Meeting Steve Cram: Team Coco Climbs the Mountain

On the 2^nd Feb 2010 we met with Steve Cram and his wife. They both climbed the same route that we are to take up Kilimanjaro in last November for Steve’s Charity COCO.

Steve Cram

There were 29 in Steve’s group and the majority of them made it to the top. A few suffered with Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) and had to go down before reaching the summit and one climber dislocated their knee, ouch, and had to go back down. From Steve's presentation it sounded like an amazing trip, from signing in at Machame Gate, right through to the final summit climb on day 6. 

 Machame Gate

 

 The Coco Team at the summit

Top tips were given are:

• You need to drink 4- 5 litres of water per day so a bladder pack is a good idea
• Make sure you have a wet weather gear otherwise you might end up paying $50 for a poncho at the gate before you start the climb.
• Moshi is a great place to get last minute things before the trip but remember they expect you to haggle
• Get to know your guide in case you forget something as they will pass you on the mountain 
• A lot of climbing the mountain is about keeping the team together so having a joke book, quizzes and riddles are good to keep you talking
• Group huddles at strategic points, such as 4000 metres, worked well
• Barafu camp also sells beer, so that must be the highest pub in the world 15239 ft/4633 m, and the toilet with the best view in the world.
• The final night we climb from 4600 metres to 5900 metres in one go, rising from high altitude to extreme altitude. Keep talking as it’s about encouraging each other at this point and your personal desire to get to the top.
• You have to be aware though that you might not be able to get to the top; 2 of the group were turned back at Stella Point (18,652 ft/5,685 m) 30 mins to the summit - Uhuru Peak.
• You can 'scree slide' down the slope on the way back down if you have any energy left. This entails skidding/running down the loose gravel at medium speed.