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2011 September 5

Karen Klopp's Travels to Mt. Kilimanjaro

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WHAT2WEARWHERE founder Karen Klopp writes in to report on her safari in Tanzania and Mt. Kilimanjaro climbing adventures!

Last spring, a unique opportunity plopped on my plate at a girls’ night at Desmond’s Restaurant. A friend was organizing a mother-daughter climb to the top of Mt. Kilimanjaro. Why not? I am always game for a new adventure, especially one that could create a bond with my 15 year old daughter, Kell, a typically roughing it-challenged New York City girl. All of my friends are terrifically supportive and murmur words of polite encouragement, except Eric, who is a real climber. “KK, are you crazy?” Hmmm, I am starting to get a little nervous. It is not a technical climb, just a hike – a hike in high altitude and in freezing temperatures. Did I mention that I have trouble in Aspen, a mere 10,000 feet above sea level as compared to Kili which is almost double the height? I started feeling a little jumpy, but shopping for the perfect wardrobe and equipment will calm me down. After all, on-line shopping is where my expertise lies. What2WearWhere.com is constantly answering readers’ questions about exotic travel destinations. Climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro is daunting and gearing up for this trek is complicated. Our 7 day climb up the Machame Route, takes us through virtually every ecosystem on earth including rain forest, moorland, alpine, glacier, and snowfield. We consulted friends and experts alike to come up with the definitive Kilmanjaro Packing List, taking into consideration the vast swings in temperature with layers, layers, and more layers. Our shopping took us to Athleta, Paragon, Patagonia and Moosejaw where we found a delicious assortment of trail-worthy pieces in shades of an orange creamsicle. Brrr! imagine buying a parka in August...   

Continue reading her adventure on the next page!

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