Martina Navratilova's Climb of Kilimanjaro: Day 2

Martina Navratilova is leading a group of 27 fundraisers to the summit of Africa's highest mountain, Kilimanjaro, in Tanzania, to raise funds for the Laureus Sport for Good Foundation, a charity helping the lives over one million disadvantaged youngsters worldwide through sports-based projects.

Latest update from Martina as the team makes their way towards the summit via the Rongai Route: Click here for Day One.

DAY TWO: Tuesday, December 7, 2010
Kikelewa Caves (3,600 metres)

Hi All,

Day two of the Mount Kilimanjaro climb, and the team and I are enjoying a well-deserved rest at camp after an intense day of trekking.

We were woken this morning at 6.30 am for breakfast, before departing camp at 8 am. Today's route was quite steep from the outset, but as we crossed the heather moorland, we had the chance to take in breathtaking views of the summit, and with it the realisation of how far we have got to climb!

We can also see that there is LOADS of snow on the summit. We were warned about this, but now we can see the reality. It means it's going to be very, very cold at the top.

After a break for lunch, the walk became increasingly difficult, as we trekked towards the jagged peaks of Mawezi, Kilimanjaro's second peak. We were warned that we may start feeling the effects of altitude at this point, as we climb beyond 3,000 metres. The porters are right, most of us are beginning to get out of breath and finding the walking more difficult.

The porters are keeping us going by singing lots. We're trying to pick up the words to join in, but we don't have the lung capacity that they do. They are used to the altitude.

Paralympic cyclist Michael Teuber is amazing, he keeps walking past me at a great pace, and he doesn't stop smiling.

After what feels like a long afternoon of walking, eventually the tents at Kikewela caves are spotted in the distance, a relief for all of us after a hard day of trekking!

Martina

 

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Source: http://tennis.fanhouse.com/2010/12/08/martina-navratilovas-climb-of-kilimanjaro-day-2/

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