Mt Kenya Climbers

Posted by Paul Murray 
on Feb 03, 2015
 
John Glassford and PDG Fred Loneragan spoke at Tuesdays meeting introducing members to an exciting opportunity to travel with them and climb Mt Kenya.  The climb starts April 20th.  Past Rotary International President Bill Boyd is patron for the climb.  John made the following points regarding the climb:
  1. Joint Rotary Club Of Coolamon and Wagga  Wagga Sunrise Project
  2.  Rotary Registered and insured (RAWCS)
  3.  Rotary District 9700 Support
The trip will cater to all levels of climbers.
  • Team 1 Experienced climbers to attempt Batian
  • Team 2 Hikers and some climbing to Point Lenana
  • Team 3 the Safari or the Gin and Tonic Team.
All three teams will travel to Mount Kenya ready for the climb on Monday 20th April.  All three teams meet at Lewa on Monday 27th April.  They will make a day visit to Oloimugi traditional Maasai village.
The adventure concludes on May 4th - 7th 2015,  in Cape Town with the Hout Bay Rotary club, Coolamons twin centennial club. 
The beneficiaries of the Mount Kenya 2015 climb include:
  • Coolamon House Comfort Boxes
  • Education in Kenya, Mathare, Nakuru, Oloimugi
  • Anzac War Widows and Dependents
 
John said “The reason I am climbing Mount Kenya the last of a trilogy for me personally, Kilimanjaro in Tanzania, Mountains of the Moon in Uganda and now Mount Kenya in Kenya.  My Father migrated to Kenya from New Zealand in 1919 after serving at Gallipoli and the Western Front as an ANZAC.  I could see Mount Kenya every day from my bed room.  I am doing it to honour my Father and to raise funds for our beneficiaries.”
 
 
 
John showed the club some striking photographs of endangered animals including a hugh elephant with enormous tusks called Big Tim.
 
He also displayed a photo of Gerenuks.  A Gerenuk is a favourite but rare antelope with a neck like a giraffe and they stand on their hind legs to get to the best vegetation.  See photo at left.
 
 
Their target is $250,000.  They hope to achieve their target by encouraging commitments of a certain number of cents per metre climbed.  Mount Kenya Is 5,200 Metres High, and sponsors are needed as follows:
  • Bronze 1 cent per metre  $52.00
  • Silver 2cents per metre  $104.00
  • Gold 10 cents per metre  $520.00
  • Platinum 100 cents per metre  $5,200.00
John also informed the author that his ponytail is for sale for a $100,000 donation.  The author replied that it looks good on his head. 
 
 
John and Fred were given a vote of thanks by Doug Sutton.