About the Climb
A Q&A session with Bob Dolibois
Why have you decided to climb Mount Kilimanjaro?
Susie and I have several friends that have climbed "Kili" and their enticing tales of conquest have made this trip a dream for us for over a decade.
 What type of training are you doing in preparation?
Olympic-style altitude training in Arlington, Virginia is pretty difficult! Instead, we're building stamina exercising on a rowing machine and treadmill daily (Goal: One hour at max heart rate). We also hike what hills we do have, while wearing weighted daypacks.
How many days will you climb?
The ascent will be seven days. Some trekkers shorten it too as little as four days. Without actual altitude training, that short of an ascent is an invitation to illness.
How long will it take to descend?
Would you believe we go from the summit (19,340 feet) to about 9,000 feet all in one day?! Then we celebrate and descend to 4,600 feet the following morning.
What type of food and drink will you have during the climb?
Lots of carbs, protein and water, and then more water. Staying hydrated is critical to suppressing altitude sickness.
What are your goals for this Trek?
Proper preparation. Disciplined pace. Determination to go as far up the mountain as I can. (Okay, okay, the real goal?: To be standing on the roof of Africa!)
Do you have any concerns in regards to the climb?
The most obvious is safety. Since Kili is a volcano, there is no need to scale sheer cliffs with ropes and pitons. It is still dangerous and very strenuous. I plan to do everything the guide tells me.
What is one of the most important factors to consider when making the climb?
Patience. One of our trekker friends points out that every single person gets to the top of the mountain by taking it one step at a time. Interestingly, the biggest failure rate is among younger men in good physical condition. Kili loves to humble them.
Can you describe some of the different climbing environments you'll walk through?
Kilimanjaro is a "free standing" volcano, not part of range of mountains with higher base elevation. So, this trek includes a starting point in a tropical forest at about 5,000 feet and ends after climbing through 14,340 feet of vertical elevation, to the highest point in Africa. In between are sweeping plateaus, ridges, valleys, and even glaciers (shrinking).
Any specific plants, flowers of interest to our green industry friends?
Absolutely. Because of the vertical distance from bottom to top, one of the most remarkable features of this trek is the horticultural range and variety of flora. I'll take lots of pictures, but our members will have to identify the plants. Latin names only, of course.
How long have you worked for ANLA?
I celebrated my 16th anniversary on Valentine's Day; a very appropriate day, if you love your work as much as I do.
Making this trek in support of the green industry is impressive. Why have you decided to make this trek in support of HRI?
While this trek pales in comparison, I was inspired by Gordie Bailey's "Tour de Hort" cross-country cycling trip for HRI. Plus, this is a way to return thanks to HRI and its donors who established an HRI fund in our names several years ago.
Making the trek with your spouse is symbolic of what I would consider your commitment to marriage. Do you have any thoughts you'd like to share in regards to making this journey with your wife?
Every meaningful moment and achievement in my adult life has come with Susie by my side. Conquering Kili should happen the same way. That said, we agree that if one of us has to turn back, the other will keep going for both of us.
Do you have any personal goals or feelings you would like to share about your Trek?
I try every day to enjoy the many blessings in my life, but I am surprised at the exhilaration caused by this trek's leap in personal expectations.
How will you celebrate when you reach the peak?
By taking the deepest breath possible at 19,340 feet in the air, and then starting back down the mountain...for some expensive champagne.
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