Delta Regional Group: "Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro"

Wednesday, December 3, 7:15 pm, Antioch Library, 501 West 18th Street, Antioch.

Join the Delta Group at its general meeting for a video/slide journey to the summit of Africa's highest peak, Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania, with guide Rich McDrew.

At 19,340 feet elevation, Mount Kilimanjaro offers an ascent of nearly three vertical miles, passing through many ecological zones, from tropical rain forests to the cold thin air and expansive views of its frozen summit. Along the way, we'll enjoy guilt-free porter service, because hiring local guides and porters is mandatory. When we finally reach the summit at sunrise, we'll marvel at Kilimanjaro's enormous pyramid shadow etched in the sea of clouds below.

In August 2002, when he climbed Mount Kilimanjaro with his 25-year-old daughter, Rich was 61. Technically speaking, Kilimanjaro is a "walk-up", but each year thousands of altitude-aching climbers retreat before reaching the top. Rich stresses the importance of a slow ascent (about one week) to increase the odds of getting to the summit.

Rich, a Bay Area native, had a 23-year career with the United States Secret Service. He also worked for 11 years for the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory. Now retired, Rich is active in many environmental organizations, including the Sierra Club and the Mount Diablo Interpretive Association.

Enjoy this armchair adventure climbing to the "roof" of Africa. Before the program we'll briefly discuss current local environmental issues, and information about upcoming activities and events will be available.

Group program meetings are usually held on the third Tuesday or Wednesday in January, March, May, September, and November. A newsletter listing Delta Group programs, outings and activities is available by sending a check for $5 payable to "Sierra Club, Delta Group" to:

Tish Brown
51 Danridge Court
Antioch, CA 94509.

For information about Delta Group activities, call Janess Hanson at (925) 458-0860. For information about Delta area environmental concerns, call Tim Donahue at (925) 754-8801.

Upcoming hikes and activities

For details, see the "Events and Activities" calendar.

Sat., Nov. 15 - Walnut Creek Regional Trails, 1A hike.
Sun., Dec. 14 - Martinez Regional Shoreline, 1A sunset walk.