Toll continues to climb...

Right now it stands 44,000 and more people are missing. Expectations are to double when the rescue teams reach the remote areas and islands. It's disaster of unbelivable proportions.

Please donate!!!!

Tsunami

Time and again we reminded of the nature's fury. More than 14,000 people dead in SE Asia, and I fear it's going to lot higher than official figure as there is going to be quite few people unaccounted for. The south Indian coasts where hit by killer waves after 2 hrs of the earth quake that hit Indonasian coast. Two hours is more than enough to send the warning and save most of the dead but....Well, need of this hour is the sheltering and help those servived.
All we can do is pray and hope.

beer...

I love Trade Joes. I've been shopping there for a long time...It carries the best grocery...case in point is the Lithuanian Beer called Ekstra, Svyturys. I just bought 'em and it tastes great. For $5 you get 4 X 500ml longnecks. I also like Anchor Steam...

Kili Trip

Here is the recap of my Kilimanjaro Climb.
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Sep 20th: Left SFO for Kili, via Minnepolis, via Amsterdam
Sep 21st: Arrived Kili International Airport @9.30PM. Arrived Babylon lodge at 11.30. Had dinner with Achmed our tour operator. Chicken with rice.
Sep 22nd: Off day; Had breakfast at the lodge and met with our head guide for the climb (Elia). Visited a near by Falls with our head guide. After coming from the walk our head guide checked our Gear; Met other 4 climbers (Jay, Rob, Mike and Wayne) from Atlanta. They arrived 4 days earlier to do Safari. I think I greatly missed it.
Sep 23rd: Day one. 8 Miles. 6232ft to 9840ft
Drove from lodge to Machame Gate; After signing the register, started the hike around 1.00PM. Arrived Machame Camp at 5.30PM. Overcast and we are mostly inside the cloud. Today's hike was inside the rainforest with a very well maintained and wide trail. Cold and windy at camp site. Lunch: Chicken, muffin, juice, banana, cheese stick, boiled egg, chacolate; Dinner: Soup, Fried fish, potato wedges, mixed veg
Breakfast: Everyday it was same. Toast, egg, cornflakes, fruits, milk, butter, honey, peanut butter, jelly, tea, coffee, cocoa, hot water.
Snack: It's almost same as well. Served few hours before dinner. Tea, coffee, cocoa, hot water, biscuits, fresh fried peanuts, fresh popcorn etc.
Sep 24th: Day Two. 6 miles. 9840ft to 12800ft
Started at 9.00AM. Arrived our camp (Shira Camp) at 2.00PM. Overcast, cloudy day. Very slow (pole pole - slowly slowly in Sawahili - Tanzanian language) day as the pace was set by head guide. Scenary changed dramatically, as today we are above the tree line and into the moore lands. Cold at the camp site. Rob complained about headache and nausea. Lunch: Sandwich, juice, muffin, banana, boiled egg, chesse stick, chacolate. Dinner:Soup, Chikcen and Rice, mixed veg
Sep 25th: Day Three. 7.5 miles. 12800ft to 13000ft (high point 15000ft)
Rob decided to go down as his nausea didn't stop overnight. Our head guide will take him down to the gate and will join us tomorrow (that would be incredible to go down and come back). Started around 9.00AM with bright sunlight and warm. But within an hour we got caught up on the snow storm totally unprepared (I was wearing just t-shirt, pant and had a lightweight rain jacket). It was very cold, wet, windy and misreable. Reached Lava Tower (15000ft) around 1.00PM and had lunch. Arrived our camp (Barrafu camp) around 3.00PM. At the end of the hike all 5 of us felt tired and I felt little nausea. But after a 30min nap my nausea went away and I was fine. It was cold, wet, snow and windy day. It snowed on and off at the camp. Lunch: Sandwich, muffin, boiled egg, juice, cheese. Dinner: Soup, Pasta and meat sauce, mixed veg, beans.
Sep 26th: Day Four. 4 miles. 13000ft to 13200ft (acclimatization day)
Overnight it snowed again. Started around 9.30AM and arrived our camp (Karanga Valley camp) at 1.00PM. Took a longer route than most other people just to stay on higher elevation to get acclimated. Today we climbed Barafu wall (1000ft - almost vertical), using hands to pull up in some places. First time in this trip we are seeing glimpses of the Kili, but the clouds move in and out very fast. It's snowed today as well, but we're well prepared for it. As promised our head guide, after helping Rob to get down, joined us at the camp (he hiked more than 20KM today from the Marangu gate to join us). Lunch: Soup, french toast, vegs. Dinner: Soup, french toast, mixed veg, beans.
Sep 27th: Day Five. 3 miles. 13200ft to 15000ft
Woke up to a clear day with a beautiful view of the Kili. Left camp around 8.30AM and arrived our camp (Barafu camp) around 12.30PM. The scenary is more like moore lands, but with rocks. Also, snow covered. First mile of the hike was very steep and it was very slowing going up. Our plan today is to reach the camp and have rest as much possible, and prepare for the summit hike which will start at midnight. After arriving the camp we got into our sleeping bags and tried to have some sleep as we'll start for summit at midnight. I don't think any of us got any sleep as the camp is very noicy and we're anxious. We've called around 6.00PM for dinner and our head guide breifed us of what to expect tonight: start at midnight and must expect very very cold, so better prepared. After the dinner we all packed our day packs and climbed into our sleeping bags, again to get some sleep. Lunch: Sandwich, Chips, juice, boiled egg, cheese.Dinner: todays dinner was light (means no meat), as the cook explained that some might get nausea and sick with heavy dinner (makes sense)
Sep 28th: Part1: Day Six. 5 miles. 15000ft to 19340ft to 15000ft
We woke up at 11.30PM and it was 28F inside our tent and Praveen's hydration pack and tude was frozen. After dressing we came out of the tent. I was wearing 6 layers of tops: 3 layers of long under t-shirts, 1 fleece long t-shirt, 1 fleece jacket and 1 expedition shell jacket and 5 Layers of bottoms: 2 long pants, 1 fleece pant, 1 nylon pant and 1 shell pant. And 3 pairs of gloves. 2 pairs of socks. Balaclava and wool cap and the hood from shell jacket. My daypack had 1 lit water and 1 lit cytomax (similar to gatarode - but taste better, mostly used by cyclist), 4 Cliff shots, 2 balance bars (they became hard as rock in the freezing cold) and some emergency supplies. I put my water bottles into their sleeves (fleece) to keep them from freezing. But it was of no use as the bottles formed ice, so I have to frequently put them insdide my jacket from stop freezing. After some tea and biscuits, we started around 12.30AM. As usual our guides set a very slow pace. We can see the climbers above and below us, with their head lamps. It was cold and windy, but clear and full moon day. We didn't need our head lamps as the moon light was very bright. When we started, Elia, our head guide offered Praveen to carry his daypack, and after about an hour, he also took Jay's daypack. Now he is carrying two packs on his back!!!. This guy is just incredible. Wayne started to slow down, so we left him with our cook. It got colder and colder through out the night. I felt my dressing was enough except my gloves which was very inadequate. My hands freeze frequently, and I have to put close my body to warm it. At around 6.15AM, our head guide, Jay and I arrived at the Stella point (top of the crater but not the highest point which will be Uhuru peak). Then followed by Praveen, Mike and asst guide then by Wayne and our cook (who is acting as asst guide for the summit hike). We all had some hot tea brought by our asst guide and took pictures. The wind is blowing hard in here and it was very very cold even with all the layers of clothing. So, we decided to goto the Uhuru Peak. We arrived around 7.30AM to the Uhuru Peak. After hugs and high fives, we started taking pictures. After about 45min, we started our decend and arrived the camp at 11.00AM. We'll take about 1hr rest here before going down to Mweka camp for the night.
Sep 28th: Part2: Day Six. 8.5 miles. 15000ft to 11200ft
After the lunch we packed our bags and prepared to go down, as our long day continues. We started around 2.30PM and arrived Mweka Camp around 6.00PM. It was dusty and steep down hill. After calculating the tips (tiping is mandatory) for the porters and guides we had our dinner and hit the sleeping bags immediately, as everyone of us was tired. It was long day. Lunch: French Toast and potato. Dinner: Soup, rice and chicken, mix vegs.
Sep 29th: Day Seven. 6.5 miles. 11200ft to 6400ft
We woke up around 7.00AM and gave the tip $$$'s to our head guide who will distribute to other porters. And we took group pics with porters. Then we set off around 8.30AM and reached the Mweka Gate around 10.30AM. We signed our names and got our Gold certificate (green for those who make it to the Stella Point) for reaching the highest point in African continent. After that we descend some more where we met our ride and Achmed. After lunch at this spot, we drove to the lodge, stopping in Moshi (a small town) for some gifts etc. Arrived lodge around 2.00PM, took shower, first time in seven days. Then we all met at the hotel's bar to have the customery "Kilimanjaro Beer" with our guides and Achmed. After couple of beers we had our dinner at the hotel then set off to the airport. Boarded KLM at 9.00PM and arrived SFO on Sep 30th 2.00PM, via Amsterdam...

Kili

On Sep 28th, I made it the summit of Uhuru peak at 7.30am. I'm planning to write about the whole exp in next few days, time permitting.

three more days...

...just 3 more days. i'll be leaving for Tanzania on monday for the climb up Kili. all of sudden it hits me. i didn't train as i planned when i signed up with this tour operator. haven't packed yet. haven't cleaned my apt yet. holy crap. and just 3 more days. crap.

Labor Day Weekend Hikes

As my Kili climb just 2 weeks away, I want to log some training miles. About 50 miles in 4 days at as high altitute as possible. Rae Lakes Loop in Kings Canyon would be the best option as it's about 44miles and tops at 12,000 ft. My actual plan was to backpack Rae Lakes Loop during this Labor Day long weekend in four days (by taking Friday as vac). But I had to work to work on Friday, So, I decided to make up the distance here in the bay area itself.

Friday, Sep 3rd: Lake Chabot Loop

I left my office around 3PM and hit the trial at 4PM. I knew this trial all too well, as this trail has become my play ground. Just this year I might have hiked about 15 times or so. I completed the 10mile loop in 2 hr 30min as usual.

Sat, Sep 4th: Mt Diablo from Mitchell Canyon TH:

This is another of my favorite training trails in the bay area. It's about 15miles r/t with 3800+ ft elevation gain. Started little late than I would have liked around 11AM. I was hot day the temp was around 98. I completed the hike in 5hrs.

Sun, Sep 5th: Lake Chabot Loop:

Today, I went for shopping and hit the the trial little late at 5.45PM. As usual, complted the hike in 2hr 30 min.

Mon, Sep 6th: Mt Diablo from Mitchell Canyon TH:

As the weather predictions said it's going to hit above 100 in the inner bay, I decided to start early. But managed to start the hike only at 8.30AM. It's was really hot, hitting 102+ in the inner canyon. Completed the hike in about 5 hrs. It's was brutally hot. I managed to stay hydrated.

So, the total for the 4 days comes approx: 50 miles. 11,000 ft elevation gain. 15 hours total hike time. One aching body.

Tahoe Trip

On Aug 26th evening aroung 7.30PM I left bay area to Tahoe, intend on climbing three peaks in as many days. At 9.30 I stopped at Placerville for eat. At 11.30PM I arrived at the Mt Tallac trail head. I intended to sleep in my car overnight.

Friday, Aug 27th: Mt Tallac

Surprisingly I had a good night sleep, may be I was tired. I woke up at 7.15AM by noises of other two hikers who are about to hit the trial. After about 45 minutes of preparation I hit the trail at 8.00AM. The trail is about 10miles r/t with about 3200ft elevation gain. After about a mile or so in, the scenary gets awesome, as the Fallen Leaf Lake comes into view. And after sometime the Lake Tahoe comes into view. It was a clear day so the view from here on is awesome. It's one of the best views I've ever seen hiking in the Sierra's. After slow progress due to the high altitute, I arrived at the summit at 10.40AM. Shortly after the other two hikers who started earlier arrived at the summit. View from the top is increadible. I'll recommend this hike to anyone who wants to see the full view of the Lake Tahoe and surrounding mountains and peaks. After staying for about an hour at the summit I arrived at the trailhead aroung 2.00PM.

After lunch at Taco Bell, I drove to the Freel Peak trial head (Fountain Place), which will be my destination tomorrow. But the off road trail was closed about the 2 miles before the trail (makes my r/t 15miles and considerable amount of elevation gain). So, I decided to do from the High Meadows Trail head which has about 14miles r/t. Again I drove to the High Meadows TH and see if I can sleep in my. The trail is totally isolated, and see no one or no cars. I drove back to the lake and read book for about an hour while enjoying the sunset. After dinner at local McD, I went back to the TH and slept in my car.

Sat, Aug 28th: Freel Peak (well almost):

I woke up really tired at 7.00AM. I didn't sleep well. Still I managed to start around 8.10AM. No one has come up yet. The trail is wide off road trails (no vechicles allowed though) for about 4 miles. Then the trial narrows. I start noticing that the trial is lot harder and I'm slow. I arrived Star lake at 10.35AM. And continued to press on towards the Armstrong Pass. I met some people on this section of the trail, finally. After arriving at the saddle really tired, I climed a small rock formation to eat my lunch before heading into the summit. From here on the summit is steep about ~1000 straight up. And no established trials. After having my turkey sandwich I realished I have all by 24 oz of gatorade. All my 3 liters of water has been gone. I don't think I can make it to the summit and back to the star lake with 24oz of gatorade on this hot day. So, I decided to turn around and reached the star lake thirsty. I decided not take water from the lake (I didn't carry purification tabs or filter; stupid mistake) and continued to press on thinking of those creeks that I passed while going up. Finally, my thirst took over me and I started drinking the water from the creek. I just hope that I don't get sick until reach my car. I arrived TH at 3.30PM and still there is no car, no one.

At the TH, I decided skipping the Round Top my tomorrow's would be destination, in the fear of getting sick for drinking the unfiltered water direct from the creeks. So, I decided to drive back to home and arrived at my home around 9.00PM.

Heart Breaking

This is heart breaking. So much loss. So sad. All I can hope is that the authorities wake up and do something about it.
 
Looking back, it really scars me that I studied in one of those schools. And thinking about it I don't recall there is an emergency exit in any of those schools that I went to.
 
Peace.

Top 10 Movies

Here is the top 10 movies (for now...it might change in future):

1. Goodfellas
2. Pulp Fiction
3. The Matrix
4. LOTR
5. Terminator 2 - Judgement Day
6. Brave Heart
7. Sixth Sense
8. Butch Cassidy and Sundance Kid
9.
10.

Backpack Trip - Emigrant Wilderness

Went on overnight backpacking trip to Emigrant Wilderness.

June 25th: Left home at 7.30am, an hour later than my original plan. Arrive around 10am at the Sonara ranger station...picked up permit and drove to Crab Tree trail head from HWY 108. The drive from highway to the trail head is about 10miles and it mostly offroad. Arrived at the trailhead at 11.15. By 11.30am I started the suppose to be 2 night 3 day trip to Emigrant Lake.

Immediately I noticed that there is lots of wild flowers...started taking pictures...Arrived at Camp Lake 12.15...I saw just 2 other people. I just kept on going...the trial sometimes disappears due to creeks/fallen trees etc...but mostly easier to find it...more wild flowers...more pictures. Lot's of mosquitos. After crossing the Piute Meadow arrived Piute Lake at 3.30pm. It's a pretty little lake. Cooked some noodle soup and a coffee...arrived at Gem Lake 5.30pm...decided to camp at Gem lake instead of my original dest Deer Lake. Lots of fish...mosquitos kept bothering me...so went inside the tent pretty early. And started reading Murder on Iditrod Trail book by Sue Henry...weird, huh?

June 26th: Woke up at 7.30am...I didn't had enough sleep, as my sleep bag was too warm inside or just too cold without it. As soon as I came out of the tent I was welcomed by millions of mosquitos. I decided to pack things and go back instead of going further to emigrant Lake. Left Gem Lake at 8.30 and an hour after I arrived at Piute Lake...stopped to refill water then decided to make breakfast...oatmeal and coffee. On the way back to trail head I ran into about 10 people starting their backpack trips...still I think the crowd to too light for sierra (compared to Yosemite etc). Arrived at 1.30pm at the trail head.

Note1: I have to come back in late season when the mosquitos are not a problem and complete the trip all the way upto Emigrant Lake.
Note2: It's one of the best hikes I did. Less crowded...wildflowers...lakes...ponds. Just beautiful.

June 20th, 2004

Went for my usual 10 mile hike...a loop around the Lake Chabot. It was balmy day with little wind. Kind of felt little cold in the shades...otherwise nothing special. Gives me 2.30hrs of workout.

How about Jason Schmidt? He throws one hitter against Red Sox. He is the best pitcher in the ML right now.

June 18th, 2004

It's a pretty good day in San Fran...just the weather though.

At office I had to do my perf assessment, the boring exercise that we go through every 6 months. It $#@$!...

What went wrong with Lakers?. To quote Rick Fox "it's team against bunch of individuals". Agreed. Superstars let the fans down for all their personal agendas. Without fans you'll never be a superstar.

What's next for Lakers? Is the Lakers going to follow 49ers (Owens/Mariuchi saga) and Nets (Kidd/Scott saga) by letting go Phil to keep Bryant?

BTW, I saw a display by a Pistons fan: "LA needs Dr Phil, not coach Phil". Totally.

june 17th, 2004

this is my first blog....let's see how it's goes.

Will try to write as often as i can find time (?)