file\" captions=\"hide\" ids=\"5324,5325,5326,5327,5328,5329,5330,5331,5332\"]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<h2>Sunrise Up Top And Heading Down</h2>\r\n[gallery columns=\"4\" size=\"wcsquare\" display=\"grid\" link=\"file\" captions=\"hide\" ids=\"2285,2286,2287,2293,2292,2291,2289,2290\"]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<h2>Final Goodbyes And Certificates</h2>\r\n[gallery columns=\"4\" size=\"wcsquare\" display=\"grid\" link=\"file\" captions=\"hide\" ids=\"2306,2302,2297,2303,2296,2304,2301,2300,2299\"]','Kilimanjaro Climb Gallery','','inherit','closed','closed','','5190-revision-v1','','','2022-07-27 03:47:00','2022-07-27 03:47:00','',5190,'https://www.drfields.com/?p=5397',0,'revision','',0),(5398,8,'2022-07-27 04:07:09','2022-07-27 04:07:09','<h1>Report of My Kilimanjaro Climb</h1>\r\n<em>By Peter A. Fields, MD, DC</em>\r\n\r\nAfter waiting ten years with this on my bucket list, I finally was going to climb Kilimanjaro.\r\n<h3>Getting to Mount Kilimanjaro</h3>\r\n<div class=\"reports-img-desc\">\r\n<div class=\"imgbox\"><img class=\"alignleft\" src=\"https://www.drfields.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/20190210_061752.jpg\" alt=\"\" /></div>\r\n<div class=\"reports-desc\">\r\n\r\nThe trip to Kilimanjaro began with an 11-hour flight to London where I had a 36-hour layover. Saw \"Tina, The Musical\" (life and times of Tina Turner). Great show.  Then 9 ½ hour flight to Nairobi, where I spent 24 hours so I was able to see the city. Then a one-hour flight to Kilimanjaro, Tanzania. My arrival at Kilimanjaro airport was on Sunday night. This was followed by a two-and-a-half-hour ride, with half of it on a very bumpy dirt road, before reaching the destination at the base camp. Since it was almost midnight, I went straight to my tent, which was quite luxurious for camping, and included a sink, a bathroom, and even a shower. I took advantage of a quick shower and went straight to bed.\r\n<div class=\"btn-wrap\"><a href=\"https://www.drfields.com/Day-1-Kiliminaro-and-base-camp-arrival\"><strong>See Photos</strong></a>\r\n<a href=\"/kilimanjaro-climb-gallery/\"><strong>View Trip Gallery</strong></a></div>\r\n</div>\r\n</div>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<h2>Kilimanjaro Pre-Hike</h2>\r\n<div class=\"reports-img-desc\">\r\n<div class=\"imgbox\"><img src=\"https://www.drfields.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/20190211_054908.jpg\" /></div>\r\n<div class=\"reports-desc\">\r\n\r\nAfter a nice breakfast, where I met the other climbers and our trek leaders, we went for a short two-hour hike just to see the local terrain. It was beautiful, with waterfalls and lots of lush plants and greenery. The guide leader went through our entire pack to make sure that we would be taking everything we needed and that everything was in good shape. The rest of the day was just spent relaxing, except for a short sunset hike of 10 minutes, where at the top of the small hill they had wine waiting for us. A pleasant surprise.\r\n<div class=\"btn-wrap\"><a href=\"/kilimanjaro-pre-hike/\"><strong>See Photos</strong></a>\r\n<a href=\"/kilimanjaro-climb-gallery/\"><strong>View Trip Gallery</strong></a></div>\r\n</div>\r\n</div>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<h2>Getting to the Trailhead and First Day Hike Towards Kilimanjaro</h2>\r\n[gallery display=\"grid\" link=\"none\" columns=\"4\" size=\"wcsquare\" ids=\"5235,5231\"]\r\n<div class=\"reports-img-desc\">\r\n<div class=\"imgbox\"></div>\r\n<div class=\"reports-desc\">\r\n\r\nAfter a two-hour ride, we arrived at the check-in point. The weather was hot enough to wear shorts and t-shirts since we were only 3 degrees off the equator. There we saw the more than 45 plus Sherpa’s that would accompany us. There were six Sherpa’s( there were six hikers) to carry each person’s clothing (colder weather gear, nighttime clothes, toiletries, etc.). Then six to carry our bedding, and tents ( double roofed for better rain protection), six would carry our food for 7 days ( three full meals a day), eight of them made up the kitchen team, another team of two would carry the oxygen and medicine, four to carry the toilets and tents over them, plus about 10 other Sherpa’s would carry all the tents, tables and chairs. There were also 10 more to carry all of the sherpa’s food and equipment.\r\n\r\nWe had to register and show our passports, and after that, we took a short 20-minute drive to the trailhead. Arriving at noon, a very nice, well-prepared lunch was ready for us. We started the hike at 7700 feet and climbed to 9300 feet. The area was mostly jungle-like, with a lot of fantastic plants, birds, and other exotic wildlife, including Colobus monkeys and other animals. When we arrived at the camp at 9300 feet, the tents were already set up, and we unpacked our gear in each individual tent, had dinner and went to sleep.\r\n<div class=\"btn-wrap\"><a href=\"/Kili-Getting-to-the-trailhead/\"><strong>See Photos</strong></a>\r\n<a href=\"/kilimanjaro-climb-gallery/\"><strong>View Trip Gallery</strong></a></div>\r\n</div>\r\n</div>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<h3>Hiking to 11,400 ft</h3>\r\n[gallery columns=\"4\" size=\"wcsquare\" display=\"grid\" link=\"file\" ids=\"5256,5261\"]\r\n<div class=\"reports-img-desc\">\r\n  <div class=\"imgbox\"></div>\r\n  <div class=\"reports-desc\">At 6:30 AM we were woken up with a hot bowl of water to wash up and get ready for the day. A very full breakfast was prepared for us and then we started off to hike again. For hiking, it’s important to eat three square meals a day as well as drink a minimum of three liters of water a day. Without this exhaustion, dehydration, and more can happen. The guides made sure that we would eat a lot and consume lots of water.\r\n\r\nWe headed off on our hike up to 11,400 feet, crossing from the Montane Forest into the Hagenia Zone, where we saw many different plants and beautiful trees throughout the canyon.\r\n\r\nI felt pretty good, as I had taken Diamox, a medicine to help prevent altitude sickness. I had a Camelback-style drinking system so I was drinking copious amounts of water. At night it was cold but with the proper gear (well worth the expense!), I felt warm.\r\n\r\n<div class=\"btn-wrap\">\r\n<a href=\"/kili-hiking-to-11400-ft/\"><strong>See Photos</strong></a>\r\n<a href=\"/kilimanjaro-climb-gallery/\"><strong>View Trip Gallery</strong></a></div></div>\r\n</div>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<h3>Hiking to 13,400 ft</h3>\r\n[gallery columns=\"4\" size=\"wcsquare\" display=\"grid\" link=\"file\" ids=\"5351,5352\"]\r\n<div class=\"reports-img-desc\">\r\n  <div class=\"imgbox\"></div>\r\n  <div class=\"reports-desc\">We had another early wake-up call today and another substantial breakfast (scrambled eggs, toast, pancakes, fruit, toast, jelly, peanut butter, tea/coffee, and more. We hiked across a large plateau and gained about 2,100 feet in altitude. It was very interesting as we passed into the upper heath zone, where there were no more trees here, just a lot of different plants. And lots of volcanic rock (the last active volcano here took place over 10,000 years ago).\r\n\r\nThe hiking was very slow and consistent, as they say in Swahili, “Poli, Poli.” Again I felt very good when arriving at Moir camp at 13,500 feet. We had beautiful views of the mountain as the clouds moved away. It was really spectacular!\r\n<div class=\"btn-wrap\">\r\n<a href=\"/kili-hiking-to-13400-feet/\"><strong>See Photos</strong></a>\r\n<a href=\"/kilimanjaro-climb-gallery/\"><strong>View Trip Gallery</strong></a></div></div>\r\n</div>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<h3>Kili Hiking to 15,500 feet</h3>\r\n[gallery columns=\"4\" size=\"wcsquare\" display=\"grid\" link=\"file\" ids=\"5271,5270\"]\r\n<div class=\"reports-img-desc\">\r\n  <div class=\"imgbox\"></div>\r\n  <div class=\"reports-desc\">We woke up again at 6:30 AM, had breakfast at 7, and were hiking by 7:30. Today was a shorter hike of only 3.1 miles, but we did climb 2000 feet. It was slow in some parts and the steep sections were even slower. Finally, we arrived at camp after hiking for only 2 hours and 20 minutes. We were now at 15,500 feet. The air is very thin, so with every step you take, you have to think about it. But when we arrived at camp, everything seemed to settle down. During the afternoon there was a hale storm that turned into snow, so everybody went into their tents. I probably took a 3-hour well-needed nap. After a good dinner, we all went to bed, but not until we viewed the beautiful skies at 15,500 feet in the southern hemisphere.\r\n<div class=\"btn-wrap\">\r\n<a href=\"/kili-hiking-to-15500-feet/\"><strong>See Photos</strong></a>\r\n<a href=\"/kilimanjaro-climb-gallery/\"><strong>View Trip Gallery</strong></a></div></div>\r\n</div>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<h3>Getting to camp at 16,500 ft</h3>\r\n[gallery columns=\"4\" size=\"wcsquare\" display=\"grid\" link=\"file\" ids=\"5291,5283\"]\r\n<div class=\"reports-img-desc\">\r\n  <div class=\"imgbox\"></div>\r\n  <div class=\"reports-desc\">We had the usual wake-up call at 6:30 AM and were on the trail by 7:30. It snowed during the night, but only half an inch or so, making everything white and beautiful. The good news is this meant it was right around 32 degrees. The sun came out, so it was warm when we hiked but a little bit cooler when clouds were overhead. Plus with the altitude (lots of breathing) and hiking effort, one was rarely cold. Today’s hike was only 1,000 feet of climbing and a short hike to the base camp. The big hike tomorrow will only be about an hour and 20 minutes, but it will be over a lot of rocks and boulders and will be steep in some places. We arrived at the base camp around 10:30 – 11 in the morning. We were supposed to go for a short hike from there without our packs but it started snowing for over an hour, so that was canceled. Tomorrow morning, we will have a 4 AM wake-up call in anticipation of a 2,300-foot elevation climb up to 18,650 feet.\r\n<div class=\"btn-wrap\">\r\n<a href=\"/16-500-feet-to-18-400/\"><strong>See Photos</strong></a>\r\n<a href=\"/kilimanjaro-climb-gallery/\"><strong>View Trip Gallery</strong></a></div></div>\r\n</div>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<h3>Kilimanjaro Final Camp At 18,500 Feet</h3>\r\n[gallery columns=\"4\" size=\"wcsquare\" display=\"grid\" link=\"file\" ids=\"5292,5293\"]\r\n<div class=\"reports-img-desc\">\r\n  <div class=\"imgbox\"></div>\r\n  <div class=\"reports-desc\">Wake-up call at 4 AM and breakfast at 4:30. The slow group left at 5. We (my hiking partner, myself, and our guide) left about 5:30. At this altitude of over 16,000 feet, everyone moves very slowly. The first little part was steep and slightly snow-covered, but then it got extremely steep and no longer covered in snow. \r\n\r\nWe climbed 2,400 feet over 2.6 miles. The first hour was in the dark, but we all had headlamps. It was very rocky and we had to use our hands sometimes to climb. We ran into a few other tours on the trail and all of us had to cut across a mountainside since the snow had obliterated the trail the night before.\r\n\r\nWe were now over 17, 000 feet. One of the guides from another tour (all the guides know each other) had a pickaxe and so he chopped thru the snow to make it easier on our footing. Even so, it was very slippery. There were times we had to use all four extremities to climb, even kneeling on the next step up because the step was too high to reach with our foot. Breathing was becoming more and more labored and it was difficult to catch our breath in the thinning air.\r\n\r\nWhen we stopped at 18,000 feet for a snack and water, we thought the worst was over, but that wasn’t the case. The next 500 feet were very rocky and slippery, and that along with the very thin air meant we had to take three or four steps before needing to stop for a break. Like having a bag over your head and pulling for each breath.\r\n\r\nFinally, we reached the craters ridge and were very happy. These are remnants of glaciers that once covered this entire valley. The whole valley was snow-covered and looked like we were walking in a desert. When we arrived, we were not allowed to lie down in our tents for about a good hour because we needed to let our bodies acclimate to the thin air at 18,600 feet.\r\n\r\nAfter that, we enjoyed a well-deserved nap before an early dinner because we would be getting up again at 4 AM to climb to the top of Kilimanjaro!\r\n\r\n<div class=\"btn-wrap\">\r\n<a href=\"/kilimanjaro-final-camp-at-18500-feet/\"><strong>See Photos</strong></a>\r\n<a href=\"/kilimanjaro-climb-gallery/\"><strong>View Trip Gallery</strong></a></div></div>\r\n</div>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<h2>Climbing to the top 19,341 ft/5895 meters and beginning the descent</h2>\r\n[gallery columns=\"4\" size=\"wcsquare\" display=\"grid\" link=\"file\" ids=\"5331,5372\"]\r\n<div class=\"reports-img-desc\">\r\n  <div class=\"imgbox\"></div>\r\n  <div class=\"reports-desc\">The night was extremely cold, with ground temperatures probably down to zero degrees Fahrenheit. We did everything to keep ourselves warm! I laid my down jacket on top of my sleeping bag (which was rated to zero degrees), plus I had a liner inside the sleeping bag which gave me an additional 25 degrees of warmth. I am definitely not a cold weather person but with the right gear, it was not too bad.\r\n    \r\nWe were woken up at 4 AM. After eating and packing our stuff (only our personal things; the Sherpa took care of the sleeping bag and tent each morning and night), we were off for a 75-minute climb, basically straight up and extremely cold. Fortunately, I had bought the best mittens ever and my hands were not cold. Nonetheless, my legs and face took the brunt of it, and we moved very, very slowly. 10 feet could take several minutes. After a very hard, straight-up climbing, we had to cross a flat plane to the actual top of the mountain. The wind was blowing like crazy. The air temp was around minus 10 Fahrenheit with the wind chill probably down to negative 45 or 50 Fahrenheit. But all 6 of us had made it. It was a special feeling…an unbelievable feeling!\r\n\r\nI always carry some ashes of my parents no matter where I travel in this world. And since this was a very special place, I quietly said a prayer, took off my mittens (brrr), and sprinkled some of their ashes at the top. They had made it the whole way with me!\r\n\r\nWe took our pictures and then had to get going due to the intense winds and brutal cold. Fortunately, we summited very early and there were only one or two other groups at the top. Later on, there would be at least 50-100 people. We saw a gorgeous sunrise since it was shortly before 7 in the morning. We were almost on the equator, and sunrise and sunsets are always at around 6:30 to 7 am without much variation from season to season.\r\n\r\nImmediately, once we started to go down, we could feel the release of pressure in our lungs and chest. The descent and decreasing pressure made it a lot easier on our lungs, plus it was now all downhill. After an hour or two, our quads really felt it, and we would be walking downhill for the next 5 to 6 hours!\r\n\r\nWe did stop for a small break for some lunch, but our appetite was low due to the altitude. Several of the hikers experienced altitude sickness on the way up, with nausea, diarrhea, headaches loss of appetite, and weakness. I felt worse while descending, but fortunately, I had only lost my appetite with slight nausea and it lasted only for a short period of time. Anyway, we finally made it to camp at 10,500 feet. The weather was really nice and a bit warmer, between about 45 to 50 degrees or more. What a difference from the night before! We all had a good meal and rested, as we had been hiking downhill for over 8 hours, and all of our legs were extremely tired.\r\n\r\n<div class=\"btn-wrap\">\r\n<a href=\"/Hiking-to-the-summit-19-341-feet/\"><strong>See Photos</strong></a>\r\n<a href=\"/kilimanjaro-climb-gallery/\"><strong>View Trip Gallery</strong></a></div></div>\r\n</div>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<h3>The descent and saying goodbye</h3>\r\n<div class=\"reports-img-desc\">\r\n  <div class=\"imgbox\"></div>\r\n  <div class=\"reports-desc\"><img src=\"https://www.drfields.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/Sunriseuptop-3.jpg\" class=\"alignleft\" width=\"400\">We woke up at 6:30 AM, which was a big difference from 4 AM. Today would be our last night, and we would be saying goodbye to all the Sherpas as they would leave the trail. Only the guides would continue with us. I volunteered to be the spokesperson of the group, which meant I would be collecting the tip money and giving a short speech.\r\n\r\nAfter breakfast, the 40 or so sherpas gathered around singing and dancing. I actually joined them in the dancing, which I have a video of. I was very tired, but it was still worth it. I gave a 3-minute speech thanking every one of them for all of their hard work and dedication, and telling them that their help, whether by carrying a table, carrying sleeping bags, setting up tents, preparing food and everything else they did for us, was all very special and helped us so much.\r\n\r\nWe then set off for our last 6 to 7-hour hike downhill. Although it was not very steep, it was a dried-up river bed that was full of rocks and stones, making footing uneasy, and causing our quads to be even more on fire. I and several others had foldable walking sticks and this helped a lot. But we knew the end was coming, so we just kept going. We stopped for lunch and continued on. After about 7 hours, we saw the base camp. Nothing could be sweeter! I signed out at the Ranger station and basically collapsed into the waiting truck. There were a lot of campers and hikers ending in this same area, so they drove us about 20 minutes away.\r\n\r\nWe had some lunch and then drove the rest of the way back to the lodge, which was a beautiful hotel about half an hour outside of Arusha on an old coffee plantation. Everybody had their own cabin. For the first time in 9 days, I took a shower. It was wonderful! Then we all gathered with the two guides and I said a few more words to represent the group. We had a nice dinner, and then two people left for the airport by 7 PM. That night, was my first night of sleep in a bed, after 9 days. It was fantastic! The mission was accomplished!\r\n\r\n<div class=\"btn-wrap\">\r\n<a href=\"/Sunrise-up-top-and-heading-down\"><strong>See Photos</strong></a>\r\n</div></div>\r\n</div>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<h2>Kilimanjaro Was Amazing! Final Goodbyes and certificate</h2>\r\n<div class=\"reports-img-desc\">\r\n  <div class=\"imgbox\"></div>\r\n  <div class=\"reports-desc\"><img src=\"https://www.drfields.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/final-goodbyes-9.jpg\" class=\"alignleft\" width=\"400\"/>Even though the trip was not exactly as described in the pamphlet, it was something I had had on my bucket list for over 10 years. It was extremely difficult at times. Some of our hikers had difficulty even moving and needed assistance. But we all persevered. I’ve done 10 Ironman races so far (now 11!), which require monumental training. But the long hike up to the crater from 16,800 feet to 18,400, with the subsequent day of summiting, followed by the 9,000-foot descent, were some of the hardest things that I’ve ever done. And that includes all my Ironman competitions.\r\n\r\nYou just can’t imagine what it’s like trying to move at that altitude. As I said before, it is similar to having a paper bag over your head and trying to grasp for air. There were times I took two or three steps and then had to pause for 15 or 20 seconds just to get my heart rate and breathing back down, repeating that again and again and again. Never looking ahead, only down, because sometimes ten feet took 45-60 seconds to hike. All this while enduring the sub-freezing temperature, the blowing snow, and the wind chill factors. Nothing but grit and determination to keep you going. But the views were spectacular and the feeling of being literally on top of the world made it all worth it.\r\n\r\nI’ll continue to enjoy my Ironman triathlons and continue to do them as long as I can. But as far as hiking up a mountain to 19,341 feet, this will be my one and only time! It’s a tremendous accomplishment, but something I would not want to repeat.\r\n\r\n<div class=\"btn-wrap\">\r\n<a href=\"/Final-goodbyes-and-certificates\"><strong>See Photos</strong></a>\r\n</div></div>\r\n</div>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<div class=\"video-flex-wrap\">\r\n<div class=\"video-box\">\r\n[video poster=\"https://www.drfields.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/Dancing.png\" width=\"352\" height=\"640\" mp4=\"https://www.drfields.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/DANCING-v3.mp4\"][/video]\r\n</div>\r\n<div class=\"video-box\">\r\n<img src=\"https://www.drfields.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/final-goodbyes-1.jpg\">\r\n</div>\r\n</div>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<h3 style=\"text-align: center;\">Thank You to Everyone Who Made Kilimanjaro A Possibility!</h3>\r\nThank you to everyone that sent me well wishes before, during, and after my climb. It meant so much!\r\n\r\nI also thank my parents who gave me the will and determination to achieve all the goals in my life, no matter how hard they are.\r\nThey always ingrained this determination in me and encouraged me to just put my head down and keep going to achieve my goals.\r\nAs I said above, they were with me the whole way and always will be.\r\n\r\nThank you for taking the time to read this. I hope this will inspire you that if a goal is desired, to just put your head down and keep going no matter how difficult it may seem.\r\n\r\n<strong>Peter A. Fields, MD, DC </strong>\r\n<strong>The Athletic Doc<sup>®</sup></strong>\r\n\r\n<a href=\"https://www.drfields.com/about/the-athletic-doc/about-the-athletic-doc/\">Click here</a> to find out more about <strong>The Athletic Doc<sup>® </sup></strong>','Report of My Kilimanjaro Climb','','inherit','closed','closed','','2208-revision-v1','','','2022-07-27 04:07:09','2022-07-27 04:07:09','',2208,'https://www.drfields.com/?p=5398',0,'revision','',0);
INSERT INTO `wp_posts` VALUES (5399,8,'2022-07-27 04:09:02','2022-07-27 04:09:02','<h1>Report of My Kilimanjaro Climb</h1>\r\n<em>By Peter A. Fields, MD, DC</em>\r\n\r\nAfter waiting ten years with this on my bucket list, I finally was going to climb Kilimanjaro.\r\n<h3>Getting to Mount Kilimanjaro</h3>\r\n<div class=\"reports-img-desc\">\r\n<div class=\"imgbox\"><img class=\"alignleft\" src=\"https://www.drfields.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/20190210_061752.jpg\" alt=\"\" /></div>\r\n<div class=\"reports-desc\">\r\n\r\nThe trip to Kilimanjaro began with an 11-hour flight to London where I had a 36-hour layover. Saw \"Tina, The Musical\" (life and times of Tina Turner). Great show.  Then 9 ½ hour flight to Nairobi, where I spent 24 hours so I was able to see the city. Then a one-hour flight to Kilimanjaro, Tanzania. My arrival at Kilimanjaro airport was on Sunday night. This was followed by a two-and-a-half-hour ride, with half of it on a very bumpy dirt road, before reaching the destination at the base camp. Since it was almost midnight, I went straight to my tent, which was quite luxurious for camping, and included a sink, a bathroom, and even a shower. I took advantage of a quick shower and went straight to bed.\r\n<div class=\"btn-wrap\"><a href=\"https://www.drfields.com/Day-1-Kiliminaro-and-base-camp-arrival\"><strong>See Photos</strong></a>\r\n<a href=\"/kilimanjaro-climb-gallery/\"><strong>View Trip Gallery</strong></a></div>\r\n</div>\r\n</div>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<h2>Kilimanjaro Pre-Hike</h2>\r\n<div class=\"reports-img-desc\">\r\n<div class=\"imgbox\"><img src=\"https://www.drfields.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/20190211_054908.jpg\" /></div>\r\n<div class=\"reports-desc\">\r\n\r\nAfter a nice breakfast, where I met the other climbers and our trek leaders, we went for a short two-hour hike just to see the local terrain. It was beautiful, with waterfalls and lots of lush plants and greenery. The guide leader went through our entire pack to make sure that we would be taking everything we needed and that everything was in good shape. The rest of the day was just spent relaxing, except for a short sunset hike of 10 minutes, where at the top of the small hill they had wine waiting for us. A pleasant surprise.\r\n<div class=\"btn-wrap\"><a href=\"/kilimanjaro-pre-hike/\"><strong>See Photos</strong></a>\r\n<a href=\"/kilimanjaro-climb-gallery/\"><strong>View Trip Gallery</strong></a></div>\r\n</div>\r\n</div>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<h2>Getting to the Trailhead and First Day Hike Towards Kilimanjaro</h2>\r\n[gallery display=\"grid\" link=\"none\" columns=\"4\" size=\"wcsquare\" ids=\"5235,5231\"]\r\n<div class=\"reports-img-desc\">\r\n<div class=\"imgbox\"></div>\r\n<div class=\"reports-desc\">\r\n\r\nAfter a two-hour ride, we arrived at the check-in point. The weather was hot enough to wear shorts and t-shirts since we were only 3 degrees off the equator. There we saw the more than 45 plus Sherpa’s that would accompany us. There were six Sherpa’s( there were six hikers) to carry each person’s clothing (colder weather gear, nighttime clothes, toiletries, etc.). Then six to carry our bedding, and tents ( double roofed for better rain protection), six would carry our food for 7 days ( three full meals a day), eight of them made up the kitchen team, another team of two would carry the oxygen and medicine, four to carry the toilets and tents over them, plus about 10 other Sherpa’s would carry all the tents, tables and chairs. There were also 10 more to carry all of the sherpa’s food and equipment.\r\n\r\nWe had to register and show our passports, and after that, we took a short 20-minute drive to the trailhead. Arriving at noon, a very nice, well-prepared lunch was ready for us. We started the hike at 7700 feet and climbed to 9300 feet. The area was mostly jungle-like, with a lot of fantastic plants, birds, and other exotic wildlife, including Colobus monkeys and other animals. When we arrived at the camp at 9300 feet, the tents were already set up, and we unpacked our gear in each individual tent, had dinner and went to sleep.\r\n<div class=\"btn-wrap\"><a href=\"/Kili-Getting-to-the-trailhead/\"><strong>See Photos</strong></a>\r\n<a href=\"/kilimanjaro-climb-gallery/\"><strong>View Trip Gallery</strong></a></div>\r\n</div>\r\n</div>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<h3>Hiking to 11,400 ft</h3>\r\n[gallery columns=\"4\" size=\"wcsquare\" display=\"grid\" link=\"file\" ids=\"5256,5261\"]\r\n<div class=\"reports-img-desc\">\r\n  <div class=\"imgbox\"></div>\r\n  <div class=\"reports-desc\">At 6:30 AM we were woken up with a hot bowl of water to wash up and get ready for the day. A very full breakfast was prepared for us and then we started off to hike again. For hiking, it’s important to eat three square meals a day as well as drink a minimum of three liters of water a day. Without this exhaustion, dehydration, and more can happen. The guides made sure that we would eat a lot and consume lots of water.\r\n\r\nWe headed off on our hike up to 11,400 feet, crossing from the Montane Forest into the Hagenia Zone, where we saw many different plants and beautiful trees throughout the canyon.\r\n\r\nI felt pretty good, as I had taken Diamox, a medicine to help prevent altitude sickness. I had a Camelback-style drinking system so I was drinking copious amounts of water. At night it was cold but with the proper gear (well worth the expense!), I felt warm.\r\n\r\n<div class=\"btn-wrap\">\r\n<a href=\"/kili-hiking-to-11400-ft/\"><strong>See Photos</strong></a>\r\n<a href=\"/kilimanjaro-climb-gallery/\"><strong>View Trip Gallery</strong></a></div></div>\r\n</div>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<h3>Hiking to 13,400 ft</h3>\r\n[gallery columns=\"4\" size=\"wcsquare\" display=\"grid\" link=\"file\" ids=\"5351,5352\"]\r\n<div class=\"reports-img-desc\">\r\n  <div class=\"imgbox\"></div>\r\n  <div class=\"reports-desc\">We had another early wake-up call today and another substantial breakfast (scrambled eggs, toast, pancakes, fruit, toast, jelly, peanut butter, tea/coffee, and more. We hiked across a large plateau and gained about 2,100 feet in altitude. It was very interesting as we passed into the upper heath zone, where there were no more trees here, just a lot of different plants. And lots of volcanic rock (the last active volcano here took place over 10,000 years ago).\r\n\r\nThe hiking was very slow and consistent, as they say in Swahili, “Poli, Poli.” Again I felt very good when arriving at Moir camp at 13,500 feet. We had beautiful views of the mountain as the clouds moved away. It was really spectacular!\r\n<div class=\"btn-wrap\">\r\n<a href=\"/kili-hiking-to-13400-feet/\"><strong>See Photos</strong></a>\r\n<a href=\"/kilimanjaro-climb-gallery/\"><strong>View Trip Gallery</strong></a></div></div>\r\n</div>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<h3>Kili Hiking to 15,500 feet</h3>\r\n[gallery columns=\"4\" size=\"wcsquare\" display=\"grid\" link=\"file\" ids=\"5271,5270\"]\r\n<div class=\"reports-img-desc\">\r\n  <div class=\"imgbox\"></div>\r\n  <div class=\"reports-desc\">We woke up again at 6:30 AM, had breakfast at 7, and were hiking by 7:30. Today was a shorter hike of only 3.1 miles, but we did climb 2000 feet. It was slow in some parts and the steep sections were even slower. Finally, we arrived at camp after hiking for only 2 hours and 20 minutes. We were now at 15,500 feet. The air is very thin, so with every step you take, you have to think about it. But when we arrived at camp, everything seemed to settle down. During the afternoon there was a hale storm that turned into snow, so everybody went into their tents. I probably took a 3-hour well-needed nap. After a good dinner, we all went to bed, but not until we viewed the beautiful skies at 15,500 feet in the southern hemisphere.\r\n<div class=\"btn-wrap\">\r\n<a href=\"/kili-hiking-to-15500-feet/\"><strong>See Photos</strong></a>\r\n<a href=\"/kilimanjaro-climb-gallery/\"><strong>View Trip Gallery</strong></a></div></div>\r\n</div>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<h3>Getting to camp at 16,500 ft</h3>\r\n[gallery columns=\"4\" size=\"wcsquare\" display=\"grid\" link=\"file\" ids=\"5291,5283\"]\r\n<div class=\"reports-img-desc\">\r\n  <div class=\"imgbox\"></div>\r\n  <div class=\"reports-desc\">We had the usual wake-up call at 6:30 AM and were on the trail by 7:30. It snowed during the night, but only half an inch or so, making everything white and beautiful. The good news is this meant it was right around 32 degrees. The sun came out, so it was warm when we hiked but a little bit cooler when clouds were overhead. Plus with the altitude (lots of breathing) and hiking effort, one was rarely cold. Today’s hike was only 1,000 feet of climbing and a short hike to the base camp. The big hike tomorrow will only be about an hour and 20 minutes, but it will be over a lot of rocks and boulders and will be steep in some places. We arrived at the base camp around 10:30 – 11 in the morning. We were supposed to go for a short hike from there without our packs but it started snowing for over an hour, so that was canceled. Tomorrow morning, we will have a 4 AM wake-up call in anticipation of a 2,300-foot elevation climb up to 18,650 feet.\r\n<div class=\"btn-wrap\">\r\n<a href=\"/16-500-feet-to-18-400/\"><strong>See Photos</strong></a>\r\n<a href=\"/kilimanjaro-climb-gallery/\"><strong>View Trip Gallery</strong></a></div></div>\r\n</div>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<h3>Kilimanjaro Final Camp At 18,500 Feet</h3>\r\n[gallery columns=\"4\" size=\"wcsquare\" display=\"grid\" link=\"file\" ids=\"5292,5293\"]\r\n<div class=\"reports-img-desc\">\r\n  <div class=\"imgbox\"></div>\r\n  <div class=\"reports-desc\">Wake-up call at 4 AM and breakfast at 4:30. The slow group left at 5. We (my hiking partner, myself, and our guide) left about 5:30. At this altitude of over 16,000 feet, everyone moves very slowly. The first little part was steep and slightly snow-covered, but then it got extremely steep and no longer covered in snow. \r\n\r\nWe climbed 2,400 feet over 2.6 miles. The first hour was in the dark, but we all had headlamps. It was very rocky and we had to use our hands sometimes to climb. We ran into a few other tours on the trail and all of us had to cut across a mountainside since the snow had obliterated the trail the night before.\r\n\r\nWe were now over 17, 000 feet. One of the guides from another tour (all the guides know each other) had a pickaxe and so he chopped thru the snow to make it easier on our footing. Even so, it was very slippery. There were times we had to use all four extremities to climb, even kneeling on the next step up because the step was too high to reach with our foot. Breathing was becoming more and more labored and it was difficult to catch our breath in the thinning air.\r\n\r\nWhen we stopped at 18,000 feet for a snack and water, we thought the worst was over, but that wasn’t the case. The next 500 feet were very rocky and slippery, and that along with the very thin air meant we had to take three or four steps before needing to stop for a break. Like having a bag over your head and pulling for each breath.\r\n\r\nFinally, we reached the craters ridge and were very happy. These are remnants of glaciers that once covered this entire valley. The whole valley was snow-covered and looked like we were walking in a desert. When we arrived, we were not allowed to lie down in our tents for about a good hour because we needed to let our bodies acclimate to the thin air at 18,600 feet.\r\n\r\nAfter that, we enjoyed a well-deserved nap before an early dinner because we would be getting up again at 4 AM to climb to the top of Kilimanjaro!\r\n\r\n<div class=\"btn-wrap\">\r\n<a href=\"/kilimanjaro-final-camp-at-18500-feet/\"><strong>See Photos</strong></a>\r\n<a href=\"/kilimanjaro-climb-gallery/\"><strong>View Trip Gallery</strong></a></div></div>\r\n</div>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<h2>Climbing To The Top Of Kilimanjaro 19,341 Ft/5895 Meters And Beginning The Descent</h2>\r\n[gallery columns=\"4\" size=\"wcsquare\" display=\"grid\" link=\"file\" ids=\"5331,5372\"]\r\n<div class=\"reports-img-desc\">\r\n  <div class=\"imgbox\"></div>\r\n  <div class=\"reports-desc\">The night was extremely cold, with ground temperatures probably down to zero degrees Fahrenheit. We did everything to keep ourselves warm! I laid my down jacket on top of my sleeping bag (which was rated to zero degrees), plus I had a liner inside the sleeping bag which gave me an additional 25 degrees of warmth. I am definitely not a cold weather person but with the right gear, it was not too bad.\r\n    \r\nWe were woken up at 4 AM. After eating and packing our stuff (only our personal things; the Sherpa took care of the sleeping bag and tent each morning and night), we were off for a 75-minute climb, basically straight up and extremely cold. Fortunately, I had bought the best mittens ever and my hands were not cold. Nonetheless, my legs and face took the brunt of it, and we moved very, very slowly. 10 feet could take several minutes. After a very hard, straight-up climbing, we had to cross a flat plane to the actual top of the mountain. The wind was blowing like crazy. The air temp was around minus 10 Fahrenheit with the wind chill probably down to negative 45 or 50 Fahrenheit. But all 6 of us had made it. It was a special feeling…an unbelievable feeling!\r\n\r\nI always carry some ashes of my parents no matter where I travel in this world. And since this was a very special place, I quietly said a prayer, took off my mittens (brrr), and sprinkled some of their ashes at the top. They had made it the whole way with me!\r\n\r\nWe took our pictures and then had to get going due to the intense winds and brutal cold. Fortunately, we summited very early and there were only one or two other groups at the top. Later on, there would be at least 50-100 people. We saw a gorgeous sunrise since it was shortly before 7 in the morning. We were almost on the equator, and sunrise and sunsets are always at around 6:30 to 7 am without much variation from season to season.\r\n\r\nImmediately, once we started to go down, we could feel the release of pressure in our lungs and chest. The descent and decreasing pressure made it a lot easier on our lungs, plus it was now all downhill. After an hour or two, our quads really felt it, and we would be walking downhill for the next 5 to 6 hours!\r\n\r\nWe did stop for a small break for some lunch, but our appetite was low due to the altitude. Several of the hikers experienced altitude sickness on the way up, with nausea, diarrhea, headaches loss of appetite, and weakness. I felt worse while descending, but fortunately, I had only lost my appetite with slight nausea and it lasted only for a short period of time. Anyway, we finally made it to camp at 10,500 feet. The weather was really nice and a bit warmer, between about 45 to 50 degrees or more. What a difference from the night before! We all had a good meal and rested, as we had been hiking downhill for over 8 hours, and all of our legs were extremely tired.\r\n\r\n<div class=\"btn-wrap\">\r\n<a href=\"/Hiking-to-the-summit-19-341-feet/\"><strong>See Photos</strong></a>\r\n<a href=\"/kilimanjaro-climb-gallery/\"><strong>View Trip Gallery</strong></a></div></div>\r\n</div>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<h3>The descent and saying goodbye</h3>\r\n<div class=\"reports-img-desc\">\r\n  <div class=\"imgbox\"></div>\r\n  <div class=\"reports-desc\"><img src=\"https://www.drfields.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/Sunriseuptop-3.jpg\" class=\"alignleft\" width=\"400\">We woke up at 6:30 AM, which was a big difference from 4 AM. Today would be our last night, and we would be saying goodbye to all the Sherpas as they would leave the trail. Only the guides would continue with us. I volunteered to be the spokesperson of the group, which meant I would be collecting the tip money and giving a short speech.\r\n\r\nAfter breakfast, the 40 or so sherpas gathered around singing and dancing. I actually joined them in the dancing, which I have a video of. I was very tired, but it was still worth it. I gave a 3-minute speech thanking every one of them for all of their hard work and dedication, and telling them that their help, whether by carrying a table, carrying sleeping bags, setting up tents, preparing food and everything else they did for us, was all very special and helped us so much.\r\n\r\nWe then set off for our last 6 to 7-hour hike downhill. Although it was not very steep, it was a dried-up river bed that was full of rocks and stones, making footing uneasy, and causing our quads to be even more on fire. I and several others had foldable walking sticks and this helped a lot. But we knew the end was coming, so we just kept going. We stopped for lunch and continued on. After about 7 hours, we saw the base camp. Nothing could be sweeter! I signed out at the Ranger station and basically collapsed into the waiting truck. There were a lot of campers and hikers ending in this same area, so they drove us about 20 minutes away.\r\n\r\nWe had some lunch and then drove the rest of the way back to the lodge, which was a beautiful hotel about half an hour outside of Arusha on an old coffee plantation. Everybody had their own cabin. For the first time in 9 days, I took a shower. It was wonderful! Then we all gathered with the two guides and I said a few more words to represent the group. We had a nice dinner, and then two people left for the airport by 7 PM. That night, was my first night of sleep in a bed, after 9 days. It was fantastic! The mission was accomplished!\r\n\r\n<div class=\"btn-wrap\">\r\n<a href=\"/Sunrise-up-top-and-heading-down\"><strong>See Photos</strong></a>\r\n</div></div>\r\n</div>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<h2>Kilimanjaro Was Amazing! Final Goodbyes and certificate</h2>\r\n<div class=\"reports-img-desc\">\r\n  <div class=\"imgbox\"></div>\r\n  <div class=\"reports-desc\"><img src=\"https://www.drfields.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/final-goodbyes-9.jpg\" class=\"alignleft\" width=\"400\"/>Even though the trip was not exactly as described in the pamphlet, it was something I had had on my bucket list for over 10 years. It was extremely difficult at times. Some of our hikers had difficulty even moving and needed assistance. But we all persevered. I’ve done 10 Ironman races so far (now 11!), which require monumental training. But the long hike up to the crater from 16,800 feet to 18,400, with the subsequent day of summiting, followed by the 9,000-foot descent, were some of the hardest things that I’ve ever done. And that includes all my Ironman competitions.\r\n\r\nYou just can’t imagine what it’s like trying to move at that altitude. As I said before, it is similar to having a paper bag over your head and trying to grasp for air. There were times I took two or three steps and then had to pause for 15 or 20 seconds just to get my heart rate and breathing back down, repeating that again and again and again. Never looking ahead, only down, because sometimes ten feet took 45-60 seconds to hike. All this while enduring the sub-freezing temperature, the blowing snow, and the wind chill factors. Nothing but grit and determination to keep you going. But the views were spectacular and the feeling of being literally on top of the world made it all worth it.\r\n\r\nI’ll continue to enjoy my Ironman triathlons and continue to do them as long as I can. But as far as hiking up a mountain to 19,341 feet, this will be my one and only time! It’s a tremendous accomplishment, but something I would not want to repeat.\r\n\r\n<div class=\"btn-wrap\">\r\n<a href=\"/Final-goodbyes-and-certificates\"><strong>See Photos</strong></a>\r\n</div></div>\r\n</div>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<div class=\"video-flex-wrap\">\r\n<div class=\"video-box\">\r\n[video poster=\"https://www.drfields.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/Dancing.png\" width=\"352\" height=\"640\" mp4=\"https://www.drfields.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/DANCING-v3.mp4\"][/video]\r\n</div>\r\n<div class=\"video-box\">\r\n<img src=\"https://www.drfields.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/final-goodbyes-1.jpg\">\r\n</div>\r\n</div>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<h3 style=\"text-align: center;\">Thank You to Everyone Who Made Kilimanjaro A Possibility!</h3>\r\nThank you to everyone that sent me well wishes before, during, and after my climb. It meant so much!\r\n\r\nI also thank my parents who gave me the will and determination to achieve all the goals in my life, no matter how hard they are.\r\nThey always ingrained this determination in me and encouraged me to just put my head down and keep going to achieve my goals.\r\nAs I said above, they were with me the whole way and always will be.\r\n\r\nThank you for taking the time to read this. I hope this will inspire you that if a goal is desired, to just put your head down and keep going no matter how difficult it may seem.\r\n\r\n<strong>Peter A. Fields, MD, DC </strong>\r\n<strong>The Athletic Doc<sup>®</sup></strong>\r\n\r\n<a href=\"https://www.drfields.com/about/the-athletic-doc/about-the-athletic-doc/\">Click here</a> to find out more about <strong>The Athletic Doc<sup>® </sup></strong>','Report of My Kilimanjaro Climb','','inherit','closed','closed','','2208-revision-v1','','','2022-07-27 04:09:02','2022-07-27 04:09:02','',2208,'https://www.drfields.com/?p=5399',0,'revision','',0),(5400,8,'2022-07-27 04:18:56','2022-07-27 04:18:56','[gallery columns=\"4\" size=\"wcsquare\" link=\"file\" ids=\"2293,2287,2286,2285,2292,2291,2290,2289\"]','Sunrise up top and heading down','','inherit','closed','closed','','2283-revision-v1','','','2022-07-27 04:18:56','2022-07-27 04:18:56','',2283,'https://www.drfields.com/?p=5400',0,'revision','',0),(5401,8,'2022-07-27 04:19:24','2022-07-27 04:19:24','[gallery columns=\"4\" size=\"wcstandard\" link=\"file\" ids=\"2293,2287,2286,2285,2292,2291,2290,2289\"]','Sunrise up top and heading down','','inherit','closed','closed','','2283-revision-v1','','','2022-07-27 04:19:24','2022-07-27 04:19:24','',2283,'https://www.drfields.com/?p=5401',0,'revision','',0),(5402,8,'2022-07-27 04:19:57','2022-07-27 04:19:57','[gallery columns=\"4\" size=\"wcstandard\" link=\"file\" captions=\"hide\" ids=\"2293,2287,2286,2285,2292,2291,2290,2289\"]','Sunrise up top and heading down','','inherit','closed','closed','','2283-revision-v1','','','2022-07-27 04:19:57','2022-07-27 04:19:57','',2283,'https://www.drfields.com/?p=5402',0,'revision','',0),(5403,8,'2022-07-27 04:21:15','2022-07-27 04:21:15','[gallery columns=\"4\" size=\"wcstandard\" link=\"file\" ids=\"2306,2304,2303,2302,2301,2300,2296,2297,2299\"]','Final goodbyes and certificates','','inherit','closed','closed','','2294-revision-v1','','','2022-07-27 04:21:15','2022-07-27 04:21:15','',2294,'https://www.drfields.com/?p=5403',0,'revision','',0),(5404,8,'2022-07-27 04:21:44','2022-07-27 04:21:44','[gallery columns=\"4\" size=\"wcstandard\" link=\"file\" display=\"grid\" ids=\"2306,2296,2304,2303,2302,2301,2300,2297,2299\"]','Final goodbyes and certificates','','inherit','closed','closed','','2294-revision-v1','','','2022-07-27 04:21:44','2022-07-27 04:21:44','',2294,'https://www.drfields.com/?p=5404',0,'revision','',0),(5405,8,'2022-07-27 04:22:15','2022-07-27 04:22:15','[gallery columns=\"4\" size=\"wcstandard\" link=\"file\" display=\"grid\" ids=\"2306,2297,2304,2303,2302,2301,2300,2296,2299\"]','Final goodbyes and certificates','','inherit','closed','closed','','2294-revision-v1','','','2022-07-27 04:22:15','2022-07-27 04:22:15','',2294,'https://www.drfields.com/?p=5405',0,'revision','',0),(5406,8,'2022-07-27 04:22:39','2022-07-27 04:22:39','[gallery columns=\"4\" size=\"wcstandard\" link=\"file\" display=\"grid\" captions=\"hide\" ids=\"2306,2297,2304,2303,2302,2301,2300,2296,2299\"]','Final goodbyes and certificates','','inherit','closed','closed','','2294-revision-v1','','','2022-07-27 04:22:39','2022-07-27 04:22:39','',2294,'https://www.drfields.com/?p=5406',0,'revision','',0),(5407,8,'2022-07-27 04:22:50','2022-07-27 04:22:50','[gallery columns=\"5\" size=\"wcstandard\" link=\"file\" display=\"grid\" captions=\"hide\" ids=\"2306,2297,2304,2303,2302,2301,2300,2296,2299\"]','Final goodbyes and certificates','','inherit','closed','closed','','2294-revision-v1','','','2022-07-27 04:22:50','2022-07-27 04:22:50','',2294,'https://www.drfields.com/?p=5407',0,'revision','',0),(5408,8,'2022-07-27 04:26:51','2022-07-27 04:26:51','<h1>Report of My Kilimanjaro Climb</h1>\r\n<em>By Peter A. Fields, MD, DC</em>\r\n\r\nAfter waiting ten years with this on my bucket list, I finally was going to climb Kilimanjaro.\r\n<h3>Getting to Mount Kilimanjaro</h3>\r\n<div class=\"reports-img-desc\">\r\n<div class=\"imgbox\"><img class=\"alignleft\" src=\"https://www.drfields.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/20190210_061752.jpg\" alt=\"\" /></div>\r\n<div class=\"reports-desc\">\r\n\r\nThe trip to Kilimanjaro began with an 11-hour flight to London where I had a 36-hour layover. Saw \"Tina, The Musical\" (life and times of Tina Turner). Great show.  Then 9 ½ hour flight to Nairobi, where I spent 24 hours so I was able to see the city. Then a one-hour flight to Kilimanjaro, Tanzania. My arrival at Kilimanjaro airport was on Sunday night. This was followed by a two-and-a-half-hour ride, with half of it on a very bumpy dirt road, before reaching the destination at the base camp. Since it was almost midnight, I went straight to my tent, which was quite luxurious for camping, and included a sink, a bathroom, and even a shower. I took advantage of a quick shower and went straight to bed.\r\n<div class=\"btn-wrap\"><a href=\"https://www.drfields.com/Day-1-Kiliminaro-and-base-camp-arrival\"><strong>See Photos</strong></a>\r\n<a href=\"/kilimanjaro-climb-gallery/\"><strong>View Trip Gallery</strong></a></div>\r\n</div>\r\n</div>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<h2>Kilimanjaro Pre-Hike</h2>\r\n<div class=\"reports-img-desc\">\r\n<div class=\"imgbox\"><img src=\"https://www.drfields.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/20190211_054908.jpg\" /></div>\r\n<div class=\"reports-desc\">\r\n\r\nAfter a nice breakfast, where I met the other climbers and our trek leaders, we went for a short two-hour hike just to see the local terrain. It was beautiful, with waterfalls and lots of lush plants and greenery. The guide leader went through our entire pack to make sure that we would be taking everything we needed and that everything was in good shape. The rest of the day was just spent relaxing, except for a short sunset hike of 10 minutes, where at the top of the small hill they had wine waiting for us. A pleasant surprise.\r\n<div class=\"btn-wrap\"><a href=\"/kilimanjaro-pre-hike/\"><strong>See Photos</strong></a>\r\n<a href=\"/kilimanjaro-climb-gallery/\"><strong>View Trip Gallery</strong></a></div>\r\n</div>\r\n</div>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<h2>Getting to the Trailhead and First Day Hike Towards Kilimanjaro</h2>\r\n[gallery display=\"grid\" link=\"none\" columns=\"4\" size=\"wcsquare\" ids=\"5235,5231\"]\r\n<div class=\"reports-img-desc\">\r\n<div class=\"imgbox\"></div>\r\n<div class=\"reports-desc\">\r\n\r\nAfter a two-hour ride, we arrived at the check-in point. The weather was hot enough to wear shorts and t-shirts since we were only 3 degrees off the equator. There we saw the more than 45 plus Sherpa’s that would accompany us. There were six Sherpa’s( there were six hikers) to carry each person’s clothing (colder weather gear, nighttime clothes, toiletries, etc.). Then six to carry our bedding, and tents ( double roofed for better rain protection), six would carry our food for 7 days ( three full meals a day), eight of them made up the kitchen team, another team of two would carry the oxygen and medicine, four to carry the toilets and tents over them, plus about 10 other Sherpa’s would carry all the tents, tables and chairs. There were also 10 more to carry all of the sherpa’s food and equipment.\r\n\r\nWe had to register and show our passports, and after that, we took a short 20-minute drive to the trailhead. Arriving at noon, a very nice, well-prepared lunch was ready for us. We started the hike at 7700 feet and climbed to 9300 feet. The area was mostly jungle-like, with a lot of fantastic plants, birds, and other exotic wildlife, including Colobus monkeys and other animals. When we arrived at the camp at 9300 feet, the tents were already set up, and we unpacked our gear in each individual tent, had dinner and went to sleep.\r\n<div class=\"btn-wrap\"><a href=\"/Kili-Getting-to-the-trailhead/\"><strong>See Photos</strong></a>\r\n<a href=\"/kilimanjaro-climb-gallery/\"><strong>View Trip Gallery</strong></a></div>\r\n</div>\r\n</div>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<h3>Hiking to 11,400 ft</h3>\r\n[gallery columns=\"4\" size=\"wcsquare\" display=\"grid\" link=\"file\" ids=\"5256,5261\"]\r\n<div class=\"reports-img-desc\">\r\n  <div class=\"imgbox\"></div>\r\n  <div class=\"reports-desc\">At 6:30 AM we were woken up with a hot bowl of water to wash up and get ready for the day. A very full breakfast was prepared for us and then we started off to hike again. For hiking, it’s important to eat three square meals a day as well as drink a minimum of three liters of water a day. Without this exhaustion, dehydration, and more can happen. The guides made sure that we would eat a lot and consume lots of water.\r\n\r\nWe headed off on our hike up to 11,400 feet, crossing from the Montane Forest into the Hagenia Zone, where we saw many different plants and beautiful trees throughout the canyon.\r\n\r\nI felt pretty good, as I had taken Diamox, a medicine to help prevent altitude sickness. I had a Camelback-style drinking system so I was drinking copious amounts of water. At night it was cold but with the proper gear (well worth the expense!), I felt warm.\r\n\r\n<div class=\"btn-wrap\">\r\n<a href=\"/kili-hiking-to-11400-ft/\"><strong>See Photos</strong></a>\r\n<a href=\"/kilimanjaro-climb-gallery/\"><strong>View Trip Gallery</strong></a></div></div>\r\n</div>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<h3>Hiking to 13,400 ft</h3>\r\n[gallery columns=\"4\" size=\"wcsquare\" display=\"grid\" link=\"file\" ids=\"5351,5352\"]\r\n<div class=\"reports-img-desc\">\r\n  <div class=\"imgbox\"></div>\r\n  <div class=\"reports-desc\">We had another early wake-up call today and another substantial breakfast (scrambled eggs, toast, pancakes, fruit, toast, jelly, peanut butter, tea/coffee, and more. We hiked across a large plateau and gained about 2,100 feet in altitude. It was very interesting as we passed into the upper heath zone, where there were no more trees here, just a lot of different plants. And lots of volcanic rock (the last active volcano here took place over 10,000 years ago).\r\n\r\nThe hiking was very slow and consistent, as they say in Swahili, “Poli, Poli.” Again I felt very good when arriving at Moir camp at 13,500 feet. We had beautiful views of the mountain as the clouds moved away. It was really spectacular!\r\n<div class=\"btn-wrap\">\r\n<a href=\"/kili-hiking-to-13400-feet/\"><strong>See Photos</strong></a>\r\n<a href=\"/kilimanjaro-climb-gallery/\"><strong>View Trip Gallery</strong></a></div></div>\r\n</div>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<h3>Kili Hiking to 15,500 feet</h3>\r\n[gallery columns=\"4\" size=\"wcsquare\" display=\"grid\" link=\"file\" ids=\"5271,5270\"]\r\n<div class=\"reports-img-desc\">\r\n  <div class=\"imgbox\"></div>\r\n  <div class=\"reports-desc\">We woke up again at 6:30 AM, had breakfast at 7, and were hiking by 7:30. Today was a shorter hike of only 3.1 miles, but we did climb 2000 feet. It was slow in some parts and the steep sections were even slower. Finally, we arrived at camp after hiking for only 2 hours and 20 minutes. We were now at 15,500 feet. The air is very thin, so with every step you take, you have to think about it. But when we arrived at camp, everything seemed to settle down. During the afternoon there was a hale storm that turned into snow, so everybody went into their tents. I probably took a 3-hour well-needed nap. After a good dinner, we all went to bed, but not until we viewed the beautiful skies at 15,500 feet in the southern hemisphere.\r\n<div class=\"btn-wrap\">\r\n<a href=\"/kili-hiking-to-15500-feet/\"><strong>See Photos</strong></a>\r\n<a href=\"/kilimanjaro-climb-gallery/\"><strong>View Trip Gallery</strong></a></div></div>\r\n</div>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<h3>Getting to camp at 16,500 ft</h3>\r\n[gallery columns=\"4\" size=\"wcsquare\" display=\"grid\" link=\"file\" ids=\"5291,5283\"]\r\n<div class=\"reports-img-desc\">\r\n  <div class=\"imgbox\"></div>\r\n  <div class=\"reports-desc\">We had the usual wake-up call at 6:30 AM and were on the trail by 7:30. It snowed during the night, but only half an inch or so, making everything white and beautiful. The good news is this meant it was right around 32 degrees. The sun came out, so it was warm when we hiked but a little bit cooler when clouds were overhead. Plus with the altitude (lots of breathing) and hiking effort, one was rarely cold. Today’s hike was only 1,000 feet of climbing and a short hike to the base camp. The big hike tomorrow will only be about an hour and 20 minutes, but it will be over a lot of rocks and boulders and will be steep in some places. We arrived at the base camp around 10:30 – 11 in the morning. We were supposed to go for a short hike from there without our packs but it started snowing for over an hour, so that was canceled. Tomorrow morning, we will have a 4 AM wake-up call in anticipation of a 2,300-foot elevation climb up to 18,650 feet.\r\n<div class=\"btn-wrap\">\r\n<a href=\"/16-500-feet-to-18-400/\"><strong>See Photos</strong></a>\r\n<a href=\"/kilimanjaro-climb-gallery/\"><strong>View Trip Gallery</strong></a></div></div>\r\n</div>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<h3>Kilimanjaro Final Camp At 18,500 Feet</h3>\r\n[gallery columns=\"4\" size=\"wcsquare\" display=\"grid\" link=\"file\" ids=\"5292,5293\"]\r\n<div class=\"reports-img-desc\">\r\n  <div class=\"imgbox\"></div>\r\n  <div class=\"reports-desc\">Wake-up call at 4 AM and breakfast at 4:30. The slow group left at 5. We (my hiking partner, myself, and our guide) left about 5:30. At this altitude of over 16,000 feet, everyone moves very slowly. The first little part was steep and slightly snow-covered, but then it got extremely steep and no longer covered in snow. \r\n\r\nWe climbed 2,400 feet over 2.6 miles. The first hour was in the dark, but we all had headlamps. It was very rocky and we had to use our hands sometimes to climb. We ran into a few other tours on the trail and all of us had to cut across a mountainside since the snow had obliterated the trail the night before.\r\n\r\nWe were now over 17, 000 feet. One of the guides from another tour (all the guides know each other) had a pickaxe and so he chopped thru the snow to make it easier on our footing. Even so, it was very slippery. There were times we had to use all four extremities to climb, even kneeling on the next step up because the step was too high to reach with our foot. Breathing was becoming more and more labored and it was difficult to catch our breath in the thinning air.\r\n\r\nWhen we stopped at 18,000 feet for a snack and water, we thought the worst was over, but that wasn’t the case. The next 500 feet were very rocky and slippery, and that along with the very thin air meant we had to take three or four steps before needing to stop for a break. Like having a bag over your head and pulling for each breath.\r\n\r\nFinally, we reached the craters ridge and were very happy. These are remnants of glaciers that once covered this entire valley. The whole valley was snow-covered and looked like we were walking in a desert. When we arrived, we were not allowed to lie down in our tents for about a good hour because we needed to let our bodies acclimate to the thin air at 18,600 feet.\r\n\r\nAfter that, we enjoyed a well-deserved nap before an early dinner because we would be getting up again at 4 AM to climb to the top of Kilimanjaro!\r\n\r\n<div class=\"btn-wrap\">\r\n<a href=\"/kilimanjaro-final-camp-at-18500-feet/\"><strong>See Photos</strong></a>\r\n<a href=\"/kilimanjaro-climb-gallery/\"><strong>View Trip Gallery</strong></a></div></div>\r\n</div>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<h2>Climbing To The Top Of Kilimanjaro 19,341 Ft/5895 Meters And Beginning The Descent</h2>\r\n[gallery columns=\"4\" size=\"wcsquare\" display=\"grid\" link=\"file\" ids=\"5331,5372\"]\r\n<div class=\"reports-img-desc\">\r\n  <div class=\"imgbox\"></div>\r\n  <div class=\"reports-desc\">The night was extremely cold, with ground temperatures probably down to zero degrees Fahrenheit. We did everything to keep ourselves warm! I laid my down jacket on top of my sleeping bag (which was rated to zero degrees), plus I had a liner inside the sleeping bag which gave me an additional 25 degrees of warmth. I am definitely not a cold weather person but with the right gear, it was not too bad.\r\n    \r\nWe were woken up at 4 AM. After eating and packing our stuff (only our personal things; the Sherpa took care of the sleeping bag and tent each morning and night), we were off for a 75-minute climb, basically straight up and extremely cold. Fortunately, I had bought the best mittens ever and my hands were not cold. Nonetheless, my legs and face took the brunt of it, and we moved very, very slowly. 10 feet could take several minutes. After a very hard, straight-up climbing, we had to cross a flat plane to the actual top of the mountain. The wind was blowing like crazy. The air temp was around minus 10 Fahrenheit with the wind chill probably down to negative 45 or 50 Fahrenheit. But all 6 of us had made it. It was a special feeling…an unbelievable feeling!\r\n\r\nI always carry some ashes of my parents no matter where I travel in this world. And since this was a very special place, I quietly said a prayer, took off my mittens (brrr), and sprinkled some of their ashes at the top. They had made it the whole way with me!\r\n\r\nWe took our pictures and then had to get going due to the intense winds and brutal cold. Fortunately, we summited very early and there were only one or two other groups at the top. Later on, there would be at least 50-100 people. We saw a gorgeous sunrise since it was shortly before 7 in the morning. We were almost on the equator, and sunrise and sunsets are always at around 6:30 to 7 am without much variation from season to season.\r\n\r\nImmediately, once we started to go down, we could feel the release of pressure in our lungs and chest. The descent and decreasing pressure made it a lot easier on our lungs, plus it was now all downhill. After an hour or two, our quads really felt it, and we would be walking downhill for the next 5 to 6 hours!\r\n\r\nWe did stop for a small break for some lunch, but our appetite was low due to the altitude. Several of the hikers experienced altitude sickness on the way up, with nausea, diarrhea, headaches loss of appetite, and weakness. I felt worse while descending, but fortunately, I had only lost my appetite with slight nausea and it lasted only for a short period of time. Anyway, we finally made it to camp at 10,500 feet. The weather was really nice and a bit warmer, between about 45 to 50 degrees or more. What a difference from the night before! We all had a good meal and rested, as we had been hiking downhill for over 8 hours, and all of our legs were extremely tired.\r\n\r\n<div class=\"btn-wrap\">\r\n<a href=\"/Hiking-to-the-summit-19-341-feet/\"><strong>See Photos</strong></a>\r\n<a href=\"/kilimanjaro-climb-gallery/\"><strong>View Trip Gallery</strong></a></div></div>\r\n</div>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<h3>The descent and saying goodbye</h3>\r\n<div class=\"reports-img-desc\">\r\n  <div class=\"imgbox\"></div>\r\n  <div class=\"reports-desc\"><img src=\"https://www.drfields.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/Sunriseuptop-3.jpg\" class=\"alignleft\" width=\"400\">We woke up at 6:30 AM, which was a big difference from 4 AM. Today would be our last night, and we would be saying goodbye to all the Sherpas as they would leave the trail. Only the guides would continue with us. I volunteered to be the spokesperson of the group, which meant I would be collecting the tip money and giving a short speech.\r\n\r\nAfter breakfast, the 40 or so sherpas gathered around singing and dancing. I actually joined them in the dancing, which I have a video of. I was very tired, but it was still worth it. I gave a 3-minute speech thanking every one of them for all of their hard work and dedication, and telling them that their help, whether by carrying a table, carrying sleeping bags, setting up tents, preparing food and everything else they did for us, was all very special and helped us so much.\r\n\r\nWe then set off for our last 6 to 7-hour hike downhill. Although it was not very steep, it was a dried-up river bed that was full of rocks and stones, making footing uneasy, and causing our quads to be even more on fire. I and several others had foldable walking sticks and this helped a lot. But we knew the end was coming, so we just kept going. We stopped for lunch and continued on. After about 7 hours, we saw the base camp. Nothing could be sweeter! I signed out at the Ranger station and basically collapsed into the waiting truck. There were a lot of campers and hikers ending in this same area, so they drove us about 20 minutes away.\r\n\r\nWe had some lunch and then drove the rest of the way back to the lodge, which was a beautiful hotel about half an hour outside of Arusha on an old coffee plantation. Everybody had their own cabin. For the first time in 9 days, I took a shower. It was wonderful! Then we all gathered with the two guides and I said a few more words to represent the group. We had a nice dinner, and then two people left for the airport by 7 PM. That night, was my first night of sleep in a bed, after 9 days. It was fantastic! The mission was accomplished!\r\n\r\n<div class=\"btn-wrap\">\r\n<a href=\"/Sunrise-up-top-and-heading-down\"><strong>See Photos</strong></a>\r\n<a href=\"/kilimanjaro-climb-gallery/\"><strong>View Trip Gallery</strong></a>\r\n</div></div>\r\n</div>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<h2>Kilimanjaro Was Amazing! Final Goodbyes and certificate</h2>\r\n<div class=\"reports-img-desc\">\r\n  <div class=\"imgbox\"></div>\r\n  <div class=\"reports-desc\"><img src=\"https://www.drfields.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/final-goodbyes-9.jpg\" class=\"alignleft\" width=\"400\"/>Even though the trip was not exactly as described in the pamphlet, it was something I had had on my bucket list for over 10 years. It was extremely difficult at times. Some of our hikers had difficulty even moving and needed assistance. But we all persevered. I’ve done 10 Ironman races so far (now 11!), which require monumental training. But the long hike up to the crater from 16,800 feet to 18,400, with the subsequent day of summiting, followed by the 9,000-foot descent, were some of the hardest things that I’ve ever done. And that includes all my Ironman competitions.\r\n\r\nYou just can’t imagine what it’s like trying to move at that altitude. As I said before, it is similar to having a paper bag over your head and trying to grasp for air. There were times I took two or three steps and then had to pause for 15 or 20 seconds just to get my heart rate and breathing back down, repeating that again and again and again. Never looking ahead, only down, because sometimes ten feet took 45-60 seconds to hike. All this while enduring the sub-freezing temperature, the blowing snow, and the wind chill factors. Nothing but grit and determination to keep you going. But the views were spectacular and the feeling of being literally on top of the world made it all worth it.\r\n\r\nI’ll continue to enjoy my Ironman triathlons and continue to do them as long as I can. But as far as hiking up a mountain to 19,341 feet, this will be my one and only time! It’s a tremendous accomplishment, but something I would not want to repeat.\r\n\r\n<div class=\"btn-wrap\">\r\n<a href=\"/Final-goodbyes-and-certificates\"><strong>See Photos</strong></a>\r\n<a href=\"/kilimanjaro-climb-gallery/\"><strong>View Trip Gallery</strong></a>\r\n</div></div>\r\n</div>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<div class=\"video-flex-wrap\">\r\n<div class=\"video-box\">\r\n[video poster=\"https://www.drfields.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/Dancing.png\" width=\"352\" height=\"640\" mp4=\"https://www.drfields.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/DANCING-v3.mp4\"][/video]\r\n</div>\r\n<div class=\"video-box\">\r\n<img src=\"https://www.drfields.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/final-goodbyes-1.jpg\">\r\n</div>\r\n</div>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<h3 style=\"text-align: center;\">Thank You to Everyone Who Made Kilimanjaro A Possibility!</h3>\r\nThank you to everyone that sent me well wishes before, during, and after my climb. It meant so much!\r\n\r\nI also thank my parents who gave me the will and determination to achieve all the goals in my life, no matter how hard they are.\r\nThey always ingrained this determination in me and encouraged me to just put my head down and keep going to achieve my goals.\r\nAs I said above, they were with me the whole way and always will be.\r\n\r\nThank you for taking the time to read this. I hope this will inspire you that if a goal is desired, to just put your head down and keep going no matter how difficult it may seem.\r\n<div class=\"btn-wrap\">\r\n<a href=\"/kilimanjaro-climb-gallery/\"><strong>View Trip Gallery</strong></a>\r\n</div>\r\n\r\n<strong>Peter A. Fields, MD, DC </strong>\r\n<strong>The Athletic Doc<sup>®</sup></strong>\r\n\r\n<a href=\"https://www.drfields.com/about/the-athletic-doc/about-the-athletic-doc/\">Click here</a> to find out more about <strong>The Athletic Doc<sup>® </sup></strong>','Report of My Kilimanjaro Climb','','inherit','closed','closed','','2208-revision-v1','','','2022-07-27 04:26:51','2022-07-27 04:26:51','',2208,'https://www.drfields.com/?p=5408',0,'revision','',0),(5409,8,'2022-07-27 04:28:32','2022-07-27 04:28:32','<h1>Report of My Kilimanjaro Climb</h1>\r\n<em>By Peter A. Fields, MD, DC</em>\r\n\r\nAfter waiting ten years with this on my bucket list, I finally was going to climb Kilimanjaro.\r\n<h3>Getting to Mount Kilimanjaro</h3>\r\n<div class=\"reports-img-desc\">\r\n<div class=\"imgbox\"><img class=\"alignleft\" src=\"https://www.drfields.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/20190210_061752.jpg\" alt=\"\" /></div>\r\n<div class=\"reports-desc\">\r\n\r\nThe trip to Kilimanjaro began with an 11-hour flight to London where I had a 36-hour layover. Saw \"Tina, The Musical\" (life and times of Tina Turner). Great show.  Then 9 ½ hour flight to Nairobi, where I spent 24 hours so I was able to see the city. Then a one-hour flight to Kilimanjaro, Tanzania. My arrival at Kilimanjaro airport was on Sunday night. This was followed by a two-and-a-half-hour ride, with half of it on a very bumpy dirt road, before reaching the destination at the base camp. Since it was almost midnight, I went straight to my tent, which was quite luxurious for camping, and included a sink, a bathroom, and even a shower. I took advantage of a quick shower and went straight to bed.\r\n<div class=\"btn-wrap\"><a href=\"https://www.drfields.com/Day-1-Kiliminaro-and-base-camp-arrival\"><strong>See Photos</strong></a>\r\n<a href=\"/kilimanjaro-climb-gallery/\"><strong>View Trip Gallery</strong></a></div>\r\n</div>\r\n</div>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<h2>Kilimanjaro Pre-Hike</h2>\r\n<div class=\"reports-img-desc\">\r\n<div class=\"imgbox\"><img src=\"https://www.drfields.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/20190211_054908.jpg\" /></div>\r\n<div class=\"reports-desc\">\r\n\r\nAfter a nice breakfast, where I met the other climbers and our trek leaders, we went for a short two-hour hike just to see the local terrain. It was beautiful, with waterfalls and lots of lush plants and greenery. The guide leader went through our entire pack to make sure that we would be taking everything we needed and that everything was in good shape. The rest of the day was just spent relaxing, except for a short sunset hike of 10 minutes, where at the top of the small hill they had wine waiting for us. A pleasant surprise.\r\n<div class=\"btn-wrap\"><a href=\"/kilimanjaro-pre-hike/\"><strong>See Photos</strong></a>\r\n<a href=\"/kilimanjaro-climb-gallery/\"><strong>View Trip Gallery</strong></a></div>\r\n</div>\r\n</div>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<h2>Getting to the Trailhead and First Day Hike Towards Kilimanjaro</h2>\r\n[gallery display=\"grid\" link=\"none\" columns=\"4\" size=\"wcsquare\" ids=\"5235,5231\"]\r\n<div class=\"reports-img-desc\">\r\n<div class=\"imgbox\"></div>\r\n<div class=\"reports-desc\">\r\n\r\nAfter a two-hour ride, we arrived at the check-in point. The weather was hot enough to wear shorts and t-shirts since we were only 3 degrees off the equator. There we saw the more than 45 plus Sherpa’s that would accompany us. There were six Sherpa’s( there were six hikers) to carry each person’s clothing (colder weather gear, nighttime clothes, toiletries, etc.). Then six to carry our bedding, and tents ( double roofed for better rain protection), six would carry our food for 7 days ( three full meals a day), eight of them made up the kitchen team, another team of two would carry the oxygen and medicine, four to carry the toilets and tents over them, plus about 10 other Sherpa’s would carry all the tents, tables and chairs. There were also 10 more to carry all of the sherpa’s food and equipment.\r\n\r\nWe had to register and show our passports, and after that, we took a short 20-minute drive to the trailhead. Arriving at noon, a very nice, well-prepared lunch was ready for us. We started the hike at 7700 feet and climbed to 9300 feet. The area was mostly jungle-like, with a lot of fantastic plants, birds, and other exotic wildlife, including Colobus monkeys and other animals. When we arrived at the camp at 9300 feet, the tents were already set up, and we unpacked our gear in each individual tent, had dinner and went to sleep.\r\n<div class=\"btn-wrap\"><a href=\"/Kili-Getting-to-the-trailhead/\"><strong>See Photos</strong></a>\r\n<a href=\"/kilimanjaro-climb-gallery/\"><strong>View Trip Gallery</strong></a></div>\r\n</div>\r\n</div>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<h3>Hiking to 11,400 ft</h3>\r\n[gallery columns=\"4\" size=\"wcsquare\" display=\"grid\" link=\"file\" ids=\"5256,5261\"]\r\n<div class=\"reports-img-desc\">\r\n<div class=\"imgbox\"></div>\r\n<div class=\"reports-desc\">\r\n\r\nAt 6:30 AM we were woken up with a hot bowl of water to wash up and get ready for the day. A very full breakfast was prepared for us and then we started off to hike again. For hiking, it’s important to eat three square meals a day as well as drink a minimum of three liters of water a day. Without this exhaustion, dehydration, and more can happen. The guides made sure that we would eat a lot and consume lots of water.\r\n\r\nWe headed off on our hike up to 11,400 feet, crossing from the Montane Forest into the Hagenia Zone, where we saw many different plants and beautiful trees throughout the canyon.\r\n\r\nI felt pretty good, as I had taken Diamox, a medicine to help prevent altitude sickness. I had a Camelback-style drinking system so I was drinking copious amounts of water. At night it was cold but with the proper gear (well worth the expense!), I felt warm.\r\n<div class=\"btn-wrap\"><a href=\"/kili-hiking-to-11400-ft/\"><strong>See Photos</strong></a>\r\n<a href=\"/kilimanjaro-climb-gallery/\"><strong>View Trip Gallery</strong></a></div>\r\n</div>\r\n</div>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<h3>Hiking to 13,400 ft</h3>\r\n[gallery columns=\"4\" size=\"wcsquare\" display=\"grid\" link=\"file\" ids=\"5351,5352\"]\r\n<div class=\"reports-img-desc\">\r\n<div class=\"imgbox\"></div>\r\n<div class=\"reports-desc\">\r\n\r\nWe had another early wake-up call today and another substantial breakfast (scrambled eggs, toast, pancakes, fruit, toast, jelly, peanut butter, tea/coffee, and more. We hiked across a large plateau and gained about 2,100 feet in altitude. It was very interesting as we passed into the upper heath zone, where there were no more trees here, just a lot of different plants. And lots of volcanic rock (the last active volcano here took place over 10,000 years ago).\r\n\r\nThe hiking was very slow and consistent, as they say in Swahili, “Poli, Poli.” Again I felt very good when arriving at Moir camp at 13,500 feet. We had beautiful views of the mountain as the clouds moved away. It was really spectacular!\r\n<div class=\"btn-wrap\"><a href=\"/kili-hiking-to-13400-feet/\"><strong>See Photos</strong></a>\r\n<a href=\"/kilimanjaro-climb-gallery/\"><strong>View Trip Gallery</strong></a></div>\r\n</div>\r\n</div>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<h3>Kili Hiking to 15,500 feet</h3>\r\n[gallery columns=\"4\" size=\"wcsquare\" display=\"grid\" link=\"file\" ids=\"5271,5270\"]\r\n<div class=\"reports-img-desc\">\r\n<div class=\"imgbox\"></div>\r\n<div class=\"reports-desc\">\r\n\r\nWe woke up again at 6:30 AM, had breakfast at 7, and were hiking by 7:30. Today was a shorter hike of only 3.1 miles, but we did climb 2000 feet. It was slow in some parts and the steep sections were even slower. Finally, we arrived at camp after hiking for only 2 hours and 20 minutes. We were now at 15,500 feet. The air is very thin, so with every step you take, you have to think about it. But when we arrived at camp, everything seemed to settle down. During the afternoon there was a hale storm that turned into snow, so everybody went into their tents. I probably took a 3-hour well-needed nap. After a good dinner, we all went to bed, but not until we viewed the beautiful skies at 15,500 feet in the southern hemisphere.\r\n<div class=\"btn-wrap\"><a href=\"/kili-hiking-to-15500-feet/\"><strong>See Photos</strong></a>\r\n<a href=\"/kilimanjaro-climb-gallery/\"><strong>View Trip Gallery</strong></a></div>\r\n</div>\r\n</div>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<h3>Getting to camp at 16,500 ft</h3>\r\n[gallery columns=\"4\" size=\"wcsquare\" display=\"grid\" link=\"file\" ids=\"5291,5283\"]\r\n<div class=\"reports-img-desc\">\r\n<div class=\"imgbox\"></div>\r\n<div class=\"reports-desc\">\r\n\r\nWe had the usual wake-up call at 6:30 AM and were on the trail by 7:30. It snowed during the night, but only half an inch or so, making everything white and beautiful. The good news is this meant it was right around 32 degrees. The sun came out, so it was warm when we hiked but a little bit cooler when clouds were overhead. Plus with the altitude (lots of breathing) and hiking effort, one was rarely cold. Today’s hike was only 1,000 feet of climbing and a short hike to the base camp. The big hike tomorrow will only be about an hour and 20 minutes, but it will be over a lot of rocks and boulders and will be steep in some places. We arrived at the base camp around 10:30 – 11 in the morning. We were supposed to go for a short hike from there without our packs but it started snowing for over an hour, so that was canceled. Tomorrow morning, we will have a 4 AM wake-up call in anticipation of a 2,300-foot elevation climb up to 18,650 feet.\r\n<div class=\"btn-wrap\"><a href=\"/16-500-feet-to-18-400/\"><strong>See Photos</strong></a>\r\n<a href=\"/kilimanjaro-climb-gallery/\"><strong>View Trip Gallery</strong></a></div>\r\n</div>\r\n</div>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<h3>Kilimanjaro Final Camp At 18,500 Feet</h3>\r\n[gallery columns=\"4\" size=\"wcsquare\" display=\"grid\" link=\"file\" ids=\"5292,5293\"]\r\n<div class=\"reports-img-desc\">\r\n<div class=\"imgbox\"></div>\r\n<div class=\"reports-desc\">\r\n\r\nWake-up call at 4 AM and breakfast at 4:30. The slow group left at 5. We (my hiking partner, myself, and our guide) left about 5:30. At this altitude of over 16,000 feet, everyone moves very slowly. The first little part was steep and slightly snow-covered, but then it got extremely steep and no longer covered in snow.\r\n\r\nWe climbed 2,400 feet over 2.6 miles. The first hour was in the dark, but we all had headlamps. It was very rocky and we had to use our hands sometimes to climb. We ran into a few other tours on the trail and all of us had to cut across a mountainside since the snow had obliterated the trail the night before.\r\n\r\nWe were now over 17, 000 feet. One of the guides from another tour (all the guides know each other) had a pickaxe and so he chopped thru the snow to make it easier on our footing. Even so, it was very slippery. There were times we had to use all four extremities to climb, even kneeling on the next step up because the step was too high to reach with our foot. Breathing was becoming more and more labored and it was difficult to catch our breath in the thinning air.\r\n\r\nWhen we stopped at 18,000 feet for a snack and water, we thought the worst was over, but that wasn’t the case. The next 500 feet were very rocky and slippery, and that along with the very thin air meant we had to take three or four steps before needing to stop for a break. Like having a bag over your head and pulling for each breath.\r\n\r\nFinally, we reached the craters ridge and were very happy. These are remnants of glaciers that once covered this entire valley. The whole valley was snow-covered and looked like we were walking in a desert. When we arrived, we were not allowed to lie down in our tents for about a good hour because we needed to let our bodies acclimate to the thin air at 18,600 feet.\r\n\r\nAfter that, we enjoyed a well-deserved nap before an early dinner because we would be getting up again at 4 AM to climb to the top of Kilimanjaro!\r\n<div class=\"btn-wrap\"><a href=\"/kilimanjaro-final-camp-at-18500-feet/\"><strong>See Photos</strong></a>\r\n<a href=\"/kilimanjaro-climb-gallery/\"><strong>View Trip Gallery</strong></a></div>\r\n</div>\r\n</div>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<h2>Climbing To The Top Of Kilimanjaro 19,341 Ft/5895 Meters And Beginning The Descent</h2>\r\n[gallery columns=\"4\" size=\"wcsquare\" display=\"grid\" link=\"file\" ids=\"5331,5372\"]\r\n<div class=\"reports-img-desc\">\r\n<div class=\"imgbox\"></div>\r\n<div class=\"reports-desc\">\r\n\r\nThe night was extremely cold, with ground temperatures probably down to zero degrees Fahrenheit. We did everything to keep ourselves warm! I laid my down jacket on top of my sleeping bag (which was rated to zero degrees), plus I had a liner inside the sleeping bag which gave me an additional 25 degrees of warmth. I am definitely not a cold weather person but with the right gear, it was not too bad.\r\n\r\nWe were woken up at 4 AM. After eating and packing our stuff (only our personal things; the Sherpa took care of the sleeping bag and tent each morning and night), we were off for a 75-minute climb, basically straight up and extremely cold. Fortunately, I had bought the best mittens ever and my hands were not cold. Nonetheless, my legs and face took the brunt of it, and we moved very, very slowly. 10 feet could take several minutes. After a very hard, straight-up climbing, we had to cross a flat plane to the actual top of the mountain. The wind was blowing like crazy. The air temp was around minus 10 Fahrenheit with the wind chill probably down to negative 45 or 50 Fahrenheit. But all 6 of us had made it. It was a special feeling…an unbelievable feeling!\r\n\r\nI always carry some ashes of my parents no matter where I travel in this world. And since this was a very special place, I quietly said a prayer, took off my mittens (brrr), and sprinkled some of their ashes at the top. They had made it the whole way with me!\r\n\r\nWe took our pictures and then had to get going due to the intense winds and brutal cold. Fortunately, we summited very early and there were only one or two other groups at the top. Later on, there would be at least 50-100 people. We saw a gorgeous sunrise since it was shortly before 7 in the morning. We were almost on the equator, and sunrise and sunsets are always at around 6:30 to 7 am without much variation from season to season.\r\n\r\nImmediately, once we started to go down, we could feel the release of pressure in our lungs and chest. The descent and decreasing pressure made it a lot easier on our lungs, plus it was now all downhill. After an hour or two, our quads really felt it, and we would be walking downhill for the next 5 to 6 hours!\r\n\r\nWe did stop for a small break for some lunch, but our appetite was low due to the altitude. Several of the hikers experienced altitude sickness on the way up, with nausea, diarrhea, headaches loss of appetite, and weakness. I felt worse while descending, but fortunately, I had only lost my appetite with slight nausea and it lasted only for a short period of time. Anyway, we finally made it to camp at 10,500 feet. The weather was really nice and a bit warmer, between about 45 to 50 degrees or more. What a difference from the night before! We all had a good meal and rested, as we had been hiking downhill for over 8 hours, and all of our legs were extremely tired.\r\n<div class=\"btn-wrap\"><a href=\"/Hiking-to-the-summit-19-341-feet/\"><strong>See Photos</strong></a>\r\n<a href=\"/kilimanjaro-climb-gallery/\"><strong>View Trip Gallery</strong></a></div>\r\n</div>\r\n</div>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<h3>The descent and saying goodbye</h3>\r\n<div class=\"reports-img-desc\">\r\n<div class=\"imgbox\"></div>\r\n<div class=\"reports-desc\">\r\n\r\n<img class=\"alignleft\" src=\"https://www.drfields.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/Sunriseuptop-3.jpg\" width=\"400\" />We woke up at 6:30 AM, which was a big difference from 4 AM. Today would be our last night, and we would be saying goodbye to all the Sherpas as they would leave the trail. Only the guides would continue with us. I volunteered to be the spokesperson of the group, which meant I would be collecting the tip money and giving a short speech.\r\n\r\nAfter breakfast, the 40 or so sherpas gathered around singing and dancing. I actually joined them in the dancing, which I have a video of. I was very tired, but it was still worth it. I gave a 3-minute speech thanking every one of them for all of their hard work and dedication, and telling them that their help, whether by carrying a table, carrying sleeping bags, setting up tents, preparing food and everything else they did for us, was all very special and helped us so much.\r\n\r\nWe then set off for our last 6 to 7-hour hike downhill. Although it was not very steep, it was a dried-up river bed that was full of rocks and stones, making footing uneasy, and causing our quads to be even more on fire. I and several others had foldable walking sticks and this helped a lot. But we knew the end was coming, so we just kept going. We stopped for lunch and continued on. After about 7 hours, we saw the base camp. Nothing could be sweeter! I signed out at the Ranger station and basically collapsed into the waiting truck. There were a lot of campers and hikers ending in this same area, so they drove us about 20 minutes away.\r\n\r\nWe had some lunch and then drove the rest of the way back to the lodge, which was a beautiful hotel about half an hour outside of Arusha on an old coffee plantation. Everybody had their own cabin. For the first time in 9 days, I took a shower. It was wonderful! Then we all gathered with the two guides and I said a few more words to represent the group. We had a nice dinner, and then two people left for the airport by 7 PM. That night, was my first night of sleep in a bed, after 9 days. It was fantastic! The mission was accomplished!\r\n<div class=\"btn-wrap\"><a href=\"/Sunrise-up-top-and-heading-down\"><strong>See Photos</strong></a>\r\n<a href=\"/kilimanjaro-climb-gallery/\"><strong>View Trip Gallery</strong></a></div>\r\n</div>\r\n</div>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<h2>Kilimanjaro Was Amazing! Final Goodbyes and certificate</h2>\r\n<div class=\"reports-img-desc\">\r\n<div class=\"imgbox\"></div>\r\n<div class=\"reports-desc\">\r\n\r\n<img class=\"alignleft\" src=\"https://www.drfields.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/final-goodbyes-9.jpg\" width=\"400\" />Even though the trip was not exactly as described in the pamphlet, it was something I had had on my bucket list for over 10 years. It was extremely difficult at times. Some of our hikers had difficulty even moving and needed assistance. But we all persevered. I’ve done 10 Ironman races so far (now 11!), which require monumental training. But the long hike up to the crater from 16,800 feet to 18,400, with the subsequent day of summiting, followed by the 9,000-foot descent, were some of the hardest things that I’ve ever done. And that includes all my Ironman competitions.\r\n\r\nYou just can’t imagine what it’s like trying to move at that altitude. As I said before, it is similar to having a paper bag over your head and trying to grasp for air. There were times I took two or three steps and then had to pause for 15 or 20 seconds just to get my heart rate and breathing back down, repeating that again and again and again. Never looking ahead, only down, because sometimes ten feet took 45-60 seconds to hike. All this while enduring the sub-freezing temperature, the blowing snow, and the wind chill factors. Nothing but grit and determination to keep you going. But the views were spectacular and the feeling of being literally on top of the world made it all worth it.\r\n\r\nI’ll continue to enjoy my Ironman triathlons and continue to do them as long as I can. But as far as hiking up a mountain to 19,341 feet, this will be my one and only time! It’s a tremendous accomplishment, but something I would not want to repeat.\r\n<div class=\"btn-wrap\"><a href=\"/Final-goodbyes-and-certificates\"><strong>See Photos</strong></a>\r\n<a href=\"/kilimanjaro-climb-gallery/\"><strong>View Trip Gallery</strong></a></div>\r\n</div>\r\n</div>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<div class=\"video-flex-wrap\">\r\n<div class=\"video-box\">\r\n\r\n[video poster=\"https://www.drfields.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/Dancing.png\" width=\"352\" height=\"640\" mp4=\"https://www.drfields.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/DANCING-v3.mp4\"][/video]\r\n\r\n</div>\r\n<div class=\"video-box\"><img src=\"https://www.drfields.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/final-goodbyes-1.jpg\" /></div>\r\n</div>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<h3 style=\"text-align: center;\">Thank You to Everyone Who Made Kilimanjaro A Possibility!</h3>\r\nThank you to everyone that sent me well wishes before, during, and after my climb. It meant so much!\r\n\r\nI also thank my parents who gave me the will and determination to achieve all the goals in my life, no matter how hard they are.\r\nThey always ingrained this determination in me and encouraged me to just put my head down and keep going to achieve my goals.\r\nAs I said above, they were with me the whole way and always will be.\r\n\r\nThank you for taking the time to read this. I hope this will inspire you that if a goal is desired, to just put your head down and keep going no matter how difficult it may seem.\r\n<div class=\"btn-wrap\"><a href=\"/kilimanjaro-climb-gallery/\"><strong>View Trip Gallery</strong></a></div>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<strong>Peter A. Fields, MD, DC </strong>\r\n<strong>The Athletic Doc<sup>®</sup></strong>\r\n\r\n<a href=\"https://www.drfields.com/about/the-athletic-doc/about-the-athletic-doc/\">Click here</a> to find out more about <strong>The Athletic Doc<sup>® </sup></strong>','Report of My Kilimanjaro Climb','','inherit','closed','closed','','2208-revision-v1','','','2022-07-27 04:28:32','2022-07-27 04:28:32','',2208,'https://www.drfields.com/?p=5409',0,'revision','',0),(5410,8,'2022-07-27 04:42:06','2022-07-27 04:42:06','<h1 class=\"heading-style\">Report of My Kilimanjaro Climb</h1>\r\n<em>By Peter A. Fields, MD, DC</em>\r\n\r\nAfter waiting ten years with this on my bucket list, I finally was going to climb Kilimanjaro.\r\n<h3 class=\"heading-style\">Getting to Mount Kilimanjaro</h3>\r\n<div class=\"reports-img-desc\">\r\n<div class=\"imgbox\"><img class=\"alignleft\" src=\"https://www.drfields.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/20190210_061752.jpg\" alt=\"\" /></div>\r\n<div class=\"reports-desc\">\r\n\r\nThe trip to Kilimanjaro began with an 11-hour flight to London where I had a 36-hour layover. Saw \"Tina, The Musical\" (life and times of Tina Turner). Great show.  Then 9 ½ hour flight to Nairobi, where I spent 24 hours so I was able to see the city. Then a one-hour flight to Kilimanjaro, Tanzania. My arrival at Kilimanjaro airport was on Sunday night. This was followed by a two-and-a-half-hour ride, with half of it on a very bumpy dirt road, before reaching the destination at the base camp. Since it was almost midnight, I went straight to my tent, which was quite luxurious for camping, and included a sink, a bathroom, and even a shower. I took advantage of a quick shower and went straight to bed.\r\n<div class=\"btn-wrap\"><a href=\"https://www.drfields.com/Day-1-Kiliminaro-and-base-camp-arrival\"><strong>See Photos</strong></a>\r\n<a href=\"/kilimanjaro-climb-gallery/\"><strong>View Trip Gallery</strong></a></div>\r\n</div>\r\n</div>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<h2 class=\"heading-style\">Kilimanjaro Pre-Hike</h2>\r\n<div class=\"reports-img-desc\">\r\n<div class=\"imgbox\"><img src=\"https://www.drfields.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/20190211_054908.jpg\" /></div>\r\n<div class=\"reports-desc\">\r\n\r\nAfter a nice breakfast, where I met the other climbers and our trek leaders, we went for a short two-hour hike just to see the local terrain. It was beautiful, with waterfalls and lots of lush plants and greenery. The guide leader went through our entire pack to make sure that we would be taking everything we needed and that everything was in good shape. The rest of the day was just spent relaxing, except for a short sunset hike of 10 minutes, where at the top of the small hill they had wine waiting for us. A pleasant surprise.\r\n<div class=\"btn-wrap\"><a href=\"/kilimanjaro-pre-hike/\"><strong>See Photos</strong></a>\r\n<a href=\"/kilimanjaro-climb-gallery/\"><strong>View Trip Gallery</strong></a></div>\r\n</div>\r\n</div>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<h2 class=\"heading-style\">Getting to the Trailhead and First Day Hike Towards Kilimanjaro</h2>\r\n[gallery display=\"grid\" link=\"none\" columns=\"4\" size=\"wcsquare\" ids=\"5235,5231\"]\r\n<div class=\"reports-img-desc\">\r\n<div class=\"imgbox\"></div>\r\n<div class=\"reports-desc\">\r\n\r\nAfter a two-hour ride, we arrived at the check-in point. The weather was hot enough to wear shorts and t-shirts since we were only 3 degrees off the equator. There we saw the more than 45 plus Sherpa’s that would accompany us. There were six Sherpa’s( there were six hikers) to carry each person’s clothing (colder weather gear, nighttime clothes, toiletries, etc.). Then six to carry our bedding, and tents ( double roofed for better rain protection), six would carry our food for 7 days ( three full meals a day), eight of them made up the kitchen team, another team of two would carry the oxygen and medicine, four to carry the toilets and tents over them, plus about 10 other Sherpa’s would carry all the tents, tables and chairs. There were also 10 more to carry all of the sherpa’s food and equipment.\r\n\r\nWe had to register and show our passports, and after that, we took a short 20-minute drive to the trailhead. Arriving at noon, a very nice, well-prepared lunch was ready for us. We started the hike at 7700 feet and climbed to 9300 feet. The area was mostly jungle-like, with a lot of fantastic plants, birds, and other exotic wildlife, including Colobus monkeys and other animals. When we arrived at the camp at 9300 feet, the tents were already set up, and we unpacked our gear in each individual tent, had dinner and went to sleep.\r\n<div class=\"btn-wrap\"><a href=\"/Kili-Getting-to-the-trailhead/\"><strong>See Photos</strong></a>\r\n<a href=\"/kilimanjaro-climb-gallery/\"><strong>View Trip Gallery</strong></a></div>\r\n</div>\r\n</div>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<h3 class=\"heading-style\">Hiking to 11,400 ft</h3>\r\n[gallery columns=\"4\" size=\"wcsquare\" display=\"grid\" link=\"file\" ids=\"5256,5261\"]\r\n<div class=\"reports-img-desc\">\r\n<div class=\"imgbox\"></div>\r\n<div class=\"reports-desc\">\r\n\r\nAt 6:30 AM we were woken up with a hot bowl of water to wash up and get ready for the day. A very full breakfast was prepared for us and then we started off to hike again. For hiking, it’s important to eat three square meals a day as well as drink a minimum of three liters of water a day. Without this exhaustion, dehydration, and more can happen. The guides made sure that we would eat a lot and consume lots of water.\r\n\r\nWe headed off on our hike up to 11,400 feet, crossing from the Montane Forest into the Hagenia Zone, where we saw many different plants and beautiful trees throughout the canyon.\r\n\r\nI felt pretty good, as I had taken Diamox, a medicine to help prevent altitude sickness. I had a Camelback-style drinking system so I was drinking copious amounts of water. At night it was cold but with the proper gear (well worth the expense!), I felt warm.\r\n<div class=\"btn-wrap\"><a href=\"/kili-hiking-to-11400-ft/\"><strong>See Photos</strong></a>\r\n<a href=\"/kilimanjaro-climb-gallery/\"><strong>View Trip Gallery</strong></a></div>\r\n</div>\r\n</div>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<h3 class=\"heading-style\">Hiking to 13,400 ft</h3>\r\n[gallery columns=\"4\" size=\"wcsquare\" display=\"grid\" link=\"file\" ids=\"5351,5352\"]\r\n<div class=\"reports-img-desc\">\r\n<div class=\"imgbox\"></div>\r\n<div class=\"reports-desc\">\r\n\r\nWe had another early wake-up call today and another substantial breakfast (scrambled eggs, toast, pancakes, fruit, toast, jelly, peanut butter, tea/coffee, and more. We hiked across a large plateau and gained about 2,100 feet in altitude. It was very interesting as we passed into the upper heath zone, where there were no more trees here, just a lot of different plants. And lots of volcanic rock (the last active volcano here took place over 10,000 years ago).\r\n\r\nThe hiking was very slow and consistent, as they say in Swahili, “Poli, Poli.” Again I felt very good when arriving at Moir camp at 13,500 feet. We had beautiful views of the mountain as the clouds moved away. It was really spectacular!\r\n<div class=\"btn-wrap\"><a href=\"/kili-hiking-to-13400-feet/\"><strong>See Photos</strong></a>\r\n<a href=\"/kilimanjaro-climb-gallery/\"><strong>View Trip Gallery</strong></a></div>\r\n</div>\r\n</div>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<h3 class=\"heading-style\">Kili Hiking to 15,500 feet</h3>\r\n[gallery columns=\"4\" size=\"wcsquare\" display=\"grid\" link=\"file\" ids=\"5271,5270\"]\r\n<div class=\"reports-img-desc\">\r\n<div class=\"imgbox\"></div>\r\n<div class=\"reports-desc\">\r\n\r\nWe woke up again at 6:30 AM, had breakfast at 7, and were hiking by 7:30. Today was a shorter hike of only 3.1 miles, but we did climb 2000 feet. It was slow in some parts and the steep sections were even slower. Finally, we arrived at camp after hiking for only 2 hours and 20 minutes. We were now at 15,500 feet. The air is very thin, so with every step you take, you have to think about it. But when we arrived at camp, everything seemed to settle down. During the afternoon there was a hale storm that turned into snow, so everybody went into their tents. I probably took a 3-hour well-needed nap. After a good dinner, we all went to bed, but not until we viewed the beautiful skies at 15,500 feet in the southern hemisphere.\r\n<div class=\"btn-wrap\"><a href=\"/kili-hiking-to-15500-feet/\"><strong>See Photos</strong></a>\r\n<a href=\"/kilimanjaro-climb-gallery/\"><strong>View Trip Gallery</strong></a></div>\r\n</div>\r\n</div>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<h3 class=\"heading-style\">Getting to camp at 16,500 ft</h3>\r\n[gallery columns=\"4\" size=\"wcsquare\" display=\"grid\" link=\"file\" ids=\"5291,5283\"]\r\n<div class=\"reports-img-desc\">\r\n<div class=\"imgbox\"></div>\r\n<div class=\"reports-desc\">\r\n\r\nWe had the usual wake-up call at 6:30 AM and were on the trail by 7:30. It snowed during the night, but only half an inch or so, making everything white and beautiful. The good news is this meant it was right around 32 degrees. The sun came out, so it was warm when we hiked but a little bit cooler when clouds were overhead. Plus with the altitude (lots of breathing) and hiking effort, one was rarely cold. Today’s hike was only 1,000 feet of climbing and a short hike to the base camp. The big hike tomorrow will only be about an hour and 20 minutes, but it will be over a lot of rocks and boulders and will be steep in some places. We arrived at the base camp around 10:30 – 11 in the morning. We were supposed to go for a short hike from there without our packs but it started snowing for over an hour, so that was canceled. Tomorrow morning, we will have a 4 AM wake-up call in anticipation of a 2,300-foot elevation climb up to 18,650 feet.\r\n<div class=\"btn-wrap\"><a href=\"/16-500-feet-to-18-400/\"><strong>See Photos</strong></a>\r\n<a href=\"/kilimanjaro-climb-gallery/\"><strong>View Trip Gallery</strong></a></div>\r\n</div>\r\n</div>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<h3 class=\"heading-style\">Kilimanjaro Final Camp At 18,500 Feet</h3>\r\n[gallery columns=\"4\" size=\"wcsquare\" display=\"grid\" link=\"file\" ids=\"5292,5293\"]\r\n<div class=\"reports-img-desc\">\r\n<div class=\"imgbox\"></div>\r\n<div class=\"reports-desc\">\r\n\r\nWake-up call at 4 AM and breakfast at 4:30. The slow group left at 5. We (my hiking partner, myself, and our guide) left about 5:30. At this altitude of over 16,000 feet, everyone moves very slowly. The first little part was steep and slightly snow-covered, but then it got extremely steep and no longer covered in snow.\r\n\r\nWe climbed 2,400 feet over 2.6 miles. The first hour was in the dark, but we all had headlamps. It was very rocky and we had to use our hands sometimes to climb. We ran into a few other tours on the trail and all of us had to cut across a mountainside since the snow had obliterated the trail the night before.\r\n\r\nWe were now over 17, 000 feet. One of the guides from another tour (all the guides know each other) had a pickaxe and so he chopped thru the snow to make it easier on our footing. Even so, it was very slippery. There were times we had to use all four extremities to climb, even kneeling on the next step up because the step was too high to reach with our foot. Breathing was becoming more and more labored and it was difficult to catch our breath in the thinning air.\r\n\r\nWhen we stopped at 18,000 feet for a snack and water, we thought the worst was over, but that wasn’t the case. The next 500 feet were very rocky and slippery, and that along with the very thin air meant we had to take three or four steps before needing to stop for a break. Like having a bag over your head and pulling for each breath.\r\n\r\nFinally, we reached the craters ridge and were very happy. These are remnants of glaciers that once covered this entire valley. The whole valley was snow-covered and looked like we were walking in a desert. When we arrived, we were not allowed to lie down in our tents for about a good hour because we needed to let our bodies acclimate to the thin air at 18,600 feet.\r\n\r\nAfter that, we enjoyed a well-deserved nap before an early dinner because we would be getting up again at 4 AM to climb to the top of Kilimanjaro!\r\n<div class=\"btn-wrap\"><a href=\"/kilimanjaro-final-camp-at-18500-feet/\"><strong>See Photos</strong></a>\r\n<a href=\"/kilimanjaro-climb-gallery/\"><strong>View Trip Gallery</strong></a></div>\r\n</div>\r\n</div>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<h2 class=\"heading-style\">Climbing To The Top Of Kilimanjaro 19,341 Ft/5895 Meters And Beginning The Descent</h2>\r\n[gallery columns=\"4\" size=\"wcsquare\" display=\"grid\" link=\"file\" ids=\"5331,5372\"]\r\n<div class=\"reports-img-desc\">\r\n<div class=\"imgbox\"></div>\r\n<div class=\"reports-desc\">\r\n\r\nThe night was extremely cold, with ground temperatures probably down to zero degrees Fahrenheit. We did everything to keep ourselves warm! I laid my down jacket on top of my sleeping bag (which was rated to zero degrees), plus I had a liner inside the sleeping bag which gave me an additional 25 degrees of warmth. I am definitely not a cold weather person but with the right gear, it was not too bad.\r\n\r\nWe were woken up at 4 AM. After eating and packing our stuff (only our personal things; the Sherpa took care of the sleeping bag and tent each morning and night), we were off for a 75-minute climb, basically straight up and extremely cold. Fortunately, I had bought the best mittens ever and my hands were not cold. Nonetheless, my legs and face took the brunt of it, and we moved very, very slowly. 10 feet could take several minutes. After a very hard, straight-up climbing, we had to cross a flat plane to the actual top of the mountain. The wind was blowing like crazy. The air temp was around minus 10 Fahrenheit with the wind chill probably down to negative 45 or 50 Fahrenheit. But all 6 of us had made it. It was a special feeling…an unbelievable feeling!\r\n\r\nI always carry some ashes of my parents no matter where I travel in this world. And since this was a very special place, I quietly said a prayer, took off my mittens (brrr), and sprinkled some of their ashes at the top. They had made it the whole way with me!\r\n\r\nWe took our pictures and then had to get going due to the intense winds and brutal cold. Fortunately, we summited very early and there were only one or two other groups at the top. Later on, there would be at least 50-100 people. We saw a gorgeous sunrise since it was shortly before 7 in the morning. We were almost on the equator, and sunrise and sunsets are always at around 6:30 to 7 am without much variation from season to season.\r\n\r\nImmediately, once we started to go down, we could feel the release of pressure in our lungs and chest. The descent and decreasing pressure made it a lot easier on our lungs, plus it was now all downhill. After an hour or two, our quads really felt it, and we would be walking downhill for the next 5 to 6 hours!\r\n\r\nWe did stop for a small break for some lunch, but our appetite was low due to the altitude. Several of the hikers experienced altitude sickness on the way up, with nausea, diarrhea, headaches loss of appetite, and weakness. I felt worse while descending, but fortunately, I had only lost my appetite with slight nausea and it lasted only for a short period of time. Anyway, we finally made it to camp at 10,500 feet. The weather was really nice and a bit warmer, between about 45 to 50 degrees or more. What a difference from the night before! We all had a good meal and rested, as we had been hiking downhill for over 8 hours, and all of our legs were extremely tired.\r\n<div class=\"btn-wrap\"><a href=\"/Hiking-to-the-summit-19-341-feet/\"><strong>See Photos</strong></a>\r\n<a href=\"/kilimanjaro-climb-gallery/\"><strong>View Trip Gallery</strong></a></div>\r\n</div>\r\n</div>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<h3 class=\"heading-style\">The descent and saying goodbye</h3>\r\n<div class=\"reports-img-desc\">\r\n<div class=\"imgbox\"></div>\r\n<div class=\"reports-desc\">\r\n\r\n<img class=\"alignleft\" src=\"https://www.drfields.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/Sunriseuptop-3.jpg\" width=\"400\" />We woke up at 6:30 AM, which was a big difference from 4 AM. Today would be our last night, and we would be saying goodbye to all the Sherpas as they would leave the trail. Only the guides would continue with us. I volunteered to be the spokesperson of the group, which meant I would be collecting the tip money and giving a short speech.\r\n\r\nAfter breakfast, the 40 or so sherpas gathered around singing and dancing. I actually joined them in the dancing, which I have a video of. I was very tired, but it was still worth it. I gave a 3-minute speech thanking every one of them for all of their hard work and dedication, and telling them that their help, whether by carrying a table, carrying sleeping bags, setting up tents, preparing food and everything else they did for us, was all very special and helped us so much.\r\n\r\nWe then set off for our last 6 to 7-hour hike downhill. Although it was not very steep, it was a dried-up river bed that was full of rocks and stones, making footing uneasy, and causing our quads to be even more on fire. I and several others had foldable walking sticks and this helped a lot. But we knew the end was coming, so we just kept going. We stopped for lunch and continued on. After about 7 hours, we saw the base camp. Nothing could be sweeter! I signed out at the Ranger station and basically collapsed into the waiting truck. There were a lot of campers and hikers ending in this same area, so they drove us about 20 minutes away.\r\n\r\nWe had some lunch and then drove the rest of the way back to the lodge, which was a beautiful hotel about half an hour outside of Arusha on an old coffee plantation. Everybody had their own cabin. For the first time in 9 days, I took a shower. It was wonderful! Then we all gathered with the two guides and I said a few more words to represent the group. We had a nice dinner, and then two people left for the airport by 7 PM. That night, was my first night of sleep in a bed, after 9 days. It was fantastic! The mission was accomplished!\r\n<div class=\"btn-wrap\"><a href=\"/Sunrise-up-top-and-heading-down\"><strong>See Photos</strong></a>\r\n<a href=\"/kilimanjaro-climb-gallery/\"><strong>View Trip Gallery</strong></a></div>\r\n</div>\r\n</div>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<h2 class=\"heading-style\">Kilimanjaro Was Amazing! Final Goodbyes and certificate</h2>\r\n<div class=\"reports-img-desc\">\r\n<div class=\"imgbox\"></div>\r\n<div class=\"reports-desc\">\r\n\r\n<img class=\"alignleft\" src=\"https://www.drfields.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/final-goodbyes-9.jpg\" width=\"400\" />Even though the trip was not exactly as described in the pamphlet, it was something I had had on my bucket list for over 10 years. It was extremely difficult at times. Some of our hikers had difficulty even moving and needed assistance. But we all persevered. I’ve done 10 Ironman races so far (now 11!), which require monumental training. But the long hike up to the crater from 16,800 feet to 18,400, with the subsequent day of summiting, followed by the 9,000-foot descent, were some of the hardest things that I’ve ever done. And that includes all my Ironman competitions.\r\n\r\nYou just can’t imagine what it’s like trying to move at that altitude. As I said before, it is similar to having a paper bag over your head and trying to grasp for air. There were times I took two or three steps and then had to pause for 15 or 20 seconds just to get my heart rate and breathing back down, repeating that again and again and again. Never looking ahead, only down, because sometimes ten feet took 45-60 seconds to hike. All this while enduring the sub-freezing temperature, the blowing snow, and the wind chill factors. Nothing but grit and determination to keep you going. But the views were spectacular and the feeling of being literally on top of the world made it all worth it.\r\n\r\nI’ll continue to enjoy my Ironman triathlons and continue to do them as long as I can. But as far as hiking up a mountain to 19,341 feet, this will be my one and only time! It’s a tremendous accomplishment, but something I would not want to repeat.\r\n<div class=\"btn-wrap\"><a href=\"/Final-goodbyes-and-certificates\"><strong>See Photos</strong></a>\r\n<a href=\"/kilimanjaro-climb-gallery/\"><strong>View Trip Gallery</strong></a></div>\r\n</div>\r\n</div>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<div class=\"video-flex-wrap\">\r\n<div class=\"video-box\">\r\n\r\n[video poster=\"https://www.drfields.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/Dancing.png\" width=\"352\" height=\"640\" mp4=\"https://www.drfields.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/DANCING-v3.mp4\"][/video]\r\n\r\n</div>\r\n<div class=\"video-box\"><img src=\"https://www.drfields.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/final-goodbyes-1.jpg\" /></div>\r\n</div>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<h3 class=\"heading-style\" style=\"text-align: center;\">Thank You to Everyone Who Made Kilimanjaro A Possibility!</h3>\r\nThank you to everyone that sent me well wishes before, during, and after my climb. It meant so much!\r\n\r\nI also thank my parents who gave me the will and determination to achieve all the goals in my life, no matter how hard they are.\r\nThey always ingrained this determination in me and encouraged me to just put my head down and keep going to achieve my goals.\r\nAs I said above, they were with me the whole way and always will be.\r\n\r\nThank you for taking the time to read this. I hope this will inspire you that if a goal is desired, to just put your head down and keep going no matter how difficult it may seem.\r\n<div class=\"btn-wrap\"><a href=\"/kilimanjaro-climb-gallery/\"><strong>View Trip Gallery</strong></a></div>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<strong>Peter A. Fields, MD, DC </strong>\r\n<strong>The Athletic Doc<sup>®</sup></strong>\r\n\r\n<a href=\"https://www.drfields.com/about/the-athletic-doc/about-the-athletic-doc/\">Click here</a> to find out more about <strong>The Athletic Doc<sup>® </sup></strong>','Report of My Kilimanjaro Climb','','inherit','closed','closed','','2208-revision-v1','','','2022-07-27 04:42:06','2022-07-27 04:42:06','',2208,'https://www.drfields.com/?p=5410',0,'revision','',0),(5411,8,'2022-07-27 04:43:35','2022-07-27 04:43:35','<h2 class=\"heading-style\">Kilimanjaro Arrival- 1st day pre hike camp</h2>\r\n[gallery columns=\"4\" size=\"wcsquare\" display=\"grid\" link=\"file\" ids=\"5200,5199,5201,5202,5203,5204,5205,5206\"]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<h2 class=\"heading-style\">Kilimanjaro Pre-Hike</h2>\r\n[gallery columns=\"4\" size=\"wcsquare\" display=\"grid\" link=\"file\" captions=\"hide\" ids=\"5216,5217,5218,5219,5220\"]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<h2 class=\"heading-style\">Kilimanjaro- Getting to the trailhead</h2>\r\n[gallery columns=\"4\" size=\"wcsquare\" display=\"grid\" link=\"file\" captions=\"hide\" ids=\"5230,5231,5233,5234\"]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<h2 class=\"heading-style\">Kilimanjaro- First Day hike</h2>\r\n[gallery columns=\"4\" size=\"wcsquare\" display=\"grid\" link=\"file\" captions=\"hide\" ids=\"5235,5236,5237,5238,5239,5242,5243,5244,5245,5246\"]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<h2 class=\"heading-style\">Kilimanjaro Hiking to 11,400 ft</h2>\r\n[gallery columns=\"4\" size=\"wcsquare\" display=\"grid\" link=\"file\" captions=\"hide\" ids=\"5253,5254,5255,5256,5257,5259,5260,5261\"]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<h2 class=\"heading-style\">Kilimanjaro- Hiking to 13,400 feet</h2>\r\n[gallery columns=\"4\" size=\"wcsquare\" display=\"grid\" link=\"file\" captions=\"hide\" ids=\"5351,5352,5353,5354,5355,5356,5357,5358,5359,5360,5361,5362\"]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<h2 class=\"heading-style\">Kilimanjaro Hiking to 15,500 feet</h2>\r\n[gallery columns=\"4\" size=\"wcsquare\" display=\"grid\" link=\"file\" ids=\"5266,5267,5268,5269,5270,5271,5272,5273,5274,5275,5276,5277\"]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<h2 class=\"heading-style\">Kilimanjaro Hiking 16500 feet to 18400</h2>\r\n[gallery columns=\"4\" size=\"wcsquare\" display=\"grid\" link=\"file\" captions=\"hide\" ids=\"2261,2262,5281,5282,5283,5284,5285,5286,5287,5288,5289,5290,5291,5292,5293,5294,5295,5296,5297\"]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<h2 class=\"heading-style\">Kilimanjaro Final Camp At 18,500 Feet</h2>\r\n[gallery columns=\"4\" size=\"wcsquare\" display=\"grid\" link=\"file\" captions=\"hide\" ids=\"5310,5311\"]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<h2 class=\"heading-style\">Climbing To The Top Of Kilimanjaro 19,341 Ft/5895 Meters And Beginning The Descent</h2>\r\n[gallery columns=\"4\" size=\"wcsquare\" display=\"grid\" link=\"file\" captions=\"hide\" ids=\"5324,5325,5326,5327,5328,5329,5330,5331,5332\"]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<h2 class=\"heading-style\">Sunrise Up Top And Heading Down</h2>\r\n[gallery columns=\"4\" size=\"wcsquare\" display=\"grid\" link=\"file\" captions=\"hide\" ids=\"2285,2286,2287,2293,2292,2291,2289,2290\"]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<h2 class=\"heading-style\">Final Goodbyes And Certificates</h2>\r\n[gallery columns=\"4\" size=\"wcsquare\" display=\"grid\" link=\"file\" captions=\"hide\" ids=\"2306,2302,2297,2303,2296,2304,2301,2300,2299\"]','Kilimanjaro Climb Gallery','','inherit','closed','closed','','5190-revision-v1','','','2022-07-27 04:43:35','2022-07-27 04:43:35','',5190,'https://www.drfields.com/?p=5411',0,'revision','',0),(5412,8,'2022-07-27 04:47:20','2022-07-27 04:47:20','<h2 class=\"heading-style\">Kilimanjaro Arrival- 1st day pre hike camp</h2>\r\n[gallery columns=\"4\" size=\"wcsquare\" display=\"grid\" link=\"file\" ids=\"5200,5199,5201,5202,5203,5204,5205,5206\"]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<h2 class=\"heading-style\">Kilimanjaro Pre-Hike</h2>\r\n[gallery columns=\"4\" size=\"wcsquare\" display=\"grid\" link=\"file\" captions=\"hide\" ids=\"5216,5217,5218,5219,5220\"]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<h2 class=\"heading-style\">Kilimanjaro- Getting to the trailhead</h2>\r\n[gallery columns=\"4\" size=\"wcsquare\" display=\"grid\" link=\"file\" captions=\"hide\" ids=\"5230,5231,5233,5234\"]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<h2 class=\"heading-style\">Kilimanjaro- First Day hike</h2>\r\n[gallery columns=\"4\" size=\"wcsquare\" display=\"grid\" link=\"file\" captions=\"hide\" ids=\"5235,5236,5237,5238,5239,5242,5243,5244,5245,5246\"]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<h2 class=\"heading-style\">Kilimanjaro Hiking to 11,400 ft</h2>\r\n[gallery columns=\"4\" size=\"wcsquare\" display=\"grid\" link=\"file\" captions=\"hide\" ids=\"5253,5254,5255,5256,5257,5259,5260,5261\"]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<h2 class=\"heading-style\">Kilimanjaro- Hiking to 13,400 feet</h2>\r\n[gallery columns=\"4\" size=\"wcsquare\" display=\"grid\" link=\"file\" captions=\"hide\" ids=\"5351,5352,5353,5354,5355,5356,5357,5358,5359,5360,5361,5362\"]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<h2 class=\"heading-style\">Kilimanjaro Hiking to 15,500 feet</h2>\r\n[gallery columns=\"4\" size=\"wcsquare\" display=\"grid\" link=\"file\" ids=\"5266,5267,5268,5269,5270,5271,5272,5273,5274,5275,5276,5277\"]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<h2 class=\"heading-style\">Kilimanjaro Hiking 16500 feet to 18400</h2>\r\n[gallery columns=\"4\" size=\"wcsquare\" display=\"grid\" link=\"file\" captions=\"hide\" ids=\"2261,2262,5281,5282,5283,5284,5285,5286,5287,5288,5289,5290,5291,5292,5293,5294,5295,5296,5297\"]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<h2 class=\"heading-style\">Kilimanjaro Final Camp At 18,500 Feet</h2>\r\n[gallery columns=\"4\" size=\"wcsquare\" display=\"grid\" link=\"file\" captions=\"hide\" ids=\"5310,5311\"]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<h2 class=\"heading-style\">Climbing To The Top Of Kilimanjaro 19,341 Ft/5895 Meters And Beginning The Descent</h2>\r\n[gallery columns=\"4\" size=\"wcsquare\" display=\"grid\" link=\"file\" captions=\"hide\" ids=\"5324,5325,5326,5327,5328,5329,5330,5331,5332\"]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<h2 class=\"heading-style\">Sunrise Up Top And Heading Down</h2>\r\n[gallery columns=\"4\" size=\"wcsquare\" display=\"grid\" link=\"file\" captions=\"hide\" ids=\"2285,2286,2287,2293,2292,2291,2289,2290\"]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<h2 class=\"heading-style\">Final Goodbyes And Certificates</h2>\r\n[gallery columns=\"4\" size=\"wcsquare\" display=\"grid\" link=\"file\" captions=\"hide\" ids=\"2306,2302,2297,2303,2296,2304,2301,2300,2299\"]\r\n[video poster=\"https://www.drfields.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/Dancing.png\" width=\"352\" height=\"640\" mp4=\"https://www.drfields.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/DANCING-v3.mp4\"][/video]','Kilimanjaro Climb Gallery','','inherit','closed','closed','','5190-revision-v1','','','2022-07-27 04:47:20','2022-07-27 04:47:20','',5190,'https://www.drfields.com/?p=5412',0,'revision','',0),(5413,8,'2022-07-27 04:47:37','2022-07-27 04:47:37','<h1 class=\"heading-style\">Report of My Kilimanjaro Climb</h1>\r\n<em>By Peter A. Fields, MD, DC</em>\r\n\r\nAfter waiting ten years with this on my bucket list, I finally was going to climb Kilimanjaro.\r\n<h3 class=\"heading-style\">Getting to Mount Kilimanjaro</h3>\r\n<div class=\"reports-img-desc\">\r\n<div class=\"imgbox\"><img class=\"alignleft\" src=\"https://www.drfields.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/20190210_061752.jpg\" alt=\"\" /></div>\r\n<div class=\"reports-desc\">\r\n\r\nThe trip to Kilimanjaro began with an 11-hour flight to London where I had a 36-hour layover. Saw \"Tina, The Musical\" (life and times of Tina Turner). Great show.  Then 9 ½ hour flight to Nairobi, where I spent 24 hours so I was able to see the city. Then a one-hour flight to Kilimanjaro, Tanzania. My arrival at Kilimanjaro airport was on Sunday night. This was followed by a two-and-a-half-hour ride, with half of it on a very bumpy dirt road, before reaching the destination at the base camp. Since it was almost midnight, I went straight to my tent, which was quite luxurious for camping, and included a sink, a bathroom, and even a shower. I took advantage of a quick shower and went straight to bed.\r\n<div class=\"btn-wrap\"><a href=\"https://www.drfields.com/Day-1-Kiliminaro-and-base-camp-arrival\"><strong>See Photos</strong></a>\r\n<a href=\"/kilimanjaro-climb-gallery/\"><strong>View Trip Gallery</strong></a></div>\r\n</div>\r\n</div>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<h2 class=\"heading-style\">Kilimanjaro Pre-Hike</h2>\r\n<div class=\"reports-img-desc\">\r\n<div class=\"imgbox\"><img src=\"https://www.drfields.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/20190211_054908.jpg\" /></div>\r\n<div class=\"reports-desc\">\r\n\r\nAfter a nice breakfast, where I met the other climbers and our trek leaders, we went for a short two-hour hike just to see the local terrain. It was beautiful, with waterfalls and lots of lush plants and greenery. The guide leader went through our entire pack to make sure that we would be taking everything we needed and that everything was in good shape. The rest of the day was just spent relaxing, except for a short sunset hike of 10 minutes, where at the top of the small hill they had wine waiting for us. A pleasant surprise.\r\n<div class=\"btn-wrap\"><a href=\"/kilimanjaro-pre-hike/\"><strong>See Photos</strong></a>\r\n<a href=\"/kilimanjaro-climb-gallery/\"><strong>View Trip Gallery</strong></a></div>\r\n</div>\r\n</div>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<h2 class=\"heading-style\">Getting to the Trailhead and First Day Hike Towards Kilimanjaro</h2>\r\n[gallery display=\"grid\" link=\"none\" columns=\"4\" size=\"wcsquare\" ids=\"5235,5231\"]\r\n<div class=\"reports-img-desc\">\r\n<div class=\"imgbox\"></div>\r\n<div class=\"reports-desc\">\r\n\r\nAfter a two-hour ride, we arrived at the check-in point. The weather was hot enough to wear shorts and t-shirts since we were only 3 degrees off the equator. There we saw the more than 45 plus Sherpa’s that would accompany us. There were six Sherpa’s( there were six hikers) to carry each person’s clothing (colder weather gear, nighttime clothes, toiletries, etc.). Then six to carry our bedding, and tents ( double roofed for better rain protection), six would carry our food for 7 days ( three full meals a day), eight of them made up the kitchen team, another team of two would carry the oxygen and medicine, four to carry the toilets and tents over them, plus about 10 other Sherpa’s would carry all the tents, tables and chairs. There were also 10 more to carry all of the sherpa’s food and equipment.\r\n\r\nWe had to register and show our passports, and after that, we took a short 20-minute drive to the trailhead. Arriving at noon, a very nice, well-prepared lunch was ready for us. We started the hike at 7700 feet and climbed to 9300 feet. The area was mostly jungle-like, with a lot of fantastic plants, birds, and other exotic wildlife, including Colobus monkeys and other animals. When we arrived at the camp at 9300 feet, the tents were already set up, and we unpacked our gear in each individual tent, had dinner and went to sleep.\r\n<div class=\"btn-wrap\"><a href=\"/Kili-Getting-to-the-trailhead/\"><strong>See Photos</strong></a>\r\n<a href=\"/kilimanjaro-climb-gallery/\"><strong>View Trip Gallery</strong></a></div>\r\n</div>\r\n</div>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<h3 class=\"heading-style\">Hiking to 11,400 ft</h3>\r\n[gallery columns=\"4\" size=\"wcsquare\" display=\"grid\" link=\"file\" ids=\"5256,5261\"]\r\n<div class=\"reports-img-desc\">\r\n<div class=\"imgbox\"></div>\r\n<div class=\"reports-desc\">\r\n\r\nAt 6:30 AM we were woken up with a hot bowl of water to wash up and get ready for the day. A very full breakfast was prepared for us and then we started off to hike again. For hiking, it’s important to eat three square meals a day as well as drink a minimum of three liters of water a day. Without this exhaustion, dehydration, and more can happen. The guides made sure that we would eat a lot and consume lots of water.\r\n\r\nWe headed off on our hike up to 11,400 feet, crossing from the Montane Forest into the Hagenia Zone, where we saw many different plants and beautiful trees throughout the canyon.\r\n\r\nI felt pretty good, as I had taken Diamox, a medicine to help prevent altitude sickness. I had a Camelback-style drinking system so I was drinking copious amounts of water. At night it was cold but with the proper gear (well worth the expense!), I felt warm.\r\n<div class=\"btn-wrap\"><a href=\"/kili-hiking-to-11400-ft/\"><strong>See Photos</strong></a>\r\n<a href=\"/kilimanjaro-climb-gallery/\"><strong>View Trip Gallery</strong></a></div>\r\n</div>\r\n</div>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<h3 class=\"heading-style\">Hiking to 13,400 ft</h3>\r\n[gallery columns=\"4\" size=\"wcsquare\" display=\"grid\" link=\"file\" ids=\"5351,5352\"]\r\n<div class=\"reports-img-desc\">\r\n<div class=\"imgbox\"></div>\r\n<div class=\"reports-desc\">\r\n\r\nWe had another early wake-up call today and another substantial breakfast (scrambled eggs, toast, pancakes, fruit, toast, jelly, peanut butter, tea/coffee, and more. We hiked across a large plateau and gained about 2,100 feet in altitude. It was very interesting as we passed into the upper heath zone, where there were no more trees here, just a lot of different plants. And lots of volcanic rock (the last active volcano here took place over 10,000 years ago).\r\n\r\nThe hiking was very slow and consistent, as they say in Swahili, “Poli, Poli.” Again I felt very good when arriving at Moir camp at 13,500 feet. We had beautiful views of the mountain as the clouds moved away. It was really spectacular!\r\n<div class=\"btn-wrap\"><a href=\"/kili-hiking-to-13400-feet/\"><strong>See Photos</strong></a>\r\n<a href=\"/kilimanjaro-climb-gallery/\"><strong>View Trip Gallery</strong></a></div>\r\n</div>\r\n</div>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<h3 class=\"heading-style\">Kili Hiking to 15,500 feet</h3>\r\n[gallery columns=\"4\" size=\"wcsquare\" display=\"grid\" link=\"file\" ids=\"5271,5270\"]\r\n<div class=\"reports-img-desc\">\r\n<div class=\"imgbox\"></div>\r\n<div class=\"reports-desc\">\r\n\r\nWe woke up again at 6:30 AM, had breakfast at 7, and were hiking by 7:30. Today was a shorter hike of only 3.1 miles, but we did climb 2000 feet. It was slow in some parts and the steep sections were even slower. Finally, we arrived at camp after hiking for only 2 hours and 20 minutes. We were now at 15,500 feet. The air is very thin, so with every step you take, you have to think about it. But when we arrived at camp, everything seemed to settle down. During the afternoon there was a hale storm that turned into snow, so everybody went into their tents. I probably took a 3-hour well-needed nap. After a good dinner, we all went to bed, but not until we viewed the beautiful skies at 15,500 feet in the southern hemisphere.\r\n<div class=\"btn-wrap\"><a href=\"/kili-hiking-to-15500-feet/\"><strong>See Photos</strong></a>\r\n<a href=\"/kilimanjaro-climb-gallery/\"><strong>View Trip Gallery</strong></a></div>\r\n</div>\r\n</div>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<h3 class=\"heading-style\">Getting to camp at 16,500 ft</h3>\r\n[gallery columns=\"4\" size=\"wcsquare\" display=\"grid\" link=\"file\" ids=\"5291,5283\"]\r\n<div class=\"reports-img-desc\">\r\n<div class=\"imgbox\"></div>\r\n<div class=\"reports-desc\">\r\n\r\nWe had the usual wake-up call at 6:30 AM and were on the trail by 7:30. It snowed during the night, but only half an inch or so, making everything white and beautiful. The good news is this meant it was right around 32 degrees. The sun came out, so it was warm when we hiked but a little bit cooler when clouds were overhead. Plus with the altitude (lots of breathing) and hiking effort, one was rarely cold. Today’s hike was only 1,000 feet of climbing and a short hike to the base camp. The big hike tomorrow will only be about an hour and 20 minutes, but it will be over a lot of rocks and boulders and will be steep in some places. We arrived at the base camp around 10:30 – 11 in the morning. We were supposed to go for a short hike from there without our packs but it started snowing for over an hour, so that was canceled. Tomorrow morning, we will have a 4 AM wake-up call in anticipation of a 2,300-foot elevation climb up to 18,650 feet.\r\n<div class=\"btn-wrap\"><a href=\"/16-500-feet-to-18-400/\"><strong>See Photos</strong></a>\r\n<a href=\"/kilimanjaro-climb-gallery/\"><strong>View Trip Gallery</strong></a></div>\r\n</div>\r\n</div>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<h3 class=\"heading-style\">Kilimanjaro Final Camp At 18,500 Feet</h3>\r\n[gallery columns=\"4\" size=\"wcsquare\" display=\"grid\" link=\"file\" ids=\"5292,5293\"]\r\n<div class=\"reports-img-desc\">\r\n<div class=\"imgbox\"></div>\r\n<div class=\"reports-desc\">\r\n\r\nWake-up call at 4 AM and breakfast at 4:30. The slow group left at 5. We (my hiking partner, myself, and our guide) left about 5:30. At this altitude of over 16,000 feet, everyone moves very slowly. The first little part was steep and slightly snow-covered, but then it got extremely steep and no longer covered in snow.\r\n\r\nWe climbed 2,400 feet over 2.6 miles. The first hour was in the dark, but we all had headlamps. It was very rocky and we had to use our hands sometimes to climb. We ran into a few other tours on the trail and all of us had to cut across a mountainside since the snow had obliterated the trail the night before.\r\n\r\nWe were now over 17, 000 feet. One of the guides from another tour (all the guides know each other) had a pickaxe and so he chopped thru the snow to make it easier on our footing. Even so, it was very slippery. There were times we had to use all four extremities to climb, even kneeling on the next step up because the step was too high to reach with our foot. Breathing was becoming more and more labored and it was difficult to catch our breath in the thinning air.\r\n\r\nWhen we stopped at 18,000 feet for a snack and water, we thought the worst was over, but that wasn’t the case. The next 500 feet were very rocky and slippery, and that along with the very thin air meant we had to take three or four steps before needing to stop for a break. Like having a bag over your head and pulling for each breath.\r\n\r\nFinally, we reached the craters ridge and were very happy. These are remnants of glaciers that once covered this entire valley. The whole valley was snow-covered and looked like we were walking in a desert. When we arrived, we were not allowed to lie down in our tents for about a good hour because we needed to let our bodies acclimate to the thin air at 18,600 feet.\r\n\r\nAfter that, we enjoyed a well-deserved nap before an early dinner because we would be getting up again at 4 AM to climb to the top of Kilimanjaro!\r\n<div class=\"btn-wrap\"><a href=\"/kilimanjaro-final-camp-at-18500-feet/\"><strong>See Photos</strong></a>\r\n<a href=\"/kilimanjaro-climb-gallery/\"><strong>View Trip Gallery</strong></a></div>\r\n</div>\r\n</div>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<h2 class=\"heading-style\">Climbing To The Top Of Kilimanjaro 19,341 Ft/5895 Meters And Beginning The Descent</h2>\r\n[gallery columns=\"4\" size=\"wcsquare\" display=\"grid\" link=\"file\" ids=\"5331,5372\"]\r\n<div class=\"reports-img-desc\">\r\n<div class=\"imgbox\"></div>\r\n<div class=\"reports-desc\">\r\n\r\nThe night was extremely cold, with ground temperatures probably down to zero degrees Fahrenheit. We did everything to keep ourselves warm! I laid my down jacket on top of my sleeping bag (which was rated to zero degrees), plus I had a liner inside the sleeping bag which gave me an additional 25 degrees of warmth. I am definitely not a cold weather person but with the right gear, it was not too bad.\r\n\r\nWe were woken up at 4 AM. After eating and packing our stuff (only our personal things; the Sherpa took care of the sleeping bag and tent each morning and night), we were off for a 75-minute climb, basically straight up and extremely cold. Fortunately, I had bought the best mittens ever and my hands were not cold. Nonetheless, my legs and face took the brunt of it, and we moved very, very slowly. 10 feet could take several minutes. After a very hard, straight-up climbing, we had to cross a flat plane to the actual top of the mountain. The wind was blowing like crazy. The air temp was around minus 10 Fahrenheit with the wind chill probably down to negative 45 or 50 Fahrenheit. But all 6 of us had made it. It was a special feeling…an unbelievable feeling!\r\n\r\nI always carry some ashes of my parents no matter where I travel in this world. And since this was a very special place, I quietly said a prayer, took off my mittens (brrr), and sprinkled some of their ashes at the top. They had made it the whole way with me!\r\n\r\nWe took our pictures and then had to get going due to the intense winds and brutal cold. Fortunately, we summited very early and there were only one or two other groups at the top. Later on, there would be at least 50-100 people. We saw a gorgeous sunrise since it was shortly before 7 in the morning. We were almost on the equator, and sunrise and sunsets are always at around 6:30 to 7 am without much variation from season to season.\r\n\r\nImmediately, once we started to go down, we could feel the release of pressure in our lungs and chest. The descent and decreasing pressure made it a lot easier on our lungs, plus it was now all downhill. After an hour or two, our quads really felt it, and we would be walking downhill for the next 5 to 6 hours!\r\n\r\nWe did stop for a small break for some lunch, but our appetite was low due to the altitude. Several of the hikers experienced altitude sickness on the way up, with nausea, diarrhea, headaches loss of appetite, and weakness. I felt worse while descending, but fortunately, I had only lost my appetite with slight nausea and it lasted only for a short period of time. Anyway, we finally made it to camp at 10,500 feet. The weather was really nice and a bit warmer, between about 45 to 50 degrees or more. What a difference from the night before! We all had a good meal and rested, as we had been hiking downhill for over 8 hours, and all of our legs were extremely tired.\r\n<div class=\"btn-wrap\"><a href=\"/Hiking-to-the-summit-19-341-feet/\"><strong>See Photos</strong></a>\r\n<a href=\"/kilimanjaro-climb-gallery/\"><strong>View Trip Gallery</strong></a></div>\r\n</div>\r\n</div>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<h3 class=\"heading-style\">The descent and saying goodbye</h3>\r\n<div class=\"reports-img-desc\">\r\n<div class=\"imgbox\"></div>\r\n<div class=\"reports-desc\">\r\n\r\n<img class=\"alignleft\" src=\"https://www.drfields.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/Sunriseuptop-3.jpg\" width=\"400\" />We woke up at 6:30 AM, which was a big difference from 4 AM. Today would be our last night, and we would be saying goodbye to all the Sherpas as they would leave the trail. Only the guides would continue with us. I volunteered to be the spokesperson of the group, which meant I would be collecting the tip money and giving a short speech.\r\n\r\nAfter breakfast, the 40 or so sherpas gathered around singing and dancing. I actually joined them in the dancing, which I have a video of. I was very tired, but it was still worth it. I gave a 3-minute speech thanking every one of them for all of their hard work and dedication, and telling them that their help, whether by carrying a table, carrying sleeping bags, setting up tents, preparing food and everything else they did for us, was all very special and helped us so much.\r\n\r\nWe then set off for our last 6 to 7-hour hike downhill. Although it was not very steep, it was a dried-up river bed that was full of rocks and stones, making footing uneasy, and causing our quads to be even more on fire. I and several others had foldable walking sticks and this helped a lot. But we knew the end was coming, so we just kept going. We stopped for lunch and continued on. After about 7 hours, we saw the base camp. Nothing could be sweeter! I signed out at the Ranger station and basically collapsed into the waiting truck. There were a lot of campers and hikers ending in this same area, so they drove us about 20 minutes away.\r\n\r\nWe had some lunch and then drove the rest of the way back to the lodge, which was a beautiful hotel about half an hour outside of Arusha on an old coffee plantation. Everybody had their own cabin. For the first time in 9 days, I took a shower. It was wonderful! Then we all gathered with the two guides and I said a few more words to represent the group. We had a nice dinner, and then two people left for the airport by 7 PM. That night, was my first night of sleep in a bed, after 9 days. It was fantastic! The mission was accomplished!\r\n<div class=\"btn-wrap\"><a href=\"/Sunrise-up-top-and-heading-down\"><strong>See Photos</strong></a>\r\n<a href=\"/kilimanjaro-climb-gallery/\"><strong>View Trip Gallery</strong></a></div>\r\n</div>\r\n</div>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<h2 class=\"heading-style\">Kilimanjaro Was Amazing! Final Goodbyes and certificate</h2>\r\n<div class=\"reports-img-desc\">\r\n<div class=\"imgbox\"></div>\r\n<div class=\"reports-desc\">\r\n\r\n<img class=\"alignleft\" src=\"https://www.drfields.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/final-goodbyes-9.jpg\" width=\"400\" />Even though the trip was not exactly as described in the pamphlet, it was something I had had on my bucket list for over 10 years. It was extremely difficult at times. Some of our hikers had difficulty even moving and needed assistance. But we all persevered. I’ve done 10 Ironman races so far (now 11!), which require monumental training. But the long hike up to the crater from 16,800 feet to 18,400, with the subsequent day of summiting, followed by the 9,000-foot descent, were some of the hardest things that I’ve ever done. And that includes all my Ironman competitions.\r\n\r\nYou just can’t imagine what it’s like trying to move at that altitude. As I said before, it is similar to having a paper bag over your head and trying to grasp for air. There were times I took two or three steps and then had to pause for 15 or 20 seconds just to get my heart rate and breathing back down, repeating that again and again and again. Never looking ahead, only down, because sometimes ten feet took 45-60 seconds to hike. All this while enduring the sub-freezing temperature, the blowing snow, and the wind chill factors. Nothing but grit and determination to keep you going. But the views were spectacular and the feeling of being literally on top of the world made it all worth it.\r\n\r\nI’ll continue to enjoy my Ironman triathlons and continue to do them as long as I can. But as far as hiking up a mountain to 19,341 feet, this will be my one and only time! It’s a tremendous accomplishment, but something I would not want to repeat.\r\n<div class=\"btn-wrap\"><a href=\"/Final-goodbyes-and-certificates\"><strong>See Photos</strong></a>\r\n<a href=\"/kilimanjaro-climb-gallery/\"><strong>View Trip Gallery</strong></a></div>\r\n</div>\r\n</div>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<div class=\"video-flex-wrap\">\r\n<div class=\"video-box\"><img src=\"https://www.drfields.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/final-goodbyes-1.jpg\" /></div>\r\n</div>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<h3 class=\"heading-style\" style=\"text-align: center;\">Thank You to Everyone Who Made Kilimanjaro A Possibility!</h3>\r\nThank you to everyone that sent me well wishes before, during, and after my climb. It meant so much!\r\n\r\nI also thank my parents who gave me the will and determination to achieve all the goals in my life, no matter how hard they are.\r\nThey always ingrained this determination in me and encouraged me to just put my head down and keep going to achieve my goals.\r\nAs I said above, they were with me the whole way and always will be.\r\n\r\nThank you for taking the time to read this. I hope this will inspire you that if a goal is desired, to just put your head down and keep going no matter how difficult it may seem.\r\n<div class=\"btn-wrap\"><a href=\"/kilimanjaro-climb-gallery/\"><strong>View Trip Gallery</strong></a></div>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<strong>Peter A. Fields, MD, DC </strong>\r\n<strong>The Athletic Doc<sup>®</sup></strong>\r\n\r\n<a href=\"https://www.drfields.com/about/the-athletic-doc/about-the-athletic-doc/\">Click here</a> to find out more about <strong>The Athletic Doc<sup>® </sup></strong>','Report of My Kilimanjaro Climb','','inherit','closed','closed','','2208-revision-v1','','','2022-07-27 04:47:37','2022-07-27 04:47:37','',2208,'https://www.drfields.com/?p=5413',0,'revision','',0),(5414,8,'2022-07-27 21:42:12','2022-07-27 21:42:12','','iwp_log_62e1b1345588b','','publish','closed','closed','','iwp_log_62e1b1345588b','','','2022-07-27 21:42:12','2022-07-27 21:42:12','',0,'https://www.drfields.com/iwp_log/iwp_log_62e1b1345588b/',0,'iwp_log','',0),(5415,8,'2022-07-27 21:42:23','2022-07-27 21:42:23','','iwp_log_62e1b13fcd107','','publish','closed','closed','','iwp_log_62e1b13fcd107','','','2022-07-27 21:42:23','2022-07-27 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ids=\"5310,5311\"]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<h2 class=\"heading-style\">Climbing To The Top Of Kilimanjaro 19,341 Ft/5895 Meters Beginning The Descent</h2>\r\n[gallery columns=\"4\" size=\"wcsquare\" display=\"grid\" link=\"file\" captions=\"hide\" ids=\"5331,5324,5326,5327,5328,5329,5330,5332\"]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<h2 class=\"heading-style\">Sunrise Up Top And Heading Down</h2>\r\n[gallery columns=\"4\" size=\"wcsquare\" display=\"grid\" link=\"file\" captions=\"hide\" ids=\"2285,2286,2287,2293,2292,2291,2289,2290\"]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<h2 class=\"heading-style\">Final Goodbyes And Certificates</h2>\r\n[gallery columns=\"4\" size=\"wcsquare\" display=\"grid\" link=\"file\" captions=\"hide\" ids=\"2303,2302,2304,2301,2296,2299,2300,2297,2306\"]\r\n\r\n[video poster=\"https://www.drfields.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/Dancing.png\" width=\"352\" height=\"640\" mp4=\"https://www.drfields.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/DANCING-v3.mp4\"][/video]','Kilimanjaro Climb 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captions=\"hide\" ids=\"5235,5236,5237,5238,5239,5242,5243,5244,5245,5246\"]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<h2 class=\"heading-style\">Kilimanjaro - Hiking to 11,400 ft</h2>\r\n[gallery columns=\"4\" size=\"wcsquare\" display=\"grid\" link=\"file\" captions=\"hide\" ids=\"5253,5254,5255,5256,5257,5259,5260,5261\"]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<h2 class=\"heading-style\">Kilimanjaro - Hiking to 13,400 feet</h2>\r\n[gallery columns=\"4\" size=\"wcsquare\" display=\"grid\" link=\"file\" captions=\"hide\" ids=\"5351,5352,5353,5354,5355,5356,5357,5358,5359,5360,5361,5362\"]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<h2 class=\"heading-style\">Kilimanjaro - Hiking to 15,500 feet</h2>\r\n[gallery columns=\"4\" size=\"wcsquare\" display=\"grid\" link=\"file\" ids=\"5266,5267,5268,5269,5270,5271,5272,5273,5274,5275,5276,5277\"]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<h2 class=\"heading-style\">Kilimanjaro - Hiking 16,500 feet to 18,400 feet</h2>\r\n[gallery columns=\"4\" size=\"wcsquare\" display=\"grid\" link=\"file\" captions=\"hide\" ids=\"2261,2262,5281,5282,5283,5284,5285,5286,5287,5288,5289,5290,5291,5292,5293,5294,5295,5296,5297\"]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<h2 class=\"heading-style\">Kilimanjaro- Final Camp At 18,500 Feet</h2>\r\n[gallery columns=\"4\" size=\"wcsquare\" display=\"grid\" link=\"file\" captions=\"hide\" ids=\"5310,5311\"]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<h2 class=\"heading-style\">Climbing To The Top Of Kilimanjaro 19,341 Ft/5895 Meters Beginning The Descent</h2>\r\n[gallery columns=\"4\" size=\"wcsquare\" display=\"grid\" link=\"file\" captions=\"hide\" ids=\"5331,5324,5326,5327,5328,5329,5330,5332\"]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<h2 class=\"heading-style\">Sunrise Up Top And Heading Down</h2>\r\n[gallery columns=\"4\" size=\"wcsquare\" display=\"grid\" link=\"file\" captions=\"hide\" ids=\"2285,2286,2287,2293,2292,2291,2289,2290\"]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<h2 class=\"heading-style\">Final Goodbyes And Certificates</h2>\r\n[gallery columns=\"4\" size=\"wcsquare\" display=\"grid\" link=\"file\" captions=\"hide\" ids=\"2303,2302,2304,2301,2296,2299,2300,2297,2306\"]\r\n\r\n[video poster=\"https://www.drfields.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/Dancing.png\" width=\"352\" height=\"640\" mp4=\"https://www.drfields.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/DANCING-v3.mp4\"][/video]','Kilimanjaro Climb Gallery','','inherit','closed','closed','','5190-revision-v1','','','2022-07-27 22:17:57','2022-07-27 22:17:57','',5190,'https://www.drfields.com/?p=5429',0,'revision','',0),(5430,8,'2022-07-27 22:20:32','2022-07-27 22:20:32','[gallery columns=\"4\" size=\"wcsquare\" display=\"grid\" link=\"file\" ids=\"5266,5267,5268,5269,5270,5271,5272,5273,5274,5275,5276,5277\"]\r\n<div class=\"video-flex-wrap\">\r\n<div class=\"video-box\">\r\n\r\n[video width=\"640\" height=\"480\" mp4=\"https://www.drfields.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/20190214_193726.mp4\"][/video]\r\n\r\n</div>\r\n<div class=\"video-box\">\r\n[video width=\"640\" height=\"480\" mp4=\"https://www.drfields.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/20190215_194444.mp4\"][/video]\r\n\r\n\r\n</div>\r\n</div>','Kilimanjaro Hiking to 15,500 Feet','','inherit','closed','closed','','2239-revision-v1','','','2022-07-27 22:20:32','2022-07-27 22:20:32','',2239,'https://www.drfields.com/?p=5430',0,'revision','',0),(5431,8,'2022-07-27 22:21:17','2022-07-27 22:21:17','[gallery columns=\"4\" size=\"wcsquare\" display=\"grid\" link=\"file\" captions=\"hide\" ids=\"2261,2262,5281,5282,5283,5284,5285,5286,5287,5288,5289,5290,5291,5292,5293,5294,5295,5296,5297\"]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<div class=\"video-flex-wrap\">\r\n<div class=\"video-box\">[video width=\"640\" height=\"480\" mp4=\"https://www.drfields.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/20190215_235706.mp4\"][/video]\r\n</div>\r\n<div class=\"video-box\">\r\n[video width=\"640\" height=\"480\" mp4=\"https://www.drfields.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/20190216_195500.mp4\"][/video]\r\n\r\n\r\n</div>\r\n</div>\r\n<div class=\"video-flex-wrap\">\r\n<div class=\"video-box\">\r\n\r\n[video width=\"640\" height=\"480\" mp4=\"https://www.drfields.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/20190216_195900.mp4\"][/video]\r\n\r\n</div>\r\n<div class=\"video-box\">\r\n[video width=\"640\" height=\"480\" mp4=\"https://www.drfields.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/20190216_235405.mp4\"][/video]\r\n\r\n\r\n</div>\r\n</div>\r\n','Getting To Camp At 16,500 Feet','','inherit','closed','closed','','2257-revision-v1','','','2022-07-27 22:21:17','2022-07-27 22:21:17','',2257,'https://www.drfields.com/?p=5431',0,'revision','',0),(5432,8,'2022-07-27 22:25:26','2022-07-27 22:25:26','<h1 class=\"heading-style\">Report of My Kilimanjaro Climb</h1>\r\n<em>By Peter A. Fields, MD, DC</em>\r\n\r\nAfter waiting ten years with this on my bucket list, I finally was going to climb Kilimanjaro.\r\n<h3 class=\"heading-style\">Getting to Mount Kilimanjaro</h3>\r\n<div class=\"reports-img-desc\">\r\n<div class=\"imgbox\"><img class=\"alignleft\" src=\"https://www.drfields.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/20190210_061752.jpg\" alt=\"\" /></div>\r\n<div class=\"reports-desc\">\r\n\r\nThe trip to Kilimanjaro began with an 11-hour flight to London where I had a 36-hour layover. Saw \"Tina, The Musical\" (life and times of Tina Turner). Great show.  Then 9 ½ hour flight to Nairobi, where I spent 24 hours so I was able to see the city. Then a one-hour flight to Kilimanjaro, Tanzania. My arrival at Kilimanjaro airport was on Sunday night. This was followed by a two-and-a-half-hour ride, with half of it on a very bumpy dirt road, before reaching the destination at the base camp. Since it was almost midnight, I went straight to my tent, which was quite luxurious for camping, and included a sink, a bathroom, and even a shower. I took advantage of a quick shower and went straight to bed.\r\n<div class=\"btn-wrap\"><a href=\"https://www.drfields.com/Day-1-Kiliminaro-and-base-camp-arrival\"><strong>See Photos</strong></a>\r\n<a href=\"/kilimanjaro-climb-gallery/\"><strong>View Trip Gallery</strong></a></div>\r\n</div>\r\n</div>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<h2 class=\"heading-style\">Kilimanjaro Pre-Hike</h2>\r\n<div class=\"reports-img-desc\">\r\n<div class=\"imgbox\"><img src=\"https://www.drfields.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/20190211_054908.jpg\" /></div>\r\n<div class=\"reports-desc\">\r\n\r\nAfter a nice breakfast, where I met the other climbers and our trek leaders, we went for a short two-hour hike just to see the local terrain. It was beautiful, with waterfalls and lots of lush plants and greenery. The guide leader went through our entire pack to make sure that we would be taking everything we needed and that everything was in good shape. The rest of the day was just spent relaxing, except for a short sunset hike of 10 minutes, where at the top of the small hill they had wine waiting for us. A pleasant surprise.\r\n<div class=\"btn-wrap\"><a href=\"/kilimanjaro-pre-hike/\"><strong>See Photos</strong></a>\r\n<a href=\"/kilimanjaro-climb-gallery/\"><strong>View Trip Gallery</strong></a></div>\r\n</div>\r\n</div>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<h2 class=\"heading-style\">Getting to the Trailhead and First Day Hike Towards Kilimanjaro</h2>\r\n[gallery display=\"grid\" link=\"none\" columns=\"4\" size=\"wcsquare\" ids=\"5235,5231\"]\r\n<div class=\"reports-img-desc\">\r\n<div class=\"imgbox\"></div>\r\n<div class=\"reports-desc\">\r\n\r\nAfter a two-hour ride, we arrived at the check-in point. The weather was hot enough to wear shorts and t-shirts since we were only 3 degrees off the equator. There we saw the more than 45 plus Sherpa’s that would accompany us. There were six Sherpa’s( there were six hikers) to carry each person’s clothing (colder weather gear, nighttime clothes, toiletries, etc.). Then six to carry our bedding, and tents ( double roofed for better rain protection), six would carry our food for 7 days ( three full meals a day), eight of them made up the kitchen team, another team of two would carry the oxygen and medicine, four to carry the toilets and tents over them, plus about 10 other Sherpa’s would carry all the tents, tables and chairs. There were also 10 more to carry all of the sherpa’s food and equipment.\r\n\r\nWe had to register and show our passports, and after that, we took a short 20-minute drive to the trailhead. Arriving at noon, a very nice, well-prepared lunch was ready for us. We started the hike at 7700 feet and climbed to 9300 feet. The area was mostly jungle-like, with a lot of fantastic plants, birds, and other exotic wildlife, including Colobus monkeys and other animals. When we arrived at the camp at 9300 feet, the tents were already set up, and we unpacked our gear in each individual tent, had dinner and went to sleep.\r\n<div class=\"btn-wrap\"><a href=\"/Kili-Getting-to-the-trailhead/\"><strong>See Photos</strong></a>\r\n<a href=\"/kilimanjaro-climb-gallery/\"><strong>View Trip Gallery</strong></a></div>\r\n</div>\r\n</div>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<h3 class=\"heading-style\">Hiking to 11,400 ft</h3>\r\n[gallery columns=\"4\" size=\"wcsquare\" display=\"grid\" link=\"file\" ids=\"5256,5261\"]\r\n<div class=\"reports-img-desc\">\r\n<div class=\"imgbox\"></div>\r\n<div class=\"reports-desc\">\r\n\r\nAt 6:30 AM we were woken up with a hot bowl of water to wash up and get ready for the day. A very full breakfast was prepared for us and then we started off to hike again. For hiking, it’s important to eat three square meals a day as well as drink a minimum of three liters of water a day. Without this exhaustion, dehydration, and more can happen. The guides made sure that we would eat a lot and consume lots of water.\r\n\r\nWe headed off on our hike up to 11,400 feet, crossing from the Montane Forest into the Hagenia Zone, where we saw many different plants and beautiful trees throughout the canyon.\r\n\r\nI felt pretty good, as I had taken Diamox, a medicine to help prevent altitude sickness. I had a Camelback-style drinking system so I was drinking copious amounts of water. At night it was cold but with the proper gear (well worth the expense!), I felt warm.\r\n<div class=\"btn-wrap\"><a href=\"/kili-hiking-to-11400-ft/\"><strong>See Photos</strong></a>\r\n<a href=\"/kilimanjaro-climb-gallery/\"><strong>View Trip Gallery</strong></a></div>\r\n</div>\r\n</div>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<h3 class=\"heading-style\">Hiking to 13,400 ft</h3>\r\n[gallery columns=\"4\" size=\"wcsquare\" display=\"grid\" link=\"file\" ids=\"5351,5352\"]\r\n<div class=\"reports-img-desc\">\r\n<div class=\"imgbox\"></div>\r\n<div class=\"reports-desc\">\r\n\r\nWe had another early wake-up call today and another substantial breakfast (scrambled eggs, toast, pancakes, fruit, toast, jelly, peanut butter, tea/coffee, and more. We hiked across a large plateau and gained about 2,100 feet in altitude. It was very interesting as we passed into the upper heath zone, where there were no more trees here, just a lot of different plants. And lots of volcanic rock (the last active volcano here took place over 10,000 years ago).\r\n\r\nThe hiking was very slow and consistent, as they say in Swahili, “Poli, Poli.” Again I felt very good when arriving at Moir camp at 13,500 feet. We had beautiful views of the mountain as the clouds moved away. It was really spectacular!\r\n<div class=\"btn-wrap\"><a href=\"/kili-hiking-to-13400-feet/\"><strong>See Photos</strong></a>\r\n<a href=\"/kilimanjaro-climb-gallery/\"><strong>View Trip Gallery</strong></a></div>\r\n</div>\r\n</div>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<h3 class=\"heading-style\">Kilimanjaro Hiking to 15,500 Feet</h3>\r\n[gallery columns=\"4\" size=\"wcsquare\" display=\"grid\" link=\"file\" ids=\"5271,5270\"]\r\n<div class=\"reports-img-desc\">\r\n<div class=\"imgbox\"></div>\r\n<div class=\"reports-desc\">\r\n\r\nWe woke up again at 6:30 AM, had breakfast at 7, and were hiking by 7:30. Today was a shorter hike of only 3.1 miles, but we did climb 2000 feet. It was slow in some parts and the steep sections were even slower. Finally, we arrived at camp after hiking for only 2 hours and 20 minutes. We were now at 15,500 feet. The air is very thin, so with every step you take, you have to think about it. But when we arrived at camp, everything seemed to settle down. During the afternoon there was a hale storm that turned into snow, so everybody went into their tents. I probably took a 3-hour well-needed nap. After a good dinner, we all went to bed, but not until we viewed the beautiful skies at 15,500 feet in the southern hemisphere.\r\n<div class=\"btn-wrap\"><a href=\"/kili-hiking-to-15500-feet/\"><strong>See Photos</strong></a>\r\n<a href=\"/kilimanjaro-climb-gallery/\"><strong>View Trip Gallery</strong></a></div>\r\n</div>\r\n</div>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<h3 class=\"heading-style\">Getting To Camp At 16,500 Feet</h3>\r\n[gallery columns=\"4\" size=\"wcsquare\" display=\"grid\" link=\"file\" ids=\"5291,5283\"]\r\n<div class=\"reports-img-desc\">\r\n<div class=\"imgbox\"></div>\r\n<div class=\"reports-desc\">\r\n\r\nWe had the usual wake-up call at 6:30 AM and were on the trail by 7:30. It snowed during the night, but only half an inch or so, making everything white and beautiful. The good news is this meant it was right around 32 degrees. The sun came out, so it was warm when we hiked but a little bit cooler when clouds were overhead. Plus with the altitude (lots of breathing) and hiking effort, one was rarely cold. Today’s hike was only 1,000 feet of climbing and a short hike to the base camp. The big hike tomorrow will only be about an hour and 20 minutes, but it will be over a lot of rocks and boulders and will be steep in some places. We arrived at the base camp around 10:30 – 11 in the morning. We were supposed to go for a short hike from there without our packs but it started snowing for over an hour, so that was canceled. Tomorrow morning, we will have a 4 AM wake-up call in anticipation of a 2,300-foot elevation climb up to 18,650 feet.\r\n<div class=\"btn-wrap\"><a href=\"/16-500-feet-to-18-400/\"><strong>See Photos</strong></a>\r\n<a href=\"/kilimanjaro-climb-gallery/\"><strong>View Trip Gallery</strong></a></div>\r\n</div>\r\n</div>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<h3 class=\"heading-style\">Kilimanjaro Final Camp At 18,500 Feet</h3>\r\n[gallery columns=\"4\" size=\"wcsquare\" display=\"grid\" link=\"file\" ids=\"5292,5293\"]\r\n<div class=\"reports-img-desc\">\r\n<div class=\"imgbox\"></div>\r\n<div class=\"reports-desc\">\r\n\r\nWake-up call at 4 AM and breakfast at 4:30. The slow group left at 5. We (my hiking partner, myself, and our guide) left about 5:30. At this altitude of over 16,000 feet, everyone moves very slowly. The first little part was steep and slightly snow-covered, but then it got extremely steep and no longer covered in snow.\r\n\r\nWe climbed 2,400 feet over 2.6 miles. The first hour was in the dark, but we all had headlamps. It was very rocky and we had to use our hands sometimes to climb. We ran into a few other tours on the trail and all of us had to cut across a mountainside since the snow had obliterated the trail the night before.\r\n\r\nWe were now over 17, 000 feet. One of the guides from another tour (all the guides know each other) had a pickaxe and so he chopped thru the snow to make it easier on our footing. Even so, it was very slippery. There were times we had to use all four extremities to climb, even kneeling on the next step up because the step was too high to reach with our foot. Breathing was becoming more and more labored and it was difficult to catch our breath in the thinning air.\r\n\r\nWhen we stopped at 18,000 feet for a snack and water, we thought the worst was over, but that wasn’t the case. The next 500 feet were very rocky and slippery, and that along with the very thin air meant we had to take three or four steps before needing to stop for a break. Like having a bag over your head and pulling for each breath.\r\n\r\nFinally, we reached the craters ridge and were very happy. These are remnants of glaciers that once covered this entire valley. The whole valley was snow-covered and looked like we were walking in a desert. When we arrived, we were not allowed to lie down in our tents for about a good hour because we needed to let our bodies acclimate to the thin air at 18,600 feet.\r\n\r\nAfter that, we enjoyed a well-deserved nap before an early dinner because we would be getting up again at 4 AM to climb to the top of Kilimanjaro!\r\n<div class=\"btn-wrap\"><a href=\"/kilimanjaro-final-camp-at-18500-feet/\"><strong>See Photos</strong></a>\r\n<a href=\"/kilimanjaro-climb-gallery/\"><strong>View Trip Gallery</strong></a></div>\r\n</div>\r\n</div>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<h2 class=\"heading-style\">Climbing To The Top Of Kilimanjaro 19,341 Ft/5895 Meters Beginning The Descent</h2>\r\n[gallery columns=\"4\" size=\"wcsquare\" display=\"grid\" link=\"file\" ids=\"5331,5372\"]\r\n<div class=\"reports-img-desc\">\r\n<div class=\"imgbox\"></div>\r\n<div class=\"reports-desc\">\r\n\r\nThe night was extremely cold, with ground temperatures probably down to zero degrees Fahrenheit. We did everything to keep ourselves warm! I laid my down jacket on top of my sleeping bag (which was rated to zero degrees), plus I had a liner inside the sleeping bag which gave me an additional 25 degrees of warmth. I am definitely not a cold weather person but with the right gear, it was not too bad.\r\n\r\nWe were woken up at 4 AM. After eating and packing our stuff (only our personal things; the Sherpa took care of the sleeping bag and tent each morning and night), we were off for a 75-minute climb, basically straight up and extremely cold. Fortunately, I had bought the best mittens ever and my hands were not cold. Nonetheless, my legs and face took the brunt of it, and we moved very, very slowly. 10 feet could take several minutes. After a very hard, straight-up climbing, we had to cross a flat plane to the actual top of the mountain. The wind was blowing like crazy. The air temp was around minus 10 Fahrenheit with the wind chill probably down to negative 45 or 50 Fahrenheit. But all 6 of us had made it. It was a special feeling…an unbelievable feeling!\r\n\r\nI always carry some ashes of my parents no matter where I travel in this world. And since this was a very special place, I quietly said a prayer, took off my mittens (brrr), and sprinkled some of their ashes at the top. They had made it the whole way with me!\r\n\r\nWe took our pictures and then had to get going due to the intense winds and brutal cold. Fortunately, we summited very early and there were only one or two other groups at the top. Later on, there would be at least 50-100 people. We saw a gorgeous sunrise since it was shortly before 7 in the morning. We were almost on the equator, and sunrise and sunsets are always at around 6:30 to 7 am without much variation from season to season.\r\n\r\nImmediately, once we started to go down, we could feel the release of pressure in our lungs and chest. The descent and decreasing pressure made it a lot easier on our lungs, plus it was now all downhill. After an hour or two, our quads really felt it, and we would be walking downhill for the next 5 to 6 hours!\r\n\r\nWe did stop for a small break for some lunch, but our appetite was low due to the altitude. Several of the hikers experienced altitude sickness on the way up, with nausea, diarrhea, headaches loss of appetite, and weakness. I felt worse while descending, but fortunately, I had only lost my appetite with slight nausea and it lasted only for a short period of time. Anyway, we finally made it to camp at 10,500 feet. The weather was really nice and a bit warmer, between about 45 to 50 degrees or more. What a difference from the night before! We all had a good meal and rested, as we had been hiking downhill for over 8 hours, and all of our legs were extremely tired.\r\n<div class=\"btn-wrap\"><a href=\"/Hiking-to-the-summit-19-341-feet/\"><strong>See Photos</strong></a>\r\n<a href=\"/kilimanjaro-climb-gallery/\"><strong>View Trip Gallery</strong></a></div>\r\n</div>\r\n</div>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<h3 class=\"heading-style\">The descent and saying goodbye</h3>\r\n<div class=\"reports-img-desc\">\r\n<div class=\"imgbox\"></div>\r\n<div class=\"reports-desc\">\r\n\r\n<img class=\"alignleft\" src=\"https://www.drfields.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/Sunriseuptop-3.jpg\" width=\"400\" />We woke up at 6:30 AM, which was a big difference from 4 AM. Today would be our last night, and we would be saying goodbye to all the Sherpas as they would leave the trail. Only the guides would continue with us. I volunteered to be the spokesperson of the group, which meant I would be collecting the tip money and giving a short speech.\r\n\r\nAfter breakfast, the 40 or so sherpas gathered around singing and dancing. I actually joined them in the dancing, which I have a video of. I was very tired, but it was still worth it. I gave a 3-minute speech thanking every one of them for all of their hard work and dedication, and telling them that their help, whether by carrying a table, carrying sleeping bags, setting up tents, preparing food and everything else they did for us, was all very special and helped us so much.\r\n\r\nWe then set off for our last 6 to 7-hour hike downhill. Although it was not very steep, it was a dried-up river bed that was full of rocks and stones, making footing uneasy, and causing our quads to be even more on fire. I and several others had foldable walking sticks and this helped a lot. But we knew the end was coming, so we just kept going. We stopped for lunch and continued on. After about 7 hours, we saw the base camp. Nothing could be sweeter! I signed out at the Ranger station and basically collapsed into the waiting truck. There were a lot of campers and hikers ending in this same area, so they drove us about 20 minutes away.\r\n\r\nWe had some lunch and then drove the rest of the way back to the lodge, which was a beautiful hotel about half an hour outside of Arusha on an old coffee plantation. Everybody had their own cabin. For the first time in 9 days, I took a shower. It was wonderful! Then we all gathered with the two guides and I said a few more words to represent the group. We had a nice dinner, and then two people left for the airport by 7 PM. That night, was my first night of sleep in a bed, after 9 days. It was fantastic! The mission was accomplished!\r\n<div class=\"btn-wrap\"><a href=\"/Sunrise-up-top-and-heading-down\"><strong>See Photos</strong></a>\r\n<a href=\"/kilimanjaro-climb-gallery/\"><strong>View Trip Gallery</strong></a></div>\r\n</div>\r\n</div>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<h2 class=\"heading-style\">Kilimanjaro Was Amazing! Final Goodbyes and certificate</h2>\r\n<div class=\"reports-img-desc\">\r\n<div class=\"imgbox\"></div>\r\n<div class=\"reports-desc\">\r\n\r\n<img class=\"alignleft\" src=\"https://www.drfields.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/final-goodbyes-9.jpg\" width=\"400\" />Even though the trip was not exactly as described in the pamphlet, it was something I had had on my bucket list for over 10 years. It was extremely difficult at times. Some of our hikers had difficulty even moving and needed assistance. But we all persevered. I’ve done 10 Ironman races so far (now 11!), which require monumental training. But the long hike up to the crater from 16,800 feet to 18,400, with the subsequent day of summiting, followed by the 9,000-foot descent, were some of the hardest things that I’ve ever done. And that includes all my Ironman competitions.\r\n\r\nYou just can’t imagine what it’s like trying to move at that altitude. As I said before, it is similar to having a paper bag over your head and trying to grasp for air. There were times I took two or three steps and then had to pause for 15 or 20 seconds just to get my heart rate and breathing back down, repeating that again and again and again. Never looking ahead, only down, because sometimes ten feet took 45-60 seconds to hike. All this while enduring the sub-freezing temperature, the blowing snow, and the wind chill factors. Nothing but grit and determination to keep you going. But the views were spectacular and the feeling of being literally on top of the world made it all worth it.\r\n\r\nI’ll continue to enjoy my Ironman triathlons and continue to do them as long as I can. But as far as hiking up a mountain to 19,341 feet, this will be my one and only time! It’s a tremendous accomplishment, but something I would not want to repeat.\r\n<div class=\"btn-wrap\"><a href=\"/Final-goodbyes-and-certificates\"><strong>See Photos</strong></a>\r\n<a href=\"/kilimanjaro-climb-gallery/\"><strong>View Trip Gallery</strong></a></div>\r\n</div>\r\n</div>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<div class=\"video-flex-wrap\">\r\n<div class=\"video-box\"><img src=\"https://www.drfields.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/final-goodbyes-1.jpg\" /></div>\r\n</div>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<h3 class=\"heading-style\" style=\"text-align: center;\">Thank You to Everyone Who Made Kilimanjaro A Possibility!</h3>\r\nThank you to everyone that sent me well wishes before, during, and after my climb. It meant so much!\r\n\r\nI also thank my parents who gave me the will and determination to achieve all the goals in my life, no matter how hard they are.\r\nThey always ingrained this determination in me and encouraged me to just put my head down and keep going to achieve my goals.\r\nAs I said above, they were with me the whole way and always will be.\r\n\r\nThank you for taking the time to read this. I hope this will inspire you that if a goal is desired, to just put your head down and keep going no matter how difficult it may seem.\r\n<div class=\"btn-wrap\"><a href=\"/kilimanjaro-climb-gallery/\"><strong>View Trip Gallery</strong></a></div>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<strong>Peter A. Fields, MD, DC </strong>\r\n<strong>The Athletic Doc<sup>®</sup></strong>\r\n\r\n<a href=\"https://www.drfields.com/about/the-athletic-doc/about-the-athletic-doc/\">Click here</a> to find out more about <strong>The Athletic Doc<sup>® </sup></strong>','Report of My Kilimanjaro Climb','','inherit','closed','closed','','2208-revision-v1','','','2022-07-27 22:25:26','2022-07-27 22:25:26','',2208,'https://www.drfields.com/?p=5432',0,'revision','',0),(5433,8,'2022-07-28 04:22:51','2022-07-28 04:22:51','<h2 class=\"heading-style\">Kilimanjaro Arrival - 1st day pre hike camp</h2>\r\n[gallery columns=\"4\" size=\"wcsquare\" display=\"grid\" link=\"file\" ids=\"5200,5199,5201,5202,5203,5204,5205,5206\"]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<h2 class=\"heading-style\">Kilimanjaro Pre-Hike</h2>\r\n[gallery columns=\"4\" size=\"wcsquare\" display=\"grid\" link=\"file\" captions=\"hide\" ids=\"5216,5217,5218,5219,5220\"]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<h2 class=\"heading-style\">Kilimanjaro - Getting to the trailhead</h2>\r\n[gallery columns=\"4\" size=\"wcsquare\" display=\"grid\" link=\"file\" captions=\"hide\" ids=\"5230,5231,5233,5234\"]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<h2 class=\"heading-style\">Kilimanjaro - First Day hike</h2>\r\n[gallery columns=\"4\" size=\"wcsquare\" display=\"grid\" link=\"file\" captions=\"hide\" ids=\"5235,5236,5237,5238,5239,5242,5243,5244,5245,5246\"]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<h2 class=\"heading-style\">Kilimanjaro - Hiking to 11,400 ft</h2>\r\n[gallery columns=\"4\" size=\"wcsquare\" display=\"grid\" link=\"file\" captions=\"hide\" ids=\"5253,5254,5255,5256,5257,5259,5260,5261\"]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<h2 class=\"heading-style\">Kilimanjaro - Hiking to 13,400 feet</h2>\r\n[gallery columns=\"4\" size=\"wcsquare\" display=\"grid\" link=\"file\" captions=\"hide\" ids=\"5351,5352,5353,5354,5355,5356,5357,5358,5359,5360,5361,5362\"]\r\n[video width=\"640\" height=\"480\" mp4=\"https://www.drfields.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/20190214_193726.mp4\"][/video]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<h2 class=\"heading-style\">Kilimanjaro - Hiking to 15,500 feet</h2>\r\n[gallery columns=\"4\" size=\"wcsquare\" display=\"grid\" link=\"file\" ids=\"5266,5267,5268,5269,5270,5271,5272,5273,5274,5275,5276,5277\"]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<h2 class=\"heading-style\">Kilimanjaro - Hiking 16,500 feet to 18,400 feet</h2>\r\n[gallery columns=\"4\" size=\"wcsquare\" display=\"grid\" link=\"file\" captions=\"hide\" ids=\"2261,2262,5281,5282,5283,5284,5285,5286,5287,5288,5289,5290,5291,5292,5293,5294,5295,5296,5297\"]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<h2 class=\"heading-style\">Kilimanjaro- Final Camp At 18,500 Feet</h2>\r\n[gallery columns=\"4\" size=\"wcsquare\" display=\"grid\" link=\"file\" captions=\"hide\" ids=\"5310,5311\"]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<h2 class=\"heading-style\">Climbing To The Top Of Kilimanjaro 19,341 Ft/5895 Meters Beginning The Descent</h2>\r\n[gallery columns=\"4\" size=\"wcsquare\" display=\"grid\" link=\"file\" captions=\"hide\" ids=\"5331,5324,5326,5327,5328,5329,5330,5332\"]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<h2 class=\"heading-style\">Sunrise Up Top And Heading Down</h2>\r\n[gallery columns=\"4\" size=\"wcsquare\" display=\"grid\" link=\"file\" captions=\"hide\" ids=\"2285,2286,2287,2293,2292,2291,2289,2290\"]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<h2 class=\"heading-style\">Final Goodbyes And Certificates</h2>\r\n[gallery columns=\"4\" size=\"wcsquare\" display=\"grid\" link=\"file\" captions=\"hide\" ids=\"2303,2302,2304,2301,2296,2299,2300,2297,2306\"]\r\n\r\n[video poster=\"https://www.drfields.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/Dancing.png\" width=\"352\" height=\"640\" mp4=\"https://www.drfields.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/DANCING-v3.mp4\"][/video]','Kilimanjaro Climb Gallery','','inherit','closed','closed','','5190-revision-v1','','','2022-07-28 04:22:51','2022-07-28 04:22:51','',5190,'https://www.drfields.com/?p=5433',0,'revision','',0),(5434,8,'2022-07-28 04:22:59','2022-07-28 04:22:59','[gallery columns=\"4\" size=\"wcsquare\" display=\"grid\" link=\"file\" ids=\"5266,5267,5268,5269,5270,5271,5272,5273,5274,5275,5276,5277\"]\r\n<div class=\"video-flex-wrap\">\r\n<div class=\"video-box\">\r\n\r\n[video width=\"640\" height=\"480\" mp4=\"https://www.drfields.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/20190215_194444.mp4\"][/video]\r\n\r\n</div>\r\n</div>','Kilimanjaro Hiking to 15,500 Feet','','inherit','closed','closed','','2239-revision-v1','','','2022-07-28 04:22:59','2022-07-28 04:22:59','',2239,'https://www.drfields.com/?p=5434',0,'revision','',0),(5435,8,'2022-07-28 04:26:30','2022-07-28 04:26:30','[gallery columns=\"4\" size=\"wcsquare\" display=\"grid\" link=\"file\" captions=\"hide\" ids=\"5331,5324,5326,5327,5328,5329,5330,5332\"]','Hiking to the Summit 19341 Feet','','inherit','closed','closed','','5322-revision-v1','','','2022-07-28 04:26:30','2022-07-28 04:26:30','',5322,'https://www.drfields.com/?p=5435',0,'revision','',0),(5436,8,'2022-07-28 04:29:38','2022-07-28 04:29:38','<h2 class=\"heading-style\">Kilimanjaro Arrival - 1st day pre hike camp</h2>\r\n[gallery columns=\"4\" size=\"wcsquare\" display=\"grid\" link=\"file\" ids=\"5200,5199,5201,5202,5203,5204,5205,5206\"]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<h2 class=\"heading-style\">Kilimanjaro Pre-Hike</h2>\r\n[gallery columns=\"4\" size=\"wcsquare\" display=\"grid\" link=\"file\" captions=\"hide\" ids=\"5216,5217,5218,5219,5220\"]\r\n<div class=\"video-flex-wrap\">\r\n<div class=\"video-box\">[video width=\"500\" height=\"640\" mp4=\"https://www.drfields.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/20190211_014135.mp4\"][/video]</div>\r\n<div class=\"video-box\">[video width=\"500\" height=\"640\" mp4=\"https://www.drfields.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/20190211_013855.mp4\"][/video]</div>\r\n</div>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<h2 class=\"heading-style\">Kilimanjaro - Getting to the trailhead</h2>\r\n[gallery columns=\"4\" size=\"wcsquare\" display=\"grid\" link=\"file\" captions=\"hide\" ids=\"5230,5231,5233,5234\"]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<h2 class=\"heading-style\">Kilimanjaro - First Day hike</h2>\r\n[gallery columns=\"4\" size=\"wcsquare\" display=\"grid\" link=\"file\" captions=\"hide\" ids=\"5235,5236,5237,5238,5239,5242,5243,5244,5245,5246\"]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<h2 class=\"heading-style\">Kilimanjaro - Hiking to 11,400 ft</h2>\r\n[gallery columns=\"4\" size=\"wcsquare\" display=\"grid\" link=\"file\" captions=\"hide\" ids=\"5253,5254,5255,5256,5257,5259,5260,5261\"]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<h2 class=\"heading-style\">Kilimanjaro - Hiking to 13,400 feet</h2>\r\n[gallery columns=\"4\" size=\"wcsquare\" display=\"grid\" link=\"file\" captions=\"hide\" ids=\"5351,5352,5353,5354,5355,5356,5357,5358,5359,5360,5361,5362\"]\r\n[video width=\"640\" height=\"480\" mp4=\"https://www.drfields.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/20190214_193726.mp4\"][/video]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<h2 class=\"heading-style\">Kilimanjaro - Hiking to 15,500 feet</h2>\r\n[gallery columns=\"4\" size=\"wcsquare\" display=\"grid\" link=\"file\" ids=\"5266,5267,5268,5269,5270,5271,5272,5273,5274,5275,5276,5277\"]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<h2 class=\"heading-style\">Kilimanjaro - Hiking 16,500 feet to 18,400 feet</h2>\r\n[gallery columns=\"4\" size=\"wcsquare\" display=\"grid\" link=\"file\" captions=\"hide\" ids=\"2261,2262,5281,5282,5283,5284,5285,5286,5287,5288,5289,5290,5291,5292,5293,5294,5295,5296,5297\"]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<h2 class=\"heading-style\">Kilimanjaro- Final Camp At 18,500 Feet</h2>\r\n[gallery columns=\"4\" size=\"wcsquare\" display=\"grid\" link=\"file\" captions=\"hide\" ids=\"5310,5311\"]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<h2 class=\"heading-style\">Climbing To The Top Of Kilimanjaro 19,341 Ft/5895 Meters Beginning The Descent</h2>\r\n[gallery columns=\"4\" size=\"wcsquare\" display=\"grid\" link=\"file\" captions=\"hide\" ids=\"5331,5324,5326,5327,5328,5329,5330,5332\"]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<h2 class=\"heading-style\">Sunrise Up Top And Heading Down</h2>\r\n[gallery columns=\"4\" size=\"wcsquare\" display=\"grid\" link=\"file\" captions=\"hide\" ids=\"2285,2286,2287,2293,2292,2291,2289,2290\"]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<h2 class=\"heading-style\">Final Goodbyes And Certificates</h2>\r\n[gallery columns=\"4\" size=\"wcsquare\" display=\"grid\" link=\"file\" captions=\"hide\" ids=\"2303,2302,2304,2301,2296,2299,2300,2297,2306\"]\r\n\r\n[video poster=\"https://www.drfields.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/Dancing.png\" width=\"352\" height=\"640\" mp4=\"https://www.drfields.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/DANCING-v3.mp4\"][/video]','Kilimanjaro Climb Gallery','','inherit','closed','closed','','5190-revision-v1','','','2022-07-28 04:29:38','2022-07-28 04:29:38','',5190,'https://www.drfields.com/?p=5436',0,'revision','',0),(5437,8,'2022-07-28 04:30:59','2022-07-28 04:30:59','<h2 class=\"heading-style\">Kilimanjaro Arrival - 1st day pre hike camp</h2>\r\n[gallery columns=\"4\" size=\"wcsquare\" display=\"grid\" link=\"file\" ids=\"5200,5199,5201,5202,5203,5204,5205,5206\"]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<h2 class=\"heading-style\">Kilimanjaro Pre-Hike</h2>\r\n[gallery columns=\"4\" size=\"wcsquare\" display=\"grid\" link=\"file\" captions=\"hide\" ids=\"5216,5217,5218,5219,5220\"]\r\n<div class=\"video-flex-wrap\">\r\n<div class=\"video-box\">[video width=\"500\" height=\"640\" mp4=\"https://www.drfields.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/20190211_014135.mp4\"][/video]</div>\r\n<div class=\"video-box\">[video width=\"500\" height=\"640\" mp4=\"https://www.drfields.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/20190211_013855.mp4\"][/video]</div>\r\n</div>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<h2 class=\"heading-style\">Kilimanjaro - Getting to the trailhead</h2>\r\n[gallery columns=\"4\" size=\"wcsquare\" display=\"grid\" link=\"file\" captions=\"hide\" ids=\"5230,5231,5233,5234\"]\r\n<div class=\"video-flex-wrap\">\r\n<div class=\"video-box\">\r\n[video width=\"640\" height=\"480\" mp4=\"https://www.drfields.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/20190211_235333.mp4\"][/video]\r\n</div>\r\n<div class=\"video-box\">\r\n[video width=\"480\" height=\"640\" mp4=\"https://www.drfields.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/20190212_023336.mp4\"][/video]\r\n</div>\r\n</div>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<h2 class=\"heading-style\">Kilimanjaro - First Day hike</h2>\r\n[gallery columns=\"4\" size=\"wcsquare\" display=\"grid\" link=\"file\" captions=\"hide\" ids=\"5235,5236,5237,5238,5239,5242,5243,5244,5245,5246\"]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<h2 class=\"heading-style\">Kilimanjaro - Hiking to 11,400 ft</h2>\r\n[gallery columns=\"4\" size=\"wcsquare\" display=\"grid\" link=\"file\" captions=\"hide\" ids=\"5253,5254,5255,5256,5257,5259,5260,5261\"]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<h2 class=\"heading-style\">Kilimanjaro - Hiking to 13,400 feet</h2>\r\n[gallery columns=\"4\" size=\"wcsquare\" display=\"grid\" link=\"file\" captions=\"hide\" ids=\"5351,5352,5353,5354,5355,5356,5357,5358,5359,5360,5361,5362\"]\r\n[video width=\"640\" height=\"480\" mp4=\"https://www.drfields.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/20190214_193726.mp4\"][/video]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<h2 class=\"heading-style\">Kilimanjaro - Hiking to 15,500 feet</h2>\r\n[gallery columns=\"4\" size=\"wcsquare\" display=\"grid\" link=\"file\" ids=\"5266,5267,5268,5269,5270,5271,5272,5273,5274,5275,5276,5277\"]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<h2 class=\"heading-style\">Kilimanjaro - Hiking 16,500 feet to 18,400 feet</h2>\r\n[gallery columns=\"4\" size=\"wcsquare\" display=\"grid\" link=\"file\" captions=\"hide\" ids=\"2261,2262,5281,5282,5283,5284,5285,5286,5287,5288,5289,5290,5291,5292,5293,5294,5295,5296,5297\"]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<h2 class=\"heading-style\">Kilimanjaro- Final Camp At 18,500 Feet</h2>\r\n[gallery columns=\"4\" size=\"wcsquare\" display=\"grid\" link=\"file\" captions=\"hide\" ids=\"5310,5311\"]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<h2 class=\"heading-style\">Climbing To The Top Of Kilimanjaro 19,341 Ft/5895 Meters Beginning The Descent</h2>\r\n[gallery columns=\"4\" size=\"wcsquare\" display=\"grid\" link=\"file\" captions=\"hide\" ids=\"5331,5324,5326,5327,5328,5329,5330,5332\"]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<h2 class=\"heading-style\">Sunrise Up Top And Heading Down</h2>\r\n[gallery columns=\"4\" size=\"wcsquare\" display=\"grid\" link=\"file\" captions=\"hide\" ids=\"2285,2286,2287,2293,2292,2291,2289,2290\"]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<h2 class=\"heading-style\">Final Goodbyes And Certificates</h2>\r\n[gallery columns=\"4\" size=\"wcsquare\" display=\"grid\" link=\"file\" captions=\"hide\" ids=\"2303,2302,2304,2301,2296,2299,2300,2297,2306\"]\r\n\r\n[video poster=\"https://www.drfields.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/Dancing.png\" width=\"352\" height=\"640\" mp4=\"https://www.drfields.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/DANCING-v3.mp4\"][/video]','Kilimanjaro Climb Gallery','','inherit','closed','closed','','5190-revision-v1','','','2022-07-28 04:30:59','2022-07-28 04:30:59','',5190,'https://www.drfields.com/?p=5437',0,'revision','',0),(5438,8,'2022-07-28 04:31:46','2022-07-28 04:31:46','<h2 class=\"heading-style\">Kilimanjaro Arrival - 1st day pre hike camp</h2>\r\n[gallery columns=\"4\" size=\"wcsquare\" display=\"grid\" link=\"file\" ids=\"5200,5199,5201,5202,5203,5204,5205,5206\"]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<h2 class=\"heading-style\">Kilimanjaro Pre-Hike</h2>\r\n[gallery columns=\"4\" size=\"wcsquare\" display=\"grid\" link=\"file\" captions=\"hide\" ids=\"5216,5217,5218,5219,5220\"]\r\n<div class=\"video-flex-wrap\">\r\n<div class=\"video-box\">[video width=\"500\" height=\"640\" mp4=\"https://www.drfields.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/20190211_014135.mp4\"][/video]</div>\r\n<div class=\"video-box\">[video width=\"500\" height=\"640\" mp4=\"https://www.drfields.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/20190211_013855.mp4\"][/video]</div>\r\n</div>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<h2 class=\"heading-style\">Kilimanjaro - Getting to the trailhead</h2>\r\n[gallery columns=\"4\" size=\"wcsquare\" display=\"grid\" link=\"file\" captions=\"hide\" ids=\"5230,5231,5233,5234\"]\r\n<div class=\"video-flex-wrap\">\r\n<div class=\"video-box\">\r\n[video width=\"640\" height=\"480\" mp4=\"https://www.drfields.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/20190211_235333.mp4\"][/video]\r\n</div>\r\n<div class=\"video-box\">\r\n[video width=\"480\" height=\"640\" mp4=\"https://www.drfields.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/20190212_023336.mp4\"][/video]\r\n</div>\r\n</div>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<h2 class=\"heading-style\">Kilimanjaro - First Day hike</h2>\r\n[gallery columns=\"4\" size=\"wcsquare\" display=\"grid\" link=\"file\" captions=\"hide\" ids=\"5235,5236,5237,5238,5239,5242,5243,5244,5245,5246\"]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<h2 class=\"heading-style\">Kilimanjaro - Hiking to 11,400 ft</h2>\r\n[gallery columns=\"4\" size=\"wcsquare\" display=\"grid\" link=\"file\" captions=\"hide\" ids=\"5253,5254,5255,5256,5257,5259,5260,5261\"]\r\n[video width=\"640\" height=\"480\" mp4=\"https://www.drfields.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/20190213_015500.mp4\"][/video]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<h2 class=\"heading-style\">Kilimanjaro - Hiking to 13,400 feet</h2>\r\n[gallery columns=\"4\" size=\"wcsquare\" display=\"grid\" link=\"file\" captions=\"hide\" ids=\"5351,5352,5353,5354,5355,5356,5357,5358,5359,5360,5361,5362\"]\r\n[video width=\"640\" height=\"480\" mp4=\"https://www.drfields.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/20190214_193726.mp4\"][/video]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<h2 class=\"heading-style\">Kilimanjaro - Hiking to 15,500 feet</h2>\r\n[gallery columns=\"4\" size=\"wcsquare\" display=\"grid\" link=\"file\" ids=\"5266,5267,5268,5269,5270,5271,5272,5273,5274,5275,5276,5277\"]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<h2 class=\"heading-style\">Kilimanjaro - Hiking 16,500 feet to 18,400 feet</h2>\r\n[gallery columns=\"4\" size=\"wcsquare\" display=\"grid\" link=\"file\" captions=\"hide\" ids=\"2261,2262,5281,5282,5283,5284,5285,5286,5287,5288,5289,5290,5291,5292,5293,5294,5295,5296,5297\"]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<h2 class=\"heading-style\">Kilimanjaro- Final Camp At 18,500 Feet</h2>\r\n[gallery columns=\"4\" size=\"wcsquare\" display=\"grid\" link=\"file\" captions=\"hide\" ids=\"5310,5311\"]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<h2 class=\"heading-style\">Climbing To The Top Of Kilimanjaro 19,341 Ft/5895 Meters Beginning The Descent</h2>\r\n[gallery columns=\"4\" size=\"wcsquare\" display=\"grid\" link=\"file\" captions=\"hide\" ids=\"5331,5324,5326,5327,5328,5329,5330,5332\"]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<h2 class=\"heading-style\">Sunrise Up Top And Heading Down</h2>\r\n[gallery columns=\"4\" size=\"wcsquare\" display=\"grid\" link=\"file\" captions=\"hide\" ids=\"2285,2286,2287,2293,2292,2291,2289,2290\"]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<h2 class=\"heading-style\">Final Goodbyes And Certificates</h2>\r\n[gallery columns=\"4\" size=\"wcsquare\" display=\"grid\" link=\"file\" captions=\"hide\" ids=\"2303,2302,2304,2301,2296,2299,2300,2297,2306\"]\r\n\r\n[video poster=\"https://www.drfields.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/Dancing.png\" width=\"352\" height=\"640\" mp4=\"https://www.drfields.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/DANCING-v3.mp4\"][/video]','Kilimanjaro Climb Gallery','','inherit','closed','closed','','5190-revision-v1','','','2022-07-28 04:31:46','2022-07-28 04:31:46','',5190,'https://www.drfields.com/?p=5438',0,'revision','',0),(5439,8,'2022-07-28 04:33:23','2022-07-28 04:33:23','<h2 class=\"heading-style\">Kilimanjaro Arrival - 1st day pre hike camp</h2>\r\n[gallery columns=\"4\" size=\"wcsquare\" display=\"grid\" link=\"file\" ids=\"5200,5199,5201,5202,5203,5204,5205,5206\"]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<h2 class=\"heading-style\">Kilimanjaro Pre-Hike</h2>\r\n[gallery columns=\"4\" size=\"wcsquare\" display=\"grid\" link=\"file\" captions=\"hide\" ids=\"5216,5217,5218,5219,5220\"]\r\n<div class=\"video-flex-wrap\">\r\n<div class=\"video-box\">[video width=\"500\" height=\"640\" mp4=\"https://www.drfields.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/20190211_014135.mp4\"][/video]</div>\r\n<div class=\"video-box\">[video width=\"500\" height=\"640\" mp4=\"https://www.drfields.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/20190211_013855.mp4\"][/video]</div>\r\n</div>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<h2 class=\"heading-style\">Kilimanjaro - Getting to the trailhead</h2>\r\n[gallery columns=\"4\" size=\"wcsquare\" display=\"grid\" link=\"file\" captions=\"hide\" ids=\"5230,5231,5233,5234\"]\r\n<div class=\"video-flex-wrap\">\r\n<div class=\"video-box\">\r\n[video width=\"640\" height=\"480\" mp4=\"https://www.drfields.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/20190211_235333.mp4\"][/video]\r\n</div>\r\n<div class=\"video-box\">\r\n[video width=\"480\" height=\"640\" mp4=\"https://www.drfields.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/20190212_023336.mp4\"][/video]\r\n</div>\r\n</div>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<h2 class=\"heading-style\">Kilimanjaro - First Day hike</h2>\r\n[gallery columns=\"4\" size=\"wcsquare\" display=\"grid\" link=\"file\" captions=\"hide\" ids=\"5235,5236,5237,5238,5239,5242,5243,5244,5245,5246\"]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<h2 class=\"heading-style\">Kilimanjaro - Hiking to 11,400 ft</h2>\r\n[gallery columns=\"4\" size=\"wcsquare\" display=\"grid\" link=\"file\" captions=\"hide\" ids=\"5253,5254,5255,5256,5257,5259,5260,5261\"]\r\n[video width=\"640\" height=\"480\" mp4=\"https://www.drfields.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/20190213_015500.mp4\"][/video]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<h2 class=\"heading-style\">Kilimanjaro - Hiking to 13,400 feet</h2>\r\n[gallery columns=\"4\" size=\"wcsquare\" display=\"grid\" link=\"file\" captions=\"hide\" ids=\"5351,5352,5353,5354,5355,5356,5357,5358,5359,5360,5361,5362\"]\r\n<div class=\"video-flex-wrap\">\r\n<div class=\"video-box\">\r\n[video width=\"640\" height=\"480\" mp4=\"https://www.drfields.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/20190216_235405-1.mp4\"][/video]\r\n</div>\r\n<div class=\"video-box\">\r\n[video width=\"640\" height=\"480\" mp4=\"https://www.drfields.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/20190216_195900-1.mp4\"][/video]\r\n</div>\r\n</div>\r\n<div class=\"video-flex-wrap\">\r\n<div class=\"video-box\">\r\n[video width=\"640\" height=\"480\" mp4=\"https://www.drfields.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/20190214_193726.mp4\"][/video]\r\n</div>\r\n</div>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<h2 class=\"heading-style\">Kilimanjaro - Hiking to 15,500 feet</h2>\r\n[gallery columns=\"4\" size=\"wcsquare\" display=\"grid\" link=\"file\" ids=\"5266,5267,5268,5269,5270,5271,5272,5273,5274,5275,5276,5277\"]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<h2 class=\"heading-style\">Kilimanjaro - Hiking 16,500 feet to 18,400 feet</h2>\r\n[gallery columns=\"4\" size=\"wcsquare\" display=\"grid\" link=\"file\" captions=\"hide\" ids=\"2261,2262,5281,5282,5283,5284,5285,5286,5287,5288,5289,5290,5291,5292,5293,5294,5295,5296,5297\"]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<h2 class=\"heading-style\">Kilimanjaro- Final Camp At 18,500 Feet</h2>\r\n[gallery columns=\"4\" size=\"wcsquare\" display=\"grid\" link=\"file\" captions=\"hide\" ids=\"5310,5311\"]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<h2 class=\"heading-style\">Climbing To The Top Of Kilimanjaro 19,341 Ft/5895 Meters Beginning The Descent</h2>\r\n[gallery columns=\"4\" size=\"wcsquare\" display=\"grid\" link=\"file\" captions=\"hide\" ids=\"5331,5324,5326,5327,5328,5329,5330,5332\"]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<h2 class=\"heading-style\">Sunrise Up Top And Heading Down</h2>\r\n[gallery columns=\"4\" size=\"wcsquare\" display=\"grid\" link=\"file\" captions=\"hide\" ids=\"2285,2286,2287,2293,2292,2291,2289,2290\"]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<h2 class=\"heading-style\">Final Goodbyes And Certificates</h2>\r\n[gallery columns=\"4\" size=\"wcsquare\" display=\"grid\" link=\"file\" captions=\"hide\" ids=\"2303,2302,2304,2301,2296,2299,2300,2297,2306\"]\r\n\r\n[video poster=\"https://www.drfields.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/Dancing.png\" width=\"352\" height=\"640\" mp4=\"https://www.drfields.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/DANCING-v3.mp4\"][/video]','Kilimanjaro Climb Gallery','','inherit','closed','closed','','5190-revision-v1','','','2022-07-28 04:33:23','2022-07-28 04:33:23','',5190,'https://www.drfields.com/?p=5439',0,'revision','',0),(5440,8,'2022-07-28 04:34:31','2022-07-28 04:34:31','<h2 class=\"heading-style\">Kilimanjaro Arrival - 1st day pre hike camp</h2>\r\n[gallery columns=\"4\" size=\"wcsquare\" display=\"grid\" link=\"file\" ids=\"5200,5199,5201,5202,5203,5204,5205,5206\"]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<h2 class=\"heading-style\">Kilimanjaro Pre-Hike</h2>\r\n[gallery columns=\"4\" size=\"wcsquare\" display=\"grid\" link=\"file\" captions=\"hide\" ids=\"5216,5217,5218,5219,5220\"]\r\n<div class=\"video-flex-wrap\">\r\n<div class=\"video-box\">[video width=\"500\" height=\"640\" mp4=\"https://www.drfields.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/20190211_014135.mp4\"][/video]</div>\r\n<div class=\"video-box\">[video width=\"500\" height=\"640\" mp4=\"https://www.drfields.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/20190211_013855.mp4\"][/video]</div>\r\n</div>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<h2 class=\"heading-style\">Kilimanjaro - Getting to the trailhead</h2>\r\n[gallery columns=\"4\" size=\"wcsquare\" display=\"grid\" link=\"file\" captions=\"hide\" ids=\"5230,5231,5233,5234\"]\r\n<div class=\"video-flex-wrap\">\r\n<div class=\"video-box\">\r\n[video width=\"640\" height=\"480\" mp4=\"https://www.drfields.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/20190211_235333.mp4\"][/video]\r\n</div>\r\n<div class=\"video-box\">\r\n[video width=\"480\" height=\"640\" mp4=\"https://www.drfields.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/20190212_023336.mp4\"][/video]\r\n</div>\r\n</div>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<h2 class=\"heading-style\">Kilimanjaro - First Day hike</h2>\r\n[gallery columns=\"4\" size=\"wcsquare\" display=\"grid\" link=\"file\" captions=\"hide\" ids=\"5235,5236,5237,5238,5239,5242,5243,5244,5245,5246\"]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<h2 class=\"heading-style\">Kilimanjaro - Hiking to 11,400 ft</h2>\r\n[gallery columns=\"4\" size=\"wcsquare\" display=\"grid\" link=\"file\" captions=\"hide\" ids=\"5253,5254,5255,5256,5257,5259,5260,5261\"]\r\n[video width=\"640\" height=\"480\" mp4=\"https://www.drfields.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/20190213_015500.mp4\"][/video]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<h2 class=\"heading-style\">Kilimanjaro - Hiking to 13,400 feet</h2>\r\n[gallery columns=\"4\" size=\"wcsquare\" display=\"grid\" link=\"file\" captions=\"hide\" ids=\"5351,5352,5353,5354,5355,5356,5357,5358,5359,5360,5361,5362\"]\r\n<div class=\"video-flex-wrap\">\r\n<div class=\"video-box\">\r\n[video width=\"640\" height=\"480\" mp4=\"https://www.drfields.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/20190216_235405-1.mp4\"][/video]\r\n</div>\r\n<div class=\"video-box\">\r\n[video width=\"640\" height=\"480\" mp4=\"https://www.drfields.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/20190216_195900-1.mp4\"][/video]\r\n</div>\r\n</div>\r\n<div class=\"video-flex-wrap\">\r\n<div class=\"video-box\">\r\n[video width=\"640\" height=\"480\" mp4=\"https://www.drfields.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/20190214_193726.mp4\"][/video]\r\n</div>\r\n</div>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<h2 class=\"heading-style\">Kilimanjaro - Hiking to 15,500 feet</h2>\r\n[gallery columns=\"4\" size=\"wcsquare\" display=\"grid\" link=\"file\" ids=\"5266,5267,5268,5269,5270,5271,5272,5273,5274,5275,5276,5277\"]\r\n<div class=\"video-flex-wrap\">\r\n<div class=\"video-box\">\r\n[video width=\"640\" height=\"480\" mp4=\"https://www.drfields.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/20190215_194444.mp4\"][/video]\r\n</div>\r\n</div>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<h2 class=\"heading-style\">Kilimanjaro - Hiking 16,500 feet to 18,400 feet</h2>\r\n[gallery columns=\"4\" size=\"wcsquare\" display=\"grid\" link=\"file\" captions=\"hide\" ids=\"2261,2262,5281,5282,5283,5284,5285,5286,5287,5288,5289,5290,5291,5292,5293,5294,5295,5296,5297\"]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<h2 class=\"heading-style\">Kilimanjaro- Final Camp At 18,500 Feet</h2>\r\n[gallery columns=\"4\" size=\"wcsquare\" display=\"grid\" link=\"file\" captions=\"hide\" ids=\"5310,5311\"]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<h2 class=\"heading-style\">Climbing To The Top Of Kilimanjaro 19,341 Ft/5895 Meters Beginning The Descent</h2>\r\n[gallery columns=\"4\" size=\"wcsquare\" display=\"grid\" link=\"file\" captions=\"hide\" ids=\"5331,5324,5326,5327,5328,5329,5330,5332\"]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<h2 class=\"heading-style\">Sunrise Up Top And Heading Down</h2>\r\n[gallery columns=\"4\" size=\"wcsquare\" display=\"grid\" link=\"file\" captions=\"hide\" ids=\"2285,2286,2287,2293,2292,2291,2289,2290\"]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<h2 class=\"heading-style\">Final Goodbyes And Certificates</h2>\r\n[gallery columns=\"4\" size=\"wcsquare\" display=\"grid\" link=\"file\" captions=\"hide\" ids=\"2303,2302,2304,2301,2296,2299,2300,2297,2306\"]\r\n\r\n[video poster=\"https://www.drfields.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/Dancing.png\" width=\"352\" height=\"640\" mp4=\"https://www.drfields.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/DANCING-v3.mp4\"][/video]','Kilimanjaro Climb Gallery','','inherit','closed','closed','','5190-revision-v1','','','2022-07-28 04:34:31','2022-07-28 04:34:31','',5190,'https://www.drfields.com/?p=5440',0,'revision','',0),(5441,8,'2022-07-28 04:36:21','2022-07-28 04:36:21','<h2 class=\"heading-style\">Kilimanjaro Arrival - 1st day pre hike camp</h2>\r\n[gallery columns=\"4\" size=\"wcsquare\" display=\"grid\" link=\"file\" ids=\"5200,5199,5201,5202,5203,5204,5205,5206\"]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<h2 class=\"heading-style\">Kilimanjaro Pre-Hike</h2>\r\n[gallery columns=\"4\" size=\"wcsquare\" display=\"grid\" link=\"file\" captions=\"hide\" ids=\"5216,5217,5218,5219,5220\"]\r\n<div class=\"video-flex-wrap\">\r\n<div class=\"video-box\">[video width=\"500\" height=\"640\" mp4=\"https://www.drfields.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/20190211_014135.mp4\"][/video]</div>\r\n<div class=\"video-box\">[video width=\"500\" height=\"640\" mp4=\"https://www.drfields.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/20190211_013855.mp4\"][/video]</div>\r\n</div>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<h2 class=\"heading-style\">Kilimanjaro - Getting to the trailhead</h2>\r\n[gallery columns=\"4\" size=\"wcsquare\" display=\"grid\" link=\"file\" captions=\"hide\" ids=\"5230,5231,5233,5234\"]\r\n<div class=\"video-flex-wrap\">\r\n<div class=\"video-box\">\r\n[video width=\"640\" height=\"480\" mp4=\"https://www.drfields.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/20190211_235333.mp4\"][/video]\r\n</div>\r\n<div class=\"video-box\">\r\n[video width=\"480\" height=\"640\" mp4=\"https://www.drfields.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/20190212_023336.mp4\"][/video]\r\n</div>\r\n</div>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<h2 class=\"heading-style\">Kilimanjaro - First Day hike</h2>\r\n[gallery columns=\"4\" size=\"wcsquare\" display=\"grid\" link=\"file\" captions=\"hide\" ids=\"5235,5236,5237,5238,5239,5242,5243,5244,5245,5246\"]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<h2 class=\"heading-style\">Kilimanjaro - Hiking to 11,400 ft</h2>\r\n[gallery columns=\"4\" size=\"wcsquare\" display=\"grid\" link=\"file\" captions=\"hide\" ids=\"5253,5254,5255,5256,5257,5259,5260,5261\"]\r\n[video width=\"640\" height=\"480\" mp4=\"https://www.drfields.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/20190213_015500.mp4\"][/video]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<h2 class=\"heading-style\">Kilimanjaro - Hiking to 13,400 feet</h2>\r\n[gallery columns=\"4\" size=\"wcsquare\" display=\"grid\" link=\"file\" captions=\"hide\" ids=\"5351,5352,5353,5354,5355,5356,5357,5358,5359,5360,5361,5362\"]\r\n<div class=\"video-flex-wrap\">\r\n<div class=\"video-box\">\r\n[video width=\"640\" height=\"480\" mp4=\"https://www.drfields.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/20190216_235405-1.mp4\"][/video]\r\n</div>\r\n<div class=\"video-box\">\r\n[video width=\"640\" height=\"480\" mp4=\"https://www.drfields.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/20190216_195900-1.mp4\"][/video]\r\n</div>\r\n</div>\r\n<div class=\"video-flex-wrap\">\r\n<div class=\"video-box\">\r\n[video width=\"640\" height=\"480\" mp4=\"https://www.drfields.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/20190214_193726.mp4\"][/video]\r\n</div>\r\n</div>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<h2 class=\"heading-style\">Kilimanjaro - Hiking to 15,500 feet</h2>\r\n[gallery columns=\"4\" size=\"wcsquare\" display=\"grid\" link=\"file\" ids=\"5266,5267,5268,5269,5270,5271,5272,5273,5274,5275,5276,5277\"]\r\n<div class=\"video-flex-wrap\">\r\n<div class=\"video-box\">\r\n[video width=\"640\" height=\"480\" mp4=\"https://www.drfields.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/20190215_194444.mp4\"][/video]\r\n</div>\r\n</div>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<h2 class=\"heading-style\">Getting To Camp At 16,500 Feet</h2>\r\n[gallery columns=\"4\" size=\"wcsquare\" display=\"grid\" link=\"file\" captions=\"hide\" ids=\"2261,2262,5281,5282,5283,5284,5285,5286,5287,5288,5289,5290,5291,5292,5293,5294,5295,5296,5297\"]\r\n<div class=\"video-flex-wrap\">\r\n<div class=\"video-box\">[video width=\"640\" height=\"480\" mp4=\"https://www.drfields.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/20190215_235706.mp4\"][/video]\r\n</div>\r\n<div class=\"video-box\">\r\n[video width=\"640\" height=\"480\" mp4=\"https://www.drfields.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/20190216_195500.mp4\"][/video]\r\n</div>\r\n</div>\r\n<div class=\"video-flex-wrap\">\r\n<div class=\"video-box\">\r\n[video width=\"640\" height=\"480\" mp4=\"https://www.drfields.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/20190216_195900.mp4\"][/video]\r\n</div>\r\n<div class=\"video-box\">\r\n[video width=\"640\" height=\"480\" mp4=\"https://www.drfields.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/20190216_235405.mp4\"][/video]\r\n</div>\r\n</div>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<h2 class=\"heading-style\">Kilimanjaro- Final Camp At 18,500 Feet</h2>\r\n[gallery columns=\"4\" size=\"wcsquare\" display=\"grid\" link=\"file\" captions=\"hide\" ids=\"5310,5311\"]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<h2 class=\"heading-style\">Climbing To The Top Of Kilimanjaro 19,341 Ft/5895 Meters Beginning The Descent</h2>\r\n[gallery columns=\"4\" size=\"wcsquare\" display=\"grid\" link=\"file\" captions=\"hide\" ids=\"5331,5324,5326,5327,5328,5329,5330,5332\"]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<h2 class=\"heading-style\">Sunrise Up Top And Heading Down</h2>\r\n[gallery columns=\"4\" size=\"wcsquare\" display=\"grid\" link=\"file\" captions=\"hide\" ids=\"2285,2286,2287,2293,2292,2291,2289,2290\"]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<h2 class=\"heading-style\">Final Goodbyes And Certificates</h2>\r\n[gallery columns=\"4\" size=\"wcsquare\" display=\"grid\" link=\"file\" captions=\"hide\" ids=\"2303,2302,2304,2301,2296,2299,2300,2297,2306\"]\r\n\r\n[video poster=\"https://www.drfields.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/Dancing.png\" width=\"352\" height=\"640\" mp4=\"https://www.drfields.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/DANCING-v3.mp4\"][/video]','Kilimanjaro Climb Gallery','','inherit','closed','closed','','5190-revision-v1','','','2022-07-28 04:36:21','2022-07-28 04:36:21','',5190,'https://www.drfields.com/?p=5441',0,'revision','',0),(5442,8,'2022-07-28 04:37:08','2022-07-28 04:37:08','<h2 class=\"heading-style\">Kilimanjaro Arrival - 1st day pre hike camp</h2>\r\n[gallery columns=\"4\" size=\"wcsquare\" display=\"grid\" link=\"file\" ids=\"5200,5199,5201,5202,5203,5204,5205,5206\"]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<h2 class=\"heading-style\">Kilimanjaro Pre-Hike</h2>\r\n[gallery columns=\"4\" size=\"wcsquare\" display=\"grid\" link=\"file\" captions=\"hide\" ids=\"5216,5217,5218,5219,5220\"]\r\n<div class=\"video-flex-wrap\">\r\n<div class=\"video-box\">[video width=\"500\" height=\"640\" mp4=\"https://www.drfields.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/20190211_014135.mp4\"][/video]</div>\r\n<div class=\"video-box\">[video width=\"500\" height=\"640\" mp4=\"https://www.drfields.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/20190211_013855.mp4\"][/video]</div>\r\n</div>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<h2 class=\"heading-style\">Kilimanjaro - Getting to the trailhead</h2>\r\n[gallery columns=\"4\" size=\"wcsquare\" display=\"grid\" link=\"file\" captions=\"hide\" ids=\"5230,5231,5233,5234\"]\r\n<div class=\"video-flex-wrap\">\r\n<div class=\"video-box\">\r\n[video width=\"640\" height=\"480\" mp4=\"https://www.drfields.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/20190211_235333.mp4\"][/video]\r\n</div>\r\n<div class=\"video-box\">\r\n[video width=\"480\" height=\"640\" mp4=\"https://www.drfields.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/20190212_023336.mp4\"][/video]\r\n</div>\r\n</div>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<h2 class=\"heading-style\">Kilimanjaro - First Day hike</h2>\r\n[gallery columns=\"4\" size=\"wcsquare\" display=\"grid\" link=\"file\" captions=\"hide\" ids=\"5235,5236,5237,5238,5239,5242,5243,5244,5245,5246\"]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<h2 class=\"heading-style\">Kilimanjaro - Hiking to 11,400 ft</h2>\r\n[gallery columns=\"4\" size=\"wcsquare\" display=\"grid\" link=\"file\" captions=\"hide\" ids=\"5253,5254,5255,5256,5257,5259,5260,5261\"]\r\n[video width=\"640\" height=\"480\" mp4=\"https://www.drfields.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/20190213_015500.mp4\"][/video]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<h2 class=\"heading-style\">Kilimanjaro - Hiking to 13,400 feet</h2>\r\n[gallery columns=\"4\" size=\"wcsquare\" display=\"grid\" link=\"file\" captions=\"hide\" ids=\"5351,5352,5353,5354,5355,5356,5357,5358,5359,5360,5361,5362\"]\r\n<div class=\"video-flex-wrap\">\r\n<div class=\"video-box\">\r\n[video width=\"640\" height=\"480\" mp4=\"https://www.drfields.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/20190216_235405-1.mp4\"][/video]\r\n</div>\r\n<div class=\"video-box\">\r\n[video width=\"640\" height=\"480\" mp4=\"https://www.drfields.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/20190216_195900-1.mp4\"][/video]\r\n</div>\r\n</div>\r\n<div class=\"video-flex-wrap\">\r\n<div class=\"video-box\">\r\n[video width=\"640\" height=\"480\" mp4=\"https://www.drfields.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/20190214_193726.mp4\"][/video]\r\n</div>\r\n</div>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<h2 class=\"heading-style\">Kilimanjaro - Hiking to 15,500 feet</h2>\r\n[gallery columns=\"4\" size=\"wcsquare\" display=\"grid\" link=\"file\" ids=\"5266,5267,5268,5269,5270,5271,5272,5273,5274,5275,5276,5277\"]\r\n<div class=\"video-flex-wrap\">\r\n<div class=\"video-box\">\r\n[video width=\"640\" height=\"480\" mp4=\"https://www.drfields.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/20190215_194444.mp4\"][/video]\r\n</div>\r\n</div>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<h2 class=\"heading-style\">Getting To Camp At 16,500 Feet</h2>\r\n[gallery columns=\"4\" size=\"wcsquare\" display=\"grid\" link=\"file\" captions=\"hide\" ids=\"2261,2262,5281,5282,5283,5284,5285,5286,5287,5288,5289,5290,5291,5292,5293,5294,5295,5296,5297\"]\r\n<div class=\"video-flex-wrap\">\r\n<div class=\"video-box\">[video width=\"640\" height=\"480\" mp4=\"https://www.drfields.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/20190215_235706.mp4\"][/video]\r\n</div>\r\n<div class=\"video-box\">\r\n[video width=\"640\" height=\"480\" mp4=\"https://www.drfields.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/20190216_195500.mp4\"][/video]\r\n</div>\r\n</div>\r\n<div class=\"video-flex-wrap\">\r\n<div class=\"video-box\">\r\n[video width=\"640\" height=\"480\" mp4=\"https://www.drfields.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/20190216_195900.mp4\"][/video]\r\n</div>\r\n<div class=\"video-box\">\r\n[video width=\"640\" height=\"480\" mp4=\"https://www.drfields.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/20190216_235405.mp4\"][/video]\r\n</div>\r\n</div>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<h2 class=\"heading-style\">Kilimanjaro- Final Camp At 18,500 Feet</h2>\r\n[gallery columns=\"4\" size=\"wcsquare\" display=\"grid\" link=\"file\" captions=\"hide\" ids=\"5310,5311\"]\r\n<div class=\"video-flex-wrap\">\r\n<div class=\"video-box\">\r\n[video width=\"640\" height=\"480\" mp4=\"https://www.drfields.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/20190217_072234-1.mp4\"][/video]\r\n</div>\r\n<div class=\"video-box\">\r\n</div>\r\n</div>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<h2 class=\"heading-style\">Climbing To The Top Of Kilimanjaro 19,341 Ft/5895 Meters Beginning The Descent</h2>\r\n[gallery columns=\"4\" size=\"wcsquare\" display=\"grid\" link=\"file\" captions=\"hide\" ids=\"5331,5324,5326,5327,5328,5329,5330,5332\"]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<h2 class=\"heading-style\">Sunrise Up Top And Heading Down</h2>\r\n[gallery columns=\"4\" size=\"wcsquare\" display=\"grid\" link=\"file\" captions=\"hide\" ids=\"2285,2286,2287,2293,2292,2291,2289,2290\"]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<h2 class=\"heading-style\">Final Goodbyes And Certificates</h2>\r\n[gallery columns=\"4\" size=\"wcsquare\" display=\"grid\" link=\"file\" captions=\"hide\" ids=\"2303,2302,2304,2301,2296,2299,2300,2297,2306\"]\r\n\r\n[video poster=\"https://www.drfields.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/Dancing.png\" width=\"352\" height=\"640\" mp4=\"https://www.drfields.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/DANCING-v3.mp4\"][/video]','Kilimanjaro Climb Gallery','','inherit','closed','closed','','5190-revision-v1','','','2022-07-28 04:37:08','2022-07-28 04:37:08','',5190,'https://www.drfields.com/?p=5442',0,'revision','',0),(5444,9,'2022-07-29 17:09:04','2022-07-29 17:09:04','<h3><img class=\"alignright wp-image-5181\" title=\"Try Regenerative Treatments for Your Hip Pain or Injury\" src=\"https://www.drfields.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/regen.tissue-healing-500x375.jpeg\" alt=\"Regen.tissue HealingTry Regenerative Treatments for Your Hip Pain or Injury\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" />Hip Pain or Injury?</h3>\nRegenerative treatments offer an effective non-surgical answer for those with hip pain or injury. If you are dealing with hip pain from arthritis, labral tears, bursitis, IT band syndrome, or another hip condition, Regenerative Orthopedics is a treatment alternative you should look into. Many common hip pain treatments provide only temporary relief because they do not treat the root cause. At OrthoRegen®, the non-surgical options we offer address the root cause.\n<h2>What Is the Root Cause of Many Cases of Hip Pain?</h2>\nOftentimes, the underlying cause of hip pain is instability due to ligament and/or tendon laxity. The instability occurs after some type of injury to these soft tissue structures of the joint. You may recall the actual injury, such as a sports injury, a fall, or an accident. It may also come from wear and tear over the years. And if the injury was strong enough to cause a tear to the hip labrum, then it is quite possible that there are also co-injuries to the ligaments and/or tendons of the hip.\n<h2>How Does Instability Affect the Hip Joint?</h2>\nMany painful hip conditions, including arthritis, begin with damage to the surrounding soft tissue, such as the ligaments. And until the instability is addressed, the joint degeneration will continue. That is because the instability generates abnormal joint motion.\n\nBut how do the instability and the “abnormal joint motion” affect the joint? You see, ligaments join bone to bone. They provide a good portion of the stability in the hip joint. Tendons also supply stability. When these soft tissue structures are injured, they become overstretched, and the joint moves around more. Stress is then placed on other structures of the joint, which causes damage to those other structures, and eventually wears them out.\n\nIf you try to picture a loose hinge in a cabinet door and consider how the loose door begins to move abnormally and then will hit at different spots on the door, you can get a better idea of what occurs during hip instability.\n<h2>Can the Instability Be Fixed?</h2>\nJoint instability due to ligament injury can be repaired with Regenerative Orthopedics, which includes Prolotherapy, PRP, and Stem Cells.\n\nSure, there are other treatments for hip pain, such as cortisone injections, but these injections only cover up the problem. They are not reparative. Not only that, but cortisone also boosts degeneration. That means the problem is only worsened with cortisone. Treatment is needed that will repair and regenerate the joint. That’s where Regenerative Orthopedics comes in.\n\nRegenerative Orthopedics target the weakened ligaments and tendons that cause instability in the hip joint. But will the pain be addressed? Weakened ligaments actually send referral pain down the legs and buttocks. Therefore, this referral pain can also be addressed once the ligaments are strengthened with regenerative treatment.\n<h2>Regenerative Orthopedics for Hip Pain and Injuries</h2>\nRegenerative Orthopedics can comprehensively target the treatment of weakened ligaments and other soft tissue and safely eliminate hip pain and offer a vital alternative to hip surgery. These regenerative treatments stimulate the natural repair of the supportive ligaments and tendons of the hip joint and promote labrum and cartilage regeneration.\n\nStudies show that Regenerative Orthopedics is an excellent option for pain relief and repair of many hip conditions. Plus, if you are looking to avoid hip surgery, these treatments are effective alternatives to surgery. In advanced cases of degeneration, PRP or Stem Cells may be recommended.\n\nIf you are experiencing hip pain, or if hip surgery has been recommended, seek a non-surgical alternative such as Regenerative Orthopedics. Our team at OrthoRegen® would be happy to serve you.','Try Regenerative Treatments for Your Hip Pain or Injury','','inherit','closed','closed','','5180-autosave-v1','','','2022-07-29 17:09:04','2022-07-29 17:09:04','',5180,'https://www.drfields.com/?p=5444',0,'revision','',0),(5445,9,'2022-07-29 17:10:48','2022-07-29 17:10:48','<h3><img class=\"alignright wp-image-5181\" title=\"Try Regenerative Treatments for Your Hip Pain or Injury\" src=\"https://www.drfields.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/regen.tissue-healing-500x375.jpeg\" alt=\"Regen.tissue HealingTry Regenerative Treatments for Your Hip Pain or Injury\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" />Hip Pain or Injury?</h3>\r\nRegenerative treatments offer an effective non-surgical answer for those with hip pain or injury. If you are dealing with hip pain from arthritis, labral tears, bursitis, IT band syndrome, or another hip condition, Regenerative Orthopedics is a treatment alternative you should look into. Many common hip pain treatments provide only temporary relief because they do not treat the root cause. At OrthoRegen®, the non-surgical options we offer address the root cause.\r\n<h2>What Is the Root Cause of Many Cases of Hip Pain?</h2>\r\nOftentimes, the underlying cause of hip pain is instability due to ligament and/or tendon laxity. The instability occurs after some type of injury to these soft tissue structures of the joint. You may recall the actual injury, such as a sports injury, a fall, or an accident. It may also come from wear and tear over the years. And if the injury was strong enough to cause a tear to the hip labrum, then it is quite possible that there are also co-injuries to the ligaments and/or tendons of the hip.\r\n<h2>How Does Instability Affect the Hip Joint?</h2>\r\nMany painful hip conditions, including arthritis, begin with damage to the surrounding soft tissue, such as the ligaments. And until the instability is addressed, the joint degeneration will continue. That is because the instability generates abnormal joint motion.\r\n\r\nBut how do the instability and the “abnormal joint motion” affect the joint? You see, ligaments join bone to bone. They provide a good portion of the stability in the hip joint. Tendons also supply stability. When these soft tissue structures are injured, they become overstretched, and the joint moves around more. Stress is then placed on other structures of the joint, which causes damage to those other structures, and eventually wears them out.\r\n\r\nIf you try to picture a loose hinge in a cabinet door and consider how the loose door begins to move abnormally and then will hit at different spots on the door, you can get a better idea of what occurs during hip instability.\r\n<h2>Can the Instability Be Fixed?</h2>\r\nJoint instability due to ligament injury can be repaired with Regenerative Orthopedics, which includes Prolotherapy, PRP, and Stem Cells.\r\n\r\nSure, there are other treatments for hip pain, such as cortisone injections, but these injections only cover up the problem. They are not reparative. Not only that, but cortisone also boosts degeneration. That means the problem is only worsened with cortisone. Treatment is needed that will repair and regenerate the joint. That’s where Regenerative Orthopedics comes in.\r\n\r\nRegenerative Orthopedics target the weakened ligaments and tendons that cause instability in the hip joint. But will the pain be addressed? Weakened ligaments actually send referral pain down the legs and buttocks. Therefore, this referral pain can also be addressed once the ligaments are strengthened with regenerative treatment.\r\n<h2>Regenerative Orthopedics for Hip Pain and Injuries</h2>\r\nRegenerative Orthopedics can comprehensively target the treatment of weakened ligaments and other soft tissue and safely eliminate hip pain and offer a vital alternative to hip surgery. These regenerative treatments stimulate the natural repair of the supportive ligaments and tendons of the hip joint and promote labrum and cartilage regeneration.\r\n\r\nStudies show that Regenerative Orthopedics is an excellent option for pain relief and repair of many hip conditions. Plus, if you are looking to avoid hip surgery, these treatments are effective alternatives to surgery. In advanced cases of degeneration, PRP or Stem Cells may be recommended.\r\n\r\nIf you are experiencing hip pain, or if hip surgery has been recommended, seek a non-surgical alternative such as Regenerative Orthopedics. Our team at OrthoRegen® would be happy to serve you.','Try Regenerative Treatments for Your Hip Pain or Injury','','inherit','closed','closed','','5180-revision-v1','','','2022-07-29 17:10:48','2022-07-29 17:10:48','',5180,'https://www.drfields.com/?p=5445',0,'revision','',0),(5446,8,'2022-08-01 03:41:11','2022-08-01 03:41:11','<img class=\"wp-image-5455  alignright\" src=\"https://www.drfields.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Cortisone.-Jama-1-500x419.png\" alt=\"Cortisone. Jama\" width=\"419\" height=\"351\" />\r\n<h2>Are Cortisone Shots a Good Option?</h2>\r\nCortisone shots are a common treatment option for joint pain relief. But are these injections a good course of action? Many times they are not! Even though cortisone injections are frequently recommended, they have an adverse effect on the bone and soft tissue healing.\r\n<h2>Cortisone Injections Are Harmful?</h2>\r\nCortisone shots, or corticosteroid injections, inactivate vitamin D. That means they limit calcium absorption by the gastrointestinal tract, which decreases calcium uptake for the bone. This process will ultimately lead to weakness in the bone.\r\n\r\nAdditionally, corticosteroids inhibit the release of growth hormones. What does that mean? The decrease in growth hormone will interfere with soft tissue and bone repair. The result is an overall decrease in the strength of the bones, ligaments, and tendons.\r\n\r\nFurthermore, corticosteroids inhibit chondrocyte production. Chondrocytes are the cells responsible for cartilage formation. Therefore, corticosteroids interfere with the formation of cartilage, collagen, and even blood vessel formation.\r\n<h2>Will Just One Shot of Cortisone Be a Problem?</h2>\r\nThe medical journal <em>Radiology </em>lists the side effects of cortisone injections in an article called “Intra-articular Corticosteroid Injections in the Hip and Knee: Perhaps Not as Safe as We Thought?”.1 The article states that the side effects of cortisone injections include:\r\n<ul>\r\n 	<li><strong>Accelerated osteoarthritis progression</strong></li>\r\n 	<li><strong>Subchondral insufficiency fracture</strong></li>\r\n 	<li><strong>Complications of osteonecrosis</strong></li>\r\n 	<li><strong>Rapid joint destruction with bone loss</strong></li>\r\n</ul>\r\nThe study\'s lead researcher found that “corticosteroid injections may be associated with complications that potentially accelerate the destruction of the joint and may hasten the need for total hip and knee replacements.” He also says, “We’ve been telling patients that even if these injections don’t relieve your pain, they’re not going to hurt you.” But that is not really true. He says, “But now we suspect this is not necessarily the case.”1\r\n\r\nThe researcher continues, “Physicians do not commonly tell patients about the possibility of joint collapse or subchondral insufficiency fractures that may lead to earlier total hip or knee replacement,” “This information should be part of the consent when you inject patients with intra-articular corticosteroids.”\r\n\r\nWith this information, it would seem then that even one injection should be avoided if possible.\r\n<h2>But Does Cortisone Help with Pain?</h2>\r\nSome people do get relief from cortisone. But not all people do! And corticosteroid injections have been used for a very long time. Their anti-inflammatory and pain relief properties made their use a common practice within the medical community.\r\n\r\nHowever, the same properties that make them effective in decreasing inflammation and pain are the same properties that lead to the destruction of cartilage.\r\n<h2>The Effects of Cortisone Injections on Cartilage</h2>\r\nIn 2017, an article in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) asks the question, “What are the effects of intra-articular injection of 40 mg of triamcinolone acetonide every three months on the progression of cartilage loss and knee pain in patients with osteoarthritis?”2\r\n\r\nThe answer: “Among patients with symptomatic knee osteoarthritis, two years of intra-articular triamcinolone, compared with intra-articular saline, resulted in significantly greater cartilage volume loss and no significant difference in knee pain. These findings do not support this treatment for patients with symptomatic knee osteoarthritis.”2\r\n<h2>Regenerative Orthopedics: An Alternative to Cortisone Injections</h2>\r\nSo what is the alternative to cortisone, considering pain relief is still necessary? That’s where Regenerative Orthopedics comes in!  Treatments like Stem Cell Therapy, PRP, and Prolotherapy work to actually repair the arthritic joint. They don’t just cover up the pain as many other treatments do. These treatments provide pain relief. They actually heal the joints, strengthen the structures of the joints, and even boost the growth of cartilage.\r\n\r\nRegenerative Orthopedics regenerates the joint rather than causing degeneration like what occurs with cortisone injections. There is also minimal downtime needed when receiving these regenerative treatments. That means you can continue to exercise and move the joint, which is essential for a healthy joint. Exercise helps ease pain, improve mobility, and strengthen muscles around the joints.\r\n\r\nRegenerative Orthopedics is the treatment of choice to achieve the pain relief you desire while returning function to your painful joint and helping you to once again participate in the activities you enjoy.\r\n\r\n1Kompel AJ, Roemer FW, Murakami AM, Diaz LE, Crema MD, Guermazi A. Intra-articular Corticosteroid Injections in the Hip and Knee: Perhaps Not as Safe as We Thought? <em>Radiology</em>, 2019; 190341\r\n\r\n2McAlindon TE, LaValley MP, Harvey WF, Price LL, Driban JB, Zhang M, Ward RJ. Effect of Intra-articular Triamcinolone vs Saline on Knee Cartilage Volume and Pain in Patients With Knee OsteoarthritisA Randomized Clinical Trial. <em>JAMA.</em> 2017;317(19):1967-1975.','Are Cortisone Shots a Good Option?','','publish','closed','open','','are-cortisone-shots-a-good-option','','','2022-08-03 21:26:01','2022-08-03 21:26:01','',0,'https://www.drfields.com/?p=5446',0,'post','',0),(5447,8,'2022-08-01 03:41:11','2022-08-01 03:41:11','Cortisone injections are a common treatment option for joint pain relief. But are these injections a good course of action? Many times they are not! Even though cortisone injections are frequently recommended, they unfortunately have an adverse effect on the bone and on soft tissue healing.\r\n<h2>Cortisone Injections Are Harmful?</h2>\r\nCortisone shots, or corticosteroid injections, inactivate vitamin D. That means they limit calcium absorption by the gastrointestinal tract, which results in a decrease in calcium uptake for the bone. This process will ultimately lead to weakness in the bone.\r\n\r\nAdditionally, corticosteroids inhibit the release of growth hormone. What does that mean? The decrease in growth hormone will interfere with the repair of soft tissue and bone. The result is an overall decrease in the strength of the bones, ligaments, and tendons.\r\n\r\nFurthermore, corticosteroids inhibit chondrocyte production. Chondrocytes are the cells responsible for cartilage formation. Therefore, corticosteroids interfere with the formation of cartilage, collagen, and even blood vessel formation.\r\n<h2>Will Just One Shot of Cortisone Be a Problem?</h2>\r\nThe medical journal <em>Radiology </em>lists side-effects of cortisone injections in an article called “Intra-articular Corticosteroid Injections in the Hip and Knee: Perhaps Not as Safe as We Thought?”.1 The article states that the side effects of cortisone injections include:\r\n<ul>\r\n 	<li><strong>Accelerated osteoarthritis progression</strong></li>\r\n 	<li><strong>Subchondral insufficiency fracture</strong></li>\r\n 	<li><strong>Complications of osteonecrosis</strong></li>\r\n 	<li><strong>Rapid joint destruction with bone loss</strong></li>\r\n</ul>\r\nThe lead researcher of the study, found that <strong>“corticosteroid injections may be associated with complications that potentially accelerate the destruction of the joint and may hasten the need for total hip and knee replacements.”</strong> He also says,<strong> “</strong><strong>We</strong><strong>’ve been telling patients that even if these injections don’t relieve your pain, they’re not going to hurt you.” But that is not really true. He goes on to say, “But now we suspect that this is not necessarily the case.”1</strong><strong> </strong>\r\n\r\nThe researcher continues,<strong> “Physicians do not commonly tell patients about the possibility of joint collapse or subchondral insufficiency fractures that may lead to earlier total hip or knee replacement,” “This information should be part of the consent when you inject patients with intra-articular corticosteroids.”</strong><strong> </strong>\r\n\r\nWith this information, it would seem then, that even one injections should be avoided if possible.\r\n<h2>But Does Cortisone Help with Pain?</h2>\r\nSome people do get relief from cortisone. But not all people do! And corticosteroid injections have been used for a very long time. Their anti-inflammatory and pain relief properties made its use a common practice within the medical community.\r\n\r\nHowever, the same properties that make them effective in decreasing the inflammation and pain, are the same properties lead to the destruction of cartilage.\r\n<h2>The Effects of Cortisone Injections on Cartilage</h2>\r\nIn 2017, an article in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) asks the question, “What are the effects of intra-articular injection of 40 mg of triamcinolone acetonide every 3 months on the progression of cartilage loss and knee pain in patients with osteoarthritis?”2\r\n\r\nThe answer: “Among patients with symptomatic knee osteoarthritis, 2 years of intra-articular triamcinolone, compared with intra-articular saline, resulted in <strong>significantly greater cartilage volume loss and no significant difference in knee pain</strong>. These findings do not support this treatment for patients with symptomatic knee osteoarthritis.”2\r\n<h2>Regenerative Orthopedics: An Alternative to Cortisone Injections</h2>\r\nSo what is the alternative to cortisone, considering pain relief is still necessary? That’s where Regenerative Orthopedics comes in!  Treatments like Stem Cell Therapy, PRP, and Prolotherapy work to<strong> actually repair the arthritic joint.</strong> They don’t just cover up the pain like many other treatments do. These treatments provide pain relief. <strong>They actually heal the joint, strengthen the structures of the joints, and even boost growth of cartilage</strong>.\r\n\r\nRegenerative Orthopedics regenerates the joint rather than causing degeneration like what occurs with cortisone injections. There is also minimal downtime needed when receiving these regenerative treatments. That means you can continue to exercise, and move the joint, which is essential for a healthy joint. Exercise helps ease pain, improve mobility, and strengthen muscles around the joints.\r\n\r\nRegenerative Orthopedics is the treatment of choice to achieve the pain relief you desire, while returning function to your painful joint, and helping you to once again participate in the activities you enjoy.\r\n\r\n1Kompel AJ, Roemer FW, Murakami AM, Diaz LE, Crema MD, Guermazi A. Intra-articular Corticosteroid Injections in the Hip and Knee: Perhaps Not as Safe as We Thought? <em>Radiology</em>, 2019; 190341\r\n\r\n2McAlindon TE, LaValley MP, Harvey WF, Price LL, Driban JB, Zhang M, Ward RJ. Effect of Intra-articular Triamcinolone vs Saline on Knee Cartilage Volume and Pain in Patients With Knee OsteoarthritisA Randomized Clinical Trial. <em>JAMA.</em> 2017;317(19):1967-1975.','Are Cortisone Shots a Good Option?','','inherit','closed','closed','','5446-revision-v1','','','2022-08-01 03:41:11','2022-08-01 03:41:11','',5446,'https://www.drfields.com/?p=5447',0,'revision','',0),(5448,8,'2022-08-01 03:41:29','2022-08-01 03:41:29','','Are Cortisone Shots a Good Option?','','inherit','closed','closed','','cortisone-jama','','','2022-08-01 03:41:45','2022-08-01 03:41:45','',5446,'https://www.drfields.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Cortisone.-Jama.png',0,'attachment','image/png',0),(5449,8,'2022-08-01 03:42:12','2022-08-01 03:42:12','<img class=\"alignright wp-image-5448\" src=\"https://www.drfields.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Cortisone.-Jama-500x419.png\" alt=\"Are Cortisone Shots a Good Option?\" width=\"300\" height=\"251\" />Cortisone injections are a common treatment option for joint pain relief. But are these injections a good course of action? Many times they are not! Even though cortisone injections are frequently recommended, they unfortunately have an adverse effect on the bone and on soft tissue healing.\r\n<h2>Cortisone Injections Are Harmful?</h2>\r\nCortisone shots, or corticosteroid injections, inactivate vitamin D. That means they limit calcium absorption by the gastrointestinal tract, which results in a decrease in calcium uptake for the bone. This process will ultimately lead to weakness in the bone.\r\n\r\nAdditionally, corticosteroids inhibit the release of growth hormone. What does that mean? The decrease in growth hormone will interfere with the repair of soft tissue and bone. The result is an overall decrease in the strength of the bones, ligaments, and tendons.\r\n\r\nFurthermore, corticosteroids inhibit chondrocyte production. Chondrocytes are the cells responsible for cartilage formation. Therefore, corticosteroids interfere with the formation of cartilage, collagen, and even blood vessel formation.\r\n<h2>Will Just One Shot of Cortisone Be a Problem?</h2>\r\nThe medical journal <em>Radiology </em>lists side-effects of cortisone injections in an article called “Intra-articular Corticosteroid Injections in the Hip and Knee: Perhaps Not as Safe as We Thought?”.1 The article states that the side effects of cortisone injections include:\r\n<ul>\r\n 	<li><strong>Accelerated osteoarthritis progression</strong></li>\r\n 	<li><strong>Subchondral insufficiency fracture</strong></li>\r\n 	<li><strong>Complications of osteonecrosis</strong></li>\r\n 	<li><strong>Rapid joint destruction with bone loss</strong></li>\r\n</ul>\r\nThe lead researcher of the study, found that <strong>“corticosteroid injections may be associated with complications that potentially accelerate the destruction of the joint and may hasten the need for total hip and knee replacements.”</strong> He also says,<strong> “</strong><strong>We</strong><strong>’ve been telling patients that even if these injections don’t relieve your pain, they’re not going to hurt you.” But that is not really true. He goes on to say, “But now we suspect that this is not necessarily the case.”1</strong><strong> </strong>\r\n\r\nThe researcher continues,<strong> “Physicians do not commonly tell patients about the possibility of joint collapse or subchondral insufficiency fractures that may lead to earlier total hip or knee replacement,” “This information should be part of the consent when you inject patients with intra-articular corticosteroids.”</strong><strong> </strong>\r\n\r\nWith this information, it would seem then, that even one injections should be avoided if possible.\r\n<h2>But Does Cortisone Help with Pain?</h2>\r\nSome people do get relief from cortisone. But not all people do! And corticosteroid injections have been used for a very long time. Their anti-inflammatory and pain relief properties made its use a common practice within the medical community.\r\n\r\nHowever, the same properties that make them effective in decreasing the inflammation and pain, are the same properties lead to the destruction of cartilage.\r\n<h2>The Effects of Cortisone Injections on Cartilage</h2>\r\nIn 2017, an article in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) asks the question, “What are the effects of intra-articular injection of 40 mg of triamcinolone acetonide every 3 months on the progression of cartilage loss and knee pain in patients with osteoarthritis?”2\r\n\r\nThe answer: “Among patients with symptomatic knee osteoarthritis, 2 years of intra-articular triamcinolone, compared with intra-articular saline, resulted in <strong>significantly greater cartilage volume loss and no significant difference in knee pain</strong>. These findings do not support this treatment for patients with symptomatic knee osteoarthritis.”2\r\n<h2>Regenerative Orthopedics: An Alternative to Cortisone Injections</h2>\r\nSo what is the alternative to cortisone, considering pain relief is still necessary? That’s where Regenerative Orthopedics comes in!  Treatments like Stem Cell Therapy, PRP, and Prolotherapy work to<strong> actually repair the arthritic joint.</strong> They don’t just cover up the pain like many other treatments do. These treatments provide pain relief. <strong>They actually heal the joint, strengthen the structures of the joints, and even boost growth of cartilage</strong>.\r\n\r\nRegenerative Orthopedics regenerates the joint rather than causing degeneration like what occurs with cortisone injections. There is also minimal downtime needed when receiving these regenerative treatments. That means you can continue to exercise, and move the joint, which is essential for a healthy joint. Exercise helps ease pain, improve mobility, and strengthen muscles around the joints.\r\n\r\nRegenerative Orthopedics is the treatment of choice to achieve the pain relief you desire, while returning function to your painful joint, and helping you to once again participate in the activities you enjoy.\r\n\r\n1Kompel AJ, Roemer FW, Murakami AM, Diaz LE, Crema MD, Guermazi A. Intra-articular Corticosteroid Injections in the Hip and Knee: Perhaps Not as Safe as We Thought? <em>Radiology</em>, 2019; 190341\r\n\r\n2McAlindon TE, LaValley MP, Harvey WF, Price LL, Driban JB, Zhang M, Ward RJ. Effect of Intra-articular Triamcinolone vs Saline on Knee Cartilage Volume and Pain in Patients With Knee OsteoarthritisA Randomized Clinical Trial. <em>JAMA.</em> 2017;317(19):1967-1975.','Are Cortisone Shots a Good Option?','','inherit','closed','closed','','5446-revision-v1','','','2022-08-01 03:42:12','2022-08-01 03:42:12','',5446,'https://www.drfields.com/?p=5449',0,'revision','',0),(5450,8,'2022-08-01 03:43:26','2022-08-01 03:43:26','<div class=\"clear\"></div>\r\n<div id=\"slider\">\r\n<div class=\"owl-carousel slider-carousel\">\r\n<div id=\"slide\" class=\"item\" style=\"background-image: url(\'https://www.drfields.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/header-orthoregen-4.jpg\');\">\r\n<div class=\"carousel-caption\"><span class=\"header_text_first\">Stem Cell / PRP / Prolotherapy</span>\r\n<span class=\"header_text_second\">Regenerative Orthopedics</span>\r\n<span class=\"header_text_third\">Fix Your Joints &amp; Spine Without Surgery</span>\r\n<a class=\"btn-more\" title=\"Let\'s Get Started Today!\" href=\"Contact-Us\"> Let\'s Get Started Today!</a></div>\r\n</div>\r\n<div id=\"slide\" class=\"item\" style=\"background-image: url(\'https://www.drfields.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/Slider-2v05072022.png\');\"></div>\r\n<div id=\"slide\" class=\"item\" style=\"background-image: url(\'https://www.drfields.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/header-orthoregen-santa-monica-pier.jpg\');\">\r\n<div class=\"carousel-caption\"><span class=\"header_text_first\">New Article:</span>\r\n<span class=\"header_text_second\">Keep Looking Forward Despite COVID-19</span>\r\n<span class=\"header_text_third\" style=\"color: #ffffff;\">By Peter A. Fields, MD, DC</span>\r\n<a class=\"btn-more\" title=\"Read Article\" href=\"/articles/health-news/dealing-with-covid-19/\">Read Article</a></div>\r\n</div>\r\n<div id=\"slide\" class=\"item\" style=\"background-image: url(\'https://www.drfields.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/header-orthoregen-11.jpg\');\">\r\n<div class=\"carousel-caption\"><span class=\"header_text_first\">Stem Cell / PRP / Prolotherapy</span>\r\n<span class=\"header_text_second\">Regenerative Orthopedics</span>\r\n<span class=\"header_text_third\">Fix Your Joints &amp; Spine Without Surgery</span>\r\n<a class=\"btn-more\" title=\"Let\'s Get Started Today!\" href=\"Contact-Us\"> Let\'s Get Started Today!</a></div>\r\n</div>\r\n<div id=\"slide\" class=\"item\" style=\"background-image: url(\'https://www.drfields.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/header-orthoregen-9.jpg\');\">\r\n<div class=\"carousel-caption\"><span class=\"header_text_first\">Get Back In The Game!</span>\r\n<span class=\"header_text_second\">Avoid Joint and Spine Surgery </span>\r\n<span class=\"header_text_third\" style=\"color: #ffffff;\">Stem Cell/PRP/Prolotherapy</span>\r\n<a class=\"btn-more\" title=\"Get Help Now!\" href=\"Contact-Us\"> Get Help Now!</a></div>\r\n</div>\r\n<div id=\"slide\" class=\"item slide-article\" style=\"background-image: url(\'https://www.drfields.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/header-orthoregen-ocean-mountains.jpg\');\">\r\n<div class=\"carousel-caption\"><span class=\"header_text_second\">COVID-19 Advice: \"Don’t Fear the Fear Itself!\"</span>\r\n<span class=\"header_text_third\" style=\"color: #ffffff;\">By Peter A. Fields, MD, DC</span>\r\n<a class=\"btn-more\" title=\"Read Article\" href=\"/articles/health-news/dont-fear-the-fear-itself/\">Read Article</a></div>\r\n</div>\r\n<div id=\"slide\" class=\"item\" style=\"background-image: url(\'https://www.drfields.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/Kili-top-header-2.jpg\');\">\r\n<div class=\"carousel-caption\" style=\"text-align: left;\"><span class=\"header_text_first\">Congratulations\r\nPeter A. Fields, MD, DC</span>\r\n<span class=\"header_text_second\">The Athletic Doc<sup>®</sup>\r\nsuccessfully climbed</span>\r\n<span class=\"header_text_third white-text\">Mt. Kilimanjaro in\r\nTanzania, Africa.19,341 feet!!!</span>\r\n<a class=\"btn-more\" title=\"Read Article\" href=\"/report-of-my-kilimanjaro-climb/\">Read More</a>\r\n</div>\r\n</div>\r\n<div id=\"slide\" class=\"item\" style=\"background-image: url(\'https://www.drfields.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/Sider-01-V8.jpg\');\">\r\n<div class=\"carousel-caption\"><span class=\"header_text_first\">Peter A. Fields, MD, DC\r\nThe Athletic Doc<sup>®</sup></span>\r\n<span class=\"header_text_second\">Completed His 11th Ironman</span>\r\n<span class=\"header_text_third\">Sunday, November 24th in Cozumel Mexico</span>\r\n<a class=\"btn-more\" title=\"Read More\" href=\"#\">Images &amp; Story Coming Soon</a></div>\r\n</div>\r\n\r\n</div>\r\n</div>\r\n<div class=\"clear\"></div>\r\n<div class=\"jumbotron-fluid\">\r\n<div class=\"row\">\r\n<div class=\"col-md-4 box1\">\r\n\r\nWhat\'s\r\n<h3>New</h3>\r\n<ul>\r\n        <li><a href=\"/articles/regenerative-orthopedics/are-cortisone-shots-a-good-option/\">Are Cortisone Shots a Good Option?</a></li>\r\n 	<li><a href=\"https://www.drfields.com/articles/regenerative-orthopedics/try-regenerative-treatments-for-your-hip-pain-or-injury/\">Try Regenerative Treatments for Your Hip Pain or Injury</a></li>\r\n 	<li class=\"last\"><a title=\"Nagging Back Pain\" href=\"/articles/regenerative-orthopedics/nagging-back-pain/\">Nagging Back Pain</a></li>\r\n 	<li class=\"last\"><a title=\"Treating Knee Pain and Injuries with Regenerative Orthopedics\" href=\"/articles/regenerative-orthopedics/treating-knee-pain-and-injuries-with-regenerative-orthopedics/\">Treating Knee Pain and Injuries with Regenerative Orthopedics</a></li>\r\n 	<li class=\"last\"><a title=\"Keep Looking Forward Despite COVID-19\" href=\"/articles/health-news/dealing-with-covid-19/\">Keep Looking Forward Despite COVID-19</a></li>\r\n 	<li class=\"last\"><a title=\"COVID-19 Advice: Don’t Fear the Fear Itself!\" href=\"/articles/health-news/dont-fear-the-fear-itself/\">COVID-19 Advice: \"Don’t Fear the Fear Itself!\"</a></li>\r\n 	<li class=\"last\"><a title=\"Rotator Cuff Tendonitis\" href=\"https://www.drfields.com/articles/regenerative-orthopedics/rotator-cuff-tendonitis/\">Rotator Cuff Tendonitis</a></li>\r\n 	<li><a title=\"Allergic Reactions and Problems of Corrosion with Joint Replacements\" href=\"https://www.drfields.com/articles/allergic-reactions-and-problems-of-corrosion-with-joint-replacements/\">Allergic Reactions and Problems of Corrosion with Joint Replacements\r\n</a></li>\r\n 	<li><a title=\"Treat Sciatica Pain Non-Surgically\" href=\"https://www.drfields.com/articles/regenerative-orthopedics/treat-sciatica-pain-non-surgically/\">Treat Sciatica Pain Non-Surgically</a></li>\r\n 	<li class=\"last\"><a title=\"Stem Cell Therapy at OrthoRegen&lt;sup&gt;®&lt;/sup&gt; – Why We are Different\" href=\"https://www.drfields.com/articles/regenerative-orthopedics/stem-cell-therapy-at-orthoregen-why-we-are-different/\">Stem Cell Therapy at OrthoRegen<sup>®</sup> – Why We are Different</a></li>\r\n 	<li class=\"last\"><a title=\"Is Your Hip Bursitis Treatment Working?\" href=\"https://www.drfields.com/articles/regenerative-orthopedics/is-your-hip-bursitis-treatment-working/\">Is Your Hip Bursitis Treatment Working?</a></li>\r\n 	\r\n</ul>\r\n</div>\r\n<div id=\"testimonials\" class=\"col-md-4 box2\">\r\n\r\nPatient\r\n<h3>Testimonials</h3>\r\n<strong>Video:</strong>\r\n<div class=\"owl-carousel testimonials-carousel wow fadeInUp\">\r\n<div class=\"testimonial-item\">\r\n\r\n\"I wished I had come earlier and listened to what my physical therapist had told me to do because Dr. Fields has been a real solution for me.\"\r\n\r\n<img class=\"testimonial-img\" title=\"Testimonial\" src=\"https://www.drfields.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/testimonial-thumb-larry.png\" alt=\"Testimonial\" />\r\n<h3>Larry</h3>\r\n<h4>Stem Cell Knee</h4>\r\n</div>\r\n<div class=\"testimonial-item\">\r\n\r\n\"I highly recommend it to anyone who needs to recover fast and get back out there.\"\r\n\r\n<img class=\"testimonial-img\" src=\"https://www.drfields.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/testimonial-thumb-christopher.png\" alt=\"\" />\r\n<h3>Chris, Pro Basketball Player</h3>\r\n<h4>PRP Knee</h4>\r\n</div>\r\n<div class=\"testimonial-item\">\r\n\r\n\"Now I can go walking, I go to my ballet class and I’m a happy camper because of Dr. Fields.\"\r\n\r\n<img class=\"testimonial-img\" title=\"\" src=\"https://www.drfields.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/testimonial-thumb-mary.png\" alt=\"Testimonial\" />\r\n<h3>Mary</h3>\r\n<h4>Stem Cell Hip</h4>\r\n</div>\r\n</div>\r\n<strong>Written:</strong>\r\n<div class=\"owl-carousel testimonials-carousel wow fadeInUp\">\r\n<div class=\"testimonial-item\">\r\n\r\n\"I need to say a big thank you to Dr Fields for getting me back on the tennis court. I am an avid tennis player who tried to ignore the terrible pain in my elbow.\"\r\n<h3 style=\"margin-left: 0;\">Mindy</h3>\r\n<h4 style=\"margin-left: 0;\">Elbow</h4>\r\n</div>\r\n<div class=\"testimonial-item\">\r\n\r\n\"I chose Dr. Peter Fields because he is an athlete and would have more direct knowledge of my particular circumstances than anyone else.\"\r\n<h3 style=\"margin-left: 0;\">Robert</h3>\r\n<h4 style=\"margin-left: 0;\">Shoulder</h4>\r\n</div>\r\n<div class=\"testimonial-item\">\r\n\r\n\"After the final treatments ended I am still without all the pain and have more muscle strength in my legs.\"\r\n<h3 style=\"margin-left: 0;\">Lois</h3>\r\n<h4 style=\"margin-left: 0;\">Knee</h4>\r\n</div>\r\n</div>\r\n</div>\r\n<div class=\"col-md-4 box3\">\r\n\r\nNews &amp;\r\n<h3>Events</h3>\r\n<ul>\r\n 	<li><a href=\"https://www.drfields.com/articles/health-news/dr-fields-to-lecture-in-mexico-city-on-july-9th/\">Peter A. Fields, MD, DC to lecture in Mexico City on July 9th</a></li>\r\n 	<li><a class=\"buttonlink\" style=\"width: 100%; font-size: 24px; text-align: center; padding: 25px 8%;\" href=\"https://www.drfields.com/contact/\"> Are you a Stem Cell Candidate?</a></li>\r\n</ul>\r\n</div>\r\n</div>\r\n</div>\r\n<div id=\"search-articles\">\r\n<div class=\"container\">\r\n<div class=\"col-md-12\">\r\n\r\n<a class=\"buttonlink\" href=\"https://www.drfields.com/contact/\"> Schedule Your Appointment Today!</a>\r\n<h2 class=\"text-center\">Search <b>Dr. Fields\'</b> Articles</h2>\r\n<form id=\"searchform\" action=\"/\" method=\"get\"><input class=\"search-field\" name=\"s\" type=\"text\" placeholder=\"What\'s Your Condition?\" />\r\n<input type=\"submit\" value=\"Search\" /></form></div>\r\n</div>\r\n</div>\r\n<div id=\"intro\">\r\n<div class=\"container\">\r\n<div class=\"col-md-12\">\r\n<h1 class=\"text-center\">Welcome to OrthoRegen<sup>®</sup>!</h1>\r\n<p class=\"intro_text welcome\"><a href=\"http://orthoregen.com\"><span style=\"font-size: 26px;\">OrthoRegen<sup>®</sup></span></a> is dedicated to providing the best of <span class=\"nowrap\">Regenerative Orthopedics</span> by offering non-surgical alternatives for joint and spine repair</p>\r\n<a class=\"primaryButton\" title=\"Read More About U\" href=\"https://www.drfields.com/about/orthoregen-our-philosophy/\">Read More About Us</a>\r\n<a id=\"candidateButton\" title=\"Are you a good candidate?\" href=\"/contact/\">Are you a good candidate?</a>\r\n\r\n</div>\r\n</div>\r\n</div>\r\n<div class=\"clear\"></div>\r\n<div class=\"about\">\r\n<div class=\"col-md-5 drfields\"><img class=\"alignnone\" title=\"Regenerative Orthopedics Leader\" src=\"https://www.drfields.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/dr-fields.png\" alt=\"Regenerative Orthopedics Leader\" width=\"460\" height=\"737\" /></div>\r\n<div class=\"col-md-7 about_holder\">\r\n<h1>Peter A. Fields, <span class=\"nowrap\">MD, DC</span></h1>\r\n<p class=\"intro_text\">Medical Physician and Chiropractor\r\nThe Athletic Doc<sup>®</sup> - 11x Ironman Triathlete</p>\r\n\r\n</div>\r\n<div class=\"col-md-3\">\r\n<div class=\"about_icon\"><img title=\"icon info\" src=\"https://www.drfields.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/icon-info.png\" alt=\"icon info\" /></div>\r\n<div class=\"about_text\">\r\n<h3>About</h3>\r\nPeter A. Fields, MD, DC is one of a handful of physicians in the nation with both medical and chiropractic degrees...\r\n\r\n<a class=\"secondaryButton\" title=\"Read More\" href=\"https://www.drfields.com/about/dr-fields-bio/\">Read More</a>\r\n\r\n</div>\r\n</div>\r\n<div class=\"col-md-3\">\r\n<div class=\"about_icon\"><img title=\"Man Icon\" src=\"https://www.drfields.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/icon-ironman.png\" alt=\"Man Icon\" /></div>\r\n<div class=\"about_text\">\r\n<h3>11x Ironman</h3>\r\nDr. Peter A. Fields is also known as The Athletic Doc<sup>®</sup> He not only treats athletes in his practice but is an athlete himself. For over...\r\n\r\n<a class=\"secondaryButton\" title=\"Read More\" href=\"https://www.drfields.com/about/the-athletic-doc/about-the-athletic-doc/\">Read More</a>\r\n\r\n</div>\r\n</div>\r\n</div>\r\n<div class=\"clear\"></div>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a class=\"buttonlink\" href=\"https://www.drfields.com/contact/\">Call Us Today! 310-453-1234</a>','Home','','inherit','closed','closed','','2109-revision-v1','','','2022-08-01 03:43:26','2022-08-01 03:43:26','',2109,'https://www.drfields.com/?p=5450',0,'revision','',0),(5451,8,'2022-08-01 04:20:07','2022-08-01 04:20:07','<img class=\"alignright wp-image-5448\" src=\"https://www.drfields.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Cortisone.-Jama-500x419.png\" alt=\"Are Cortisone Shots a Good Option?\" width=\"300\" height=\"251\" />Cortisone injections are a common treatment option for joint pain relief. But are these injections a good course of action? Many times they are not! Even though cortisone injections are frequently recommended, they unfortunately have an adverse effect on the bone and on soft tissue healing.\r\n<h2>Cortisone Injections Are Harmful?</h2>\r\nCortisone shots, or corticosteroid injections, inactivate vitamin D. That means they limit calcium absorption by the gastrointestinal tract, which results in a decrease in calcium uptake for the bone. This process will ultimately lead to weakness in the bone.\r\n\r\nAdditionally, corticosteroids inhibit the release of growth hormone. What does that mean? The decrease in growth hormone will interfere with the repair of soft tissue and bone. The result is an overall decrease in the strength of the bones, ligaments, and tendons.\r\n\r\nFurthermore, corticosteroids inhibit chondrocyte production. Chondrocytes are the cells responsible for cartilage formation. Therefore, corticosteroids interfere with the formation of cartilage, collagen, and even blood vessel formation.\r\n<h2>Will Just One Shot of Cortisone Be a Problem?</h2>\r\nThe medical journal <em>Radiology </em>lists side-effects of cortisone injections in an article called “Intra-articular Corticosteroid Injections in the Hip and Knee: Perhaps Not as Safe as We Thought?”.1 The article states that the side effects of cortisone injections include:\r\n<ul>\r\n 	<li><strong>Accelerated osteoarthritis progression</strong></li>\r\n 	<li><strong>Subchondral insufficiency fracture</strong></li>\r\n 	<li><strong>Complications of osteonecrosis</strong></li>\r\n 	<li><strong>Rapid joint destruction with bone loss</strong></li>\r\n</ul>\r\nThe lead researcher of the study, found that “corticosteroid injections may be associated with complications that potentially accelerate the destruction of the joint and may hasten the need for total hip and knee replacements.” He also says, “We’ve been telling patients that even if these injections don’t relieve your pain, they’re not going to hurt you.” But that is not really true. He goes on to say, “But now we suspect that this is not necessarily the case.”1\r\n\r\nThe researcher continues, “Physicians do not commonly tell patients about the possibility of joint collapse or subchondral insufficiency fractures that may lead to earlier total hip or knee replacement,” “This information should be part of the consent when you inject patients with intra-articular corticosteroids.”\r\n\r\nWith this information, it would seem then, that even one injections should be avoided if possible.\r\n<h2>But Does Cortisone Help with Pain?</h2>\r\nSome people do get relief from cortisone. But not all people do! And corticosteroid injections have been used for a very long time. Their anti-inflammatory and pain relief properties made its use a common practice within the medical community.\r\n\r\nHowever, the same properties that make them effective in decreasing the inflammation and pain, are the same properties lead to the destruction of cartilage.\r\n<h2>The Effects of Cortisone Injections on Cartilage</h2>\r\nIn 2017, an article in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) asks the question, “What are the effects of intra-articular injection of 40 mg of triamcinolone acetonide every 3 months on the progression of cartilage loss and knee pain in patients with osteoarthritis?”2\r\n\r\nThe answer: “Among patients with symptomatic knee osteoarthritis, 2 years of intra-articular triamcinolone, compared with intra-articular saline, resulted in significantly greater cartilage volume loss and no significant difference in knee pain. These findings do not support this treatment for patients with symptomatic knee osteoarthritis.”2\r\n<h2>Regenerative Orthopedics: An Alternative to Cortisone Injections</h2>\r\nSo what is the alternative to cortisone, considering pain relief is still necessary? That’s where Regenerative Orthopedics comes in!  Treatments like Stem Cell Therapy, PRP, and Prolotherapy work to actually repair the arthritic joint. They don’t just cover up the pain like many other treatments do. These treatments provide pain relief. They actually heal the joint, strengthen the structures of the joints, and even boost growth of cartilage.\r\n\r\nRegenerative Orthopedics regenerates the joint rather than causing degeneration like what occurs with cortisone injections. There is also minimal downtime needed when receiving these regenerative treatments. That means you can continue to exercise, and move the joint, which is essential for a healthy joint. Exercise helps ease pain, improve mobility, and strengthen muscles around the joints.\r\n\r\nRegenerative Orthopedics is the treatment of choice to achieve the pain relief you desire, while returning function to your painful joint, and helping you to once again participate in the activities you enjoy.\r\n\r\n1Kompel AJ, Roemer FW, Murakami AM, Diaz LE, Crema MD, Guermazi A. Intra-articular Corticosteroid Injections in the Hip and Knee: Perhaps Not as Safe as We Thought? <em>Radiology</em>, 2019; 190341\r\n\r\n2McAlindon TE, LaValley MP, Harvey WF, Price LL, Driban JB, Zhang M, Ward RJ. Effect of Intra-articular Triamcinolone vs Saline on Knee Cartilage Volume and Pain in Patients With Knee OsteoarthritisA Randomized Clinical Trial. <em>JAMA.</em> 2017;317(19):1967-1975.','Are Cortisone Shots a Good Option?','','inherit','closed','closed','','5446-revision-v1','','','2022-08-01 04:20:07','2022-08-01 04:20:07','',5446,'https://www.drfields.com/?p=5451',0,'revision','',0),(5452,9,'2022-08-03 21:25:30','2022-08-03 21:25:30','[caption id=\"attachment_5455\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"500\"]<img class=\"wp-image-5455 size-medium\" src=\"https://www.drfields.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Cortisone.-Jama-1-500x419.png\" alt=\"Cortisone. Jama\" width=\"500\" height=\"419\" /> Cortisone. Jama[/caption]\n<h2>Are Cortisone Shots a Good Option?</h2>\nCortisone shots are a common treatment option for joint pain relief. But are these injections a good course of action? Many times they are not! Even though cortisone injections are frequently recommended, they have an adverse effect on the bone and soft tissue healing.\n<h2>Cortisone Injections Are Harmful?</h2>\nCortisone shots, or corticosteroid injections, inactivate vitamin D. That means they limit calcium absorption by the gastrointestinal tract, which decreases calcium uptake for the bone. This process will ultimately lead to weakness in the bone.\n\nAdditionally, corticosteroids inhibit the release of growth hormones. What does that mean? The decrease in growth hormone will interfere with soft tissue and bone repair. The result is an overall decrease in the strength of the bones, ligaments, and tendons.\n\nFurthermore, corticosteroids inhibit chondrocyte production. Chondrocytes are the cells responsible for cartilage formation. Therefore, corticosteroids interfere with the formation of cartilage, collagen, and even blood vessel formation.\n<h2>Will Just One Shot of Cortisone Be a Problem?</h2>\nThe medical journal <em>Radiology </em>lists the side effects of cortisone injections in an article called “Intra-articular Corticosteroid Injections in the Hip and Knee: Perhaps Not as Safe as We Thought?”.1 The article states that the side effects of cortisone injections include:\n<ul>\n 	<li><strong>Accelerated osteoarthritis progression</strong></li>\n 	<li><strong>Subchondral insufficiency fracture</strong></li>\n 	<li><strong>Complications of osteonecrosis</strong></li>\n 	<li><strong>Rapid joint destruction with bone loss</strong></li>\n</ul>\nThe study\'s lead researcher found that “corticosteroid injections may be associated with complications that potentially accelerate the destruction of the joint and may hasten the need for total hip and knee replacements.” He also says, “We’ve been telling patients that even if these injections don’t relieve your pain, they’re not going to hurt you.” But that is not really true. He says, “But now we suspect this is not necessarily the case.”1\n\nThe researcher continues, “Physicians do not commonly tell patients about the possibility of joint collapse or subchondral insufficiency fractures that may lead to earlier total hip or knee replacement,” “This information should be part of the consent when you inject patients with intra-articular corticosteroids.”\n\nWith this information, it would seem then that even one injection should be avoided if possible.\n<h2>But Does Cortisone Help with Pain?</h2>\nSome people do get relief from cortisone. But not all people do! And corticosteroid injections have been used for a very long time. Their anti-inflammatory and pain relief properties made their use a common practice within the medical community.\n\nHowever, the same properties that make them effective in decreasing inflammation and pain are the same properties that lead to the destruction of cartilage.\n<h2>The Effects of Cortisone Injections on Cartilage</h2>\nIn 2017, an article in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) asks the question, “What are the effects of intra-articular injection of 40 mg of triamcinolone acetonide every three months on the progression of cartilage loss and knee pain in patients with osteoarthritis?”2\n\nThe answer: “Among patients with symptomatic knee osteoarthritis, two years of intra-articular triamcinolone, compared with intra-articular saline, resulted in significantly greater cartilage volume loss and no significant difference in knee pain. These findings do not support this treatment for patients with symptomatic knee osteoarthritis.”2\n<h2>Regenerative Orthopedics: An Alternative to Cortisone Injections</h2>\nSo what is the alternative to cortisone, considering pain relief is still necessary? That’s where Regenerative Orthopedics comes in!  Treatments like Stem Cell Therapy, PRP, and Prolotherapy work to actually repair the arthritic joint. They don’t just cover up the pain as many other treatments do. These treatments provide pain relief. They actually heal the joints, strengthen the structures of the joints, and even boost the growth of cartilage.\n\nRegenerative Orthopedics regenerates the joint rather than causing degeneration like what occurs with cortisone injections. There is also minimal downtime needed when receiving these regenerative treatments. That means you can continue to exercise and move the joint, which is essential for a healthy joint. Exercise helps ease pain, improve mobility, and strengthen muscles around the joints.\n\nRegenerative Orthopedics is the treatment of choice to achieve the pain relief you desire while returning function to your painful joint and helping you to once again participate in the activities you enjoy.\n\n1Kompel AJ, Roemer FW, Murakami AM, Diaz LE, Crema MD, Guermazi A. Intra-articular Corticosteroid Injections in the Hip and Knee: Perhaps Not as Safe as We Thought? <em>Radiology</em>, 2019; 190341\n\n2McAlindon TE, LaValley MP, Harvey WF, Price LL, Driban JB, Zhang M, Ward RJ. Effect of Intra-articular Triamcinolone vs Saline on Knee Cartilage Volume and Pain in Patients With Knee OsteoarthritisA Randomized Clinical Trial. <em>JAMA.</em> 2017;317(19):1967-1975.','Are Cortisone Shots a Good Option?','','inherit','closed','closed','','5446-autosave-v1','','','2022-08-03 21:25:30','2022-08-03 21:25:30','',5446,'https://www.drfields.com/?p=5452',0,'revision','',0),(5453,9,'2022-08-03 20:29:50','2022-08-03 20:29:50','<h2><img class=\"alignright wp-image-5448\" src=\"https://www.drfields.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Cortisone.-Jama-500x419.png\" alt=\"Are Cortisone Shots a Good Option?\" width=\"300\" height=\"251\" />Are Cortisone Shots a Good Option?</h2>\r\nCortisone injections are a common treatment option for joint pain relief. But are these injections a good course of action? Many times they are not! Even though cortisone injections are frequently recommended, they unfortunately have an adverse effect on the bone and on soft tissue healing.\r\n<h2>Cortisone Injections Are Harmful?</h2>\r\nCortisone shots, or corticosteroid injections, inactivate vitamin D. That means they limit calcium absorption by the gastrointestinal tract, which results in a decrease in calcium uptake for the bone. This process will ultimately lead to weakness in the bone.\r\n\r\nAdditionally, corticosteroids inhibit the release of growth hormone. What does that mean? The decrease in growth hormone will interfere with the repair of soft tissue and bone. The result is an overall decrease in the strength of the bones, ligaments, and tendons.\r\n\r\nFurthermore, corticosteroids inhibit chondrocyte production. Chondrocytes are the cells responsible for cartilage formation. Therefore, corticosteroids interfere with the formation of cartilage, collagen, and even blood vessel formation.\r\n<h2>Will Just One Shot of Cortisone Be a Problem?</h2>\r\nThe medical journal <em>Radiology </em>lists side-effects of cortisone injections in an article called “Intra-articular Corticosteroid Injections in the Hip and Knee: Perhaps Not as Safe as We Thought?”.1 The article states that the side effects of cortisone injections include:\r\n<ul>\r\n 	<li><strong>Accelerated osteoarthritis progression</strong></li>\r\n 	<li><strong>Subchondral insufficiency fracture</strong></li>\r\n 	<li><strong>Complications of osteonecrosis</strong></li>\r\n 	<li><strong>Rapid joint destruction with bone loss</strong></li>\r\n</ul>\r\nThe lead researcher of the study, found that “corticosteroid injections may be associated with complications that potentially accelerate the destruction of the joint and may hasten the need for total hip and knee replacements.” He also says, “We’ve been telling patients that even if these injections don’t relieve your pain, they’re not going to hurt you.” But that is not really true. He goes on to say, “But now we suspect that this is not necessarily the case.”1\r\n\r\nThe researcher continues, “Physicians do not commonly tell patients about the possibility of joint collapse or subchondral insufficiency fractures that may lead to earlier total hip or knee replacement,” “This information should be part of the consent when you inject patients with intra-articular corticosteroids.”\r\n\r\nWith this information, it would seem then, that even one injections should be avoided if possible.\r\n<h2>But Does Cortisone Help with Pain?</h2>\r\nSome people do get relief from cortisone. But not all people do! And corticosteroid injections have been used for a very long time. Their anti-inflammatory and pain relief properties made its use a common practice within the medical community.\r\n\r\nHowever, the same properties that make them effective in decreasing the inflammation and pain, are the same properties lead to the destruction of cartilage.\r\n<h2>The Effects of Cortisone Injections on Cartilage</h2>\r\nIn 2017, an article in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) asks the question, “What are the effects of intra-articular injection of 40 mg of triamcinolone acetonide every 3 months on the progression of cartilage loss and knee pain in patients with osteoarthritis?”2\r\n\r\nThe answer: “Among patients with symptomatic knee osteoarthritis, 2 years of intra-articular triamcinolone, compared with intra-articular saline, resulted in significantly greater cartilage volume loss and no significant difference in knee pain. These findings do not support this treatment for patients with symptomatic knee osteoarthritis.”2\r\n<h2>Regenerative Orthopedics: An Alternative to Cortisone Injections</h2>\r\nSo what is the alternative to cortisone, considering pain relief is still necessary? That’s where Regenerative Orthopedics comes in!  Treatments like Stem Cell Therapy, PRP, and Prolotherapy work to actually repair the arthritic joint. They don’t just cover up the pain like many other treatments do. These treatments provide pain relief. They actually heal the joint, strengthen the structures of the joints, and even boost growth of cartilage.\r\n\r\nRegenerative Orthopedics regenerates the joint rather than causing degeneration like what occurs with cortisone injections. There is also minimal downtime needed when receiving these regenerative treatments. That means you can continue to exercise, and move the joint, which is essential for a healthy joint. Exercise helps ease pain, improve mobility, and strengthen muscles around the joints.\r\n\r\nRegenerative Orthopedics is the treatment of choice to achieve the pain relief you desire, while returning function to your painful joint, and helping you to once again participate in the activities you enjoy.\r\n\r\n1Kompel AJ, Roemer FW, Murakami AM, Diaz LE, Crema MD, Guermazi A. Intra-articular Corticosteroid Injections in the Hip and Knee: Perhaps Not as Safe as We Thought? <em>Radiology</em>, 2019; 190341\r\n\r\n2McAlindon TE, LaValley MP, Harvey WF, Price LL, Driban JB, Zhang M, Ward RJ. Effect of Intra-articular Triamcinolone vs Saline on Knee Cartilage Volume and Pain in Patients With Knee OsteoarthritisA Randomized Clinical Trial. <em>JAMA.</em> 2017;317(19):1967-1975.','Are Cortisone Shots a Good Option?','','inherit','closed','closed','','5446-revision-v1','','','2022-08-03 20:29:50','2022-08-03 20:29:50','',5446,'https://www.drfields.com/?p=5453',0,'revision','',0),(5454,9,'2022-08-03 21:21:35','2022-08-03 21:21:35','<h2><img class=\"alignright wp-image-5448\" src=\"https://www.drfields.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Cortisone.-Jama-500x419.png\" alt=\"Are Cortisone Shots a Good Option?\" width=\"300\" height=\"251\" />Are Cortisone Shots a Good Option?</h2>\r\nCortisone shots are a common treatment option for joint pain relief. But are these injections a good course of action? Many times they are not! Even though cortisone injections are frequently recommended, they, unfortunately, have an adverse effect on the bone and on soft tissue healing.\r\n<h2>Cortisone Injections Are Harmful?</h2>\r\nCortisone shots, or corticosteroid injections, inactivate vitamin D. That means they limit calcium absorption by the gastrointestinal tract, which results in a decrease in calcium uptake for the bone. This process will ultimately lead to weakness in the bone.\r\n\r\nAdditionally, corticosteroids inhibit the release of growth hormone. What does that mean? The decrease in growth hormone will interfere with the repair of soft tissue and bone. The result is an overall decrease in the strength of the bones, ligaments, and tendons.\r\n\r\nFurthermore, corticosteroids inhibit chondrocyte production. Chondrocytes are the cells responsible for cartilage formation. Therefore, corticosteroids interfere with the formation of cartilage, collagen, and even blood vessel formation.\r\n<h2>Will Just One Shot of Cortisone Be a Problem?</h2>\r\nThe medical journal <em>Radiology </em>lists side-effects of cortisone injections in an article called “Intra-articular Corticosteroid Injections in the Hip and Knee: Perhaps Not as Safe as We Thought?”.1 The article states that the side effects of cortisone injections include:\r\n<ul>\r\n 	<li><strong>Accelerated osteoarthritis progression</strong></li>\r\n 	<li><strong>Subchondral insufficiency fracture</strong></li>\r\n 	<li><strong>Complications of osteonecrosis</strong></li>\r\n 	<li><strong>Rapid joint destruction with bone loss</strong></li>\r\n</ul>\r\nThe lead researcher of the study, found that “corticosteroid injections may be associated with complications that potentially accelerate the destruction of the joint and may hasten the need for total hip and knee replacements.” He also says, “We’ve been telling patients that even if these injections don’t relieve your pain, they’re not going to hurt you.” But that is not really true. He goes on to say, “But now we suspect that this is not necessarily the case.”1\r\n\r\nThe researcher continues, “Physicians do not commonly tell patients about the possibility of joint collapse or subchondral insufficiency fractures that may lead to earlier total hip or knee replacement,” “This information should be part of the consent when you inject patients with intra-articular corticosteroids.”\r\n\r\nWith this information, it would seem then, that even one injections should be avoided if possible.\r\n<h2>But Does Cortisone Help with Pain?</h2>\r\nSome people do get relief from cortisone. But not all people do! And corticosteroid injections have been used for a very long time. Their anti-inflammatory and pain relief properties made its use a common practice within the medical community.\r\n\r\nHowever, the same properties that make them effective in decreasing the inflammation and pain, are the same properties lead to the destruction of cartilage.\r\n<h2>The Effects of Cortisone Injections on Cartilage</h2>\r\nIn 2017, an article in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) asks the question, “What are the effects of intra-articular injection of 40 mg of triamcinolone acetonide every 3 months on the progression of cartilage loss and knee pain in patients with osteoarthritis?”2\r\n\r\nThe answer: “Among patients with symptomatic knee osteoarthritis, 2 years of intra-articular triamcinolone, compared with intra-articular saline, resulted in significantly greater cartilage volume loss and no significant difference in knee pain. These findings do not support this treatment for patients with symptomatic knee osteoarthritis.”2\r\n<h2>Regenerative Orthopedics: An Alternative to Cortisone Injections</h2>\r\nSo what is the alternative to cortisone, considering pain relief is still necessary? That’s where Regenerative Orthopedics comes in!  Treatments like Stem Cell Therapy, PRP, and Prolotherapy work to actually repair the arthritic joint. They don’t just cover up the pain like many other treatments do. These treatments provide pain relief. They actually heal the joint, strengthen the structures of the joints, and even boost growth of cartilage.\r\n\r\nRegenerative Orthopedics regenerates the joint rather than causing degeneration like what occurs with cortisone injections. There is also minimal downtime needed when receiving these regenerative treatments. That means you can continue to exercise, and move the joint, which is essential for a healthy joint. Exercise helps ease pain, improve mobility, and strengthen muscles around the joints.\r\n\r\nRegenerative Orthopedics is the treatment of choice to achieve the pain relief you desire, while returning function to your painful joint, and helping you to once again participate in the activities you enjoy.\r\n\r\n1Kompel AJ, Roemer FW, Murakami AM, Diaz LE, Crema MD, Guermazi A. Intra-articular Corticosteroid Injections in the Hip and Knee: Perhaps Not as Safe as We Thought? <em>Radiology</em>, 2019; 190341\r\n\r\n2McAlindon TE, LaValley MP, Harvey WF, Price LL, Driban JB, Zhang M, Ward RJ. Effect of Intra-articular Triamcinolone vs Saline on Knee Cartilage Volume and Pain in Patients With Knee OsteoarthritisA Randomized Clinical Trial. <em>JAMA.</em> 2017;317(19):1967-1975.','Are Cortisone Shots a Good Option?','','inherit','closed','closed','','5446-revision-v1','','','2022-08-03 21:21:35','2022-08-03 21:21:35','',5446,'https://www.drfields.com/?p=5454',0,'revision','',0),(5455,9,'2022-08-03 21:24:39','2022-08-03 21:24:39','Cortisone. Jama','Cortisone. Jama','Cortisone. Jama','inherit','closed','closed','','cortisone-jama-2','','','2022-08-03 21:24:39','2022-08-03 21:24:39','',5446,'https://www.drfields.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Cortisone.-Jama-1.png',0,'attachment','image/png',0),