On February 11, at 6:10 a.m., Joe and Beth reached the roof of Africa at 19,340'. The skies were clear with a full moon, and the temperature was well below freezing. They conquered Kilimanjaro!
After an acclimatization hike to 16,000', I returned to camp at 15,000' and was struck with High Altitude Pulmonary Edema (HAPE) sometime after midnight on February 9. I was led down the mountain in the morning with my personal porter, a secondary porter and an assistant guide. Before departing camp, all 76 porters gathered before me and sang a send-off song before departing on my six-hour descent to the evacuation point. Many tears were shed as I bid my fellow hikers farewell and turned away from a personal dream that will have to remain just that.
Tomorrow we depart for our Serengeti safari. A full summary will follow when I get home. We all have quite a story to tell and lots of pictures to share.
The adventure continues.
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16 comments:
We are all so proud of you for doing what you did, and what you could. As you know, HAPE is nothing to toy with, and you never know who it's going to affect. We are all anxious to hear that the entire trip was still a smashing success!!
Love you, Sis!!
HI Iwa. Just wanted you to know we've been thinking about you and following the itinerary every step of the way. You got further than most people just by making an attempt, and all things happen for a reason, right? I'm sure you have will have many fantastic memories from the trip! Can't wait to see you upon your return.
Heather Romero
Hi - This is Joe's brother - thank you for posting the information about the trip - I was sorry to see that your medical condition precluded your chance to summit. I can't wait to hear the stories and see the pictures
Jim Gstettenbauer
IWA, Sorry about the HAPE, but let me tell you we are very proud of you and thoroughly impressed! That's not an insignificant climb, and I am not aware of any way you could have prevented HAPE. Some get it, and some don't, I guess. Not sure why
Gerry & Marion
Oh, Iwa- I'm glad you wasn't daid!
I've kept you in my prayers, wondering if/hoping that you were atop Kilimanjaro. I'm glad you're safe, but so sorry that your summit dream didn't come true- THIS TIME. I hope you're recovered completely and that the rest of your trip is fabulous.
Love,Debi
Iwa, bless your heart. I'm sorry "the beast" HAPE struck. But I'm proud of you because 16K is still a new, and amazing PR! I am glad you are safe. I know this must be a heartbreaking moment, because in typical Iwa fashion, you've put your heart and soul into this journey! I'm so thankful you are ok.
Blessings to you,
Susan K
Congratulations Iwa, Beth and Joe for each having achieved a new personal record! I was visualizing a successful climb for you, and that meant coming back down safely no matter how high you went. I can't wait to see you back in ourHood, inspiring us to follow our dreams as never before.
-Daniel
Iwa,
Like your other friends, I'm just happy that you will come back to us ready to regale us with the stories of your adventure.
“There is much to be said for failure. It is much more interesting than success.”
Max Beerbohm
I can't wait to have you back here.
--Sandi
Iwa - I'm proud of you for achieving 15,000 feet! I re-read Into Thin Air recently and that gave me a sense of the rigors and dangers of climbing! All we Kwaj Kids take pride in your accomplishment, attitude and strength! Aloha!!!
Kammy Ragan Minor
Hi Iwa! You are an amazing woman! The HAPE was beyond your control and nothing to disregard. Whatever adventure and goal you set for yourself, you accomplish, just not this one this time. I hope the HAGs can have a reunion and hear firsthand your stories. Blessings on the remainder of your journey. Jane Wassel
I cried at your news, sad tears for your loss and happy tears that you are okay. Guess that iron lung would have come in rather handy.
I couldn't be more proud of you and look forward to hearing ALL about it.
Call me when you get back.
Love, Laney
Iwa,
So happy to hear that you are safe! I know the HAPE is a disappointment, but I am happy that you had great medical help and could be safe to have more adventures. And, of course, it is nothing you can plan for/around. Your height on Kilimanjaro was amazing. Think of the parts of the world that you are seeing that only a handful of this planet's inhabitants experience! I hope that you enjoy the rest of your trip. We can't wait to hear the details.
Janice
Yokwe Iwa! Wow! What an amazing adventure! So glad that you are well. Looking forward to your next post and viewing your pics.
Linda
You are still the coolest person I know. hugs and love, c.
Iwa, My heart sank when I heard the news, but was so relieved you were safe. Chin up darlin' you are an amazing woman and I am so proud of you! You have so many adventures to look forward to. Can't wait to hear many exciting stories! Lots of aloha - Nancy
Hi Iwalani!
I've been thinking of you tons! Sandi shared the blog with me and I can't tell you how AMAZED I am by you. You are truly an incredible woman! I am sorry to hear about the HAPE, but very happy to hear you are well. I can't wait to hear about the remainder of your incredible adventure!
Take care,
Monica Valenzuela
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