Climbing Mt. Meru, Tanzania Slideshow

in The Blog by Hudson — December 11, 2009 at 14:20 | 7 comments

 

Meru_0011On Monday morning Owen, Jenny, Libby and I set out to climb Mt. Meru, a 4500 meter volcano near Arusha, Tanzania.  Guided by our friends George, Frank, Juma and Charles, we climbed through open savannah, jungle, cloud forest, and high alpine ecosystems.

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Because Mt. Meru is the centerpiece of Arusha Natioanl Park, an armed ranger was assigned to protect us from wild animals.  We were fortunate to have Jaffery as a Ranger.  I can’t imagine a more intelligent, enjoyable, or capable person to sheppard a group up a 15,000 foot volcano filled with animals like cape buffalo and leopard.

Meru_0012.

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The climb lasted four days, during which we were treated to frequent views of Kilimanjaro in the distance.  We encountered every variety of weather from snow to blazing sun.  Despite Owen having a quick GI illness the night after our summit, the group had a wonderful time.  I personally have never enjoyed a mountain more.

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We leave on a five day safari in the morning.  There is much to do, so I will let the photos in the slideshow tell the tale.

FOR BEST VIEWING CLICK FS (full screen) BELOW THUMBNAILS

DON’T MISS THE ADDITIONAL TEXT AND PANORAMIC IMAGES BELOW THE SLIDE SHOW

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SL = Start & Stop Slide Show; FS = Full Screen; PGC = Commercial Link (ignore)

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7 Comments

 
  1. Jane
    2009-12-11
    15:18:48

    Breathtaking! I feel blessed to know you!

     
  2. Nancy Van Galder
    2009-12-11
    23:32:00

    WOW!!! Bob & I just viewed the slide shows and we are most impressed. The photography is amazing (which means so must be the photographers!). Love the narrative and can't wait for more. What an adventure you are having. Be well and safe. xoxoxo

     
  3. Baraka
    2009-12-12
    01:19:54

    Wow!I can't imgine somewhere there... a very special sercet part of africa touchers is hiding about 4500 metre up there....!! who would never consider these in his/her life history? I can't wait to do this once in while!! says Baraka

     
  4. Tim
    2009-12-13
    05:36:17

    Hey Happy Couple, Looks marvelous, sounds like your both doing good. Hudson how stitch work involved? Tim

     
    • Hudson
      2009-12-16
      12:31:08

      Hey Tim, The little laptop I'm using doesn't have the horsepower for pano stitching or HDR work. I have a bunch of those in the can to bring home for my desktop to chew on, but these field postings are all pretty much single shots. :-) Now that said, I did pick up a 14-24 for this trip and the Meru shot with it's shadow couldn't have been done in one go without it. -hudson

       
  5. Tim
    2009-12-13
    07:48:55

    AWSOME

     
  6. gwen
    2009-12-15
    17:02:58

    quite beautiful, guys i especially like seeing one of hudson taken by libby