At 6:45 a.m. on Father's Day I reached the summit of Mt. Kilimanjaro in Tanzania, Africa, along with my sister and 8 other women...we climbed for charity and we ALL summited on this beautiful Sunday morning. It was a truely a test and I have never been so spent. Our climbed has helped people in so many ways and I am very grateful for your support - it got me up that big big hill.
Let us continue to find ways to help oneanother in times of need...it feels really good.
On behalf of the children helped and families supported - THANK YOU!!!! Hugs, Bettina
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You can track our progress on the mountain...
www.sierramountaineering.com/blog/
on our way up.......Bettina and Team!
Climbing Kilimanjaro to raise awareness and funds for The Unforgettables Foundation...so that the foundation can continue to help families that have lost a child by providing grief counseling and financial support for a dignified burial...because Every Child Is Unforgettable!
Packed and ready to go...leaving on Thursday June 9th. Innoculations are current, passport is valid and I am diligently reviewing the equipment list to make sure I am prepared for the 5 climate zones we will hike through on our climb to the SUMMIT OF KILIMANJARO at 19,376 ft. Plan to reach to the summit on Father's day.
The 5 Climate Zones from base to the Summit
Bushland
Altitude: 2,600 - 6,000 feet (800 - 1,800 m)
Precipitation: 20 - 70 inches (500 - 1,800 mm)
Cultivated land, grasslands and populated human settlements characterize this zone.
Rainforest
Altitude: 6,000 - 9,200 feet (1,800 - 2,800 m)
Precipitation: 79 - 40 in (2,000 - 1,000 mm)
The forest receives 6 feet of rain annually, supporting a variety of
plants and wildlife while clear nights can produce low temperatures.
Heath
Altitude: 9,200 - 13,200 feet (2,800 - 4,000 m)
Precipitation: 51 - 21 in (1,300 to 530 mm)
This semi-alpine zone is characterized by heath-like vegetation and
abundant wild flowers. The unique Senecio trees are abundant
here.
Alpine Desert
Altitude: 13,200 - 16,500 feet (4,000 - 5,000 m)
Precipitation: 10 in (250 mm)
The alpine desert receives little water and correspondingly light
vegetation exists here. The temperature can vary from over 100 degrees Fahrenheit during the day to below freezing at night.
Arctic
Altitude: 16,500+ feet (5,000+ m)
Precipitation: <4 in (100 mm)
Characterized by ice and rock, there is virtually no plant or animal
life at this altitude. Nights are extremely cold and the day's unbuffered sun is powerful. The oxygen level is half that of sea level.
As a member of this incredible expedition, I will raise funds for The Unforgettables Foundation. A So Cal based Charity that helps families when they need it most. There could be nothing worse than the loss of a child and then not being able to provide a dignified burial...we need to help these families!
All donations are secure and sent directly to The Unforgettables Foundation by FirstGiving who will email you a printable record of your donation.
Please send my page on to anyone who might like to donate!
Much love globally & thank you for all the support and words of encouragement,
Bettina
For more information on this charity that helps grieving families at a time of great need please visit: www.TheUnforgettables.com