Hi David.
I just read your interesting pages ( including your great trip summary ).
Not that I want to start a fight with you, but I somewhat disagree with your perception of the Meru climb; I had a "personal" ranger as I was hiking by myself, who just responded to any of my requests, whether I wanted to accelerate the pace, or to start early...before the slower and noisy hikers took possession of the trails.
But perhaps situation has changed since my stay in Tanzania in early 2005. Anyway, my Meru experience seems to have been better than yours.
As for the Kili, well, I think it was no surprise for you to climb "Disneyland Mountain", as it was no surprise to me to find out that Yosemite Valley around the 4th of July looks more like a giant barbecue party than a true mountaineering experience.
Famous mountains just became the target of: - many record-breakers who wish they could add an another line to their summits book; - many unaware hikers who just think Mount Whitney switchbacks just require stamina because the books describe a class-1 route...until they reach Consultation Lake and discover that the switchbacks are buried in a deep layer of hard snow that requires crampons and ice-axe, and not snickers; - proud French hikers who heard Mont Blanc was basically a walk-up and come unprepared to high altitude; - 99% of worldwide hikers who wouldn't experience the friendship of local people.
I've hiked in France/Spain/Italy/USA/Mexico/Equador/Kenya/Tanzania/Malaysia and yes, most of the famous summits are hiker-parkways, with the noise, the pollution, the fees ( with the exception of the Mexican volcanoes, at least 10 years ago ). Secondary summits and valleys remain though much wilder, and it's the privilege of the ones who want to cross-country or push their limits to enjoy pristine lakes, or a remote village where the tourist becomes the attraction.
I hiked through Ngorongoro in 2005, and ended up climbing the Lengay. The vision of Maasai traditional way of life made it a huge contrast with what I witnessed on the slopes of Kili, and this is also why you and I appreciate the crowded/popular mountains. Because the next time we'll enjoy the secluded valleys even more.
edouet - Jul 13, 2011 2:13 am - Hasn't voted
Unexpected account of your Meru tripHi David.
I just read your interesting pages ( including your great trip summary ).
Not that I want to start a fight with you, but I somewhat disagree with your perception of the Meru climb; I had a "personal" ranger as I was hiking by myself, who just responded to any of my requests, whether I wanted to accelerate the pace, or to start early...before the slower and noisy hikers took possession of the trails.
But perhaps situation has changed since my stay in Tanzania in early 2005. Anyway, my Meru experience seems to have been better than yours.
As for the Kili, well, I think it was no surprise for you to climb "Disneyland Mountain", as it was no surprise to me to find out that Yosemite Valley around the 4th of July looks more like a giant barbecue party than a true mountaineering experience.
Famous mountains just became the target of: - many record-breakers who wish they could add an another line to their summits book; - many unaware hikers who just think Mount Whitney switchbacks just require stamina because the books describe a class-1 route...until they reach Consultation Lake and discover that the switchbacks are buried in a deep layer of hard snow that requires crampons and ice-axe, and not snickers; - proud French hikers who heard Mont Blanc was basically a walk-up and come unprepared to high altitude; - 99% of worldwide hikers who wouldn't experience the friendship of local people.
I've hiked in France/Spain/Italy/USA/Mexico/Equador/Kenya/Tanzania/Malaysia and yes, most of the famous summits are hiker-parkways, with the noise, the pollution, the fees ( with the exception of the Mexican volcanoes, at least 10 years ago ). Secondary summits and valleys remain though much wilder, and it's the privilege of the ones who want to cross-country or push their limits to enjoy pristine lakes, or a remote village where the tourist becomes the attraction.
I hiked through Ngorongoro in 2005, and ended up climbing the Lengay. The vision of Maasai traditional way of life made it a huge contrast with what I witnessed on the slopes of Kili, and this is also why you and I appreciate the crowded/popular mountains. Because the next time we'll enjoy the secluded valleys even more.