Climbing Kilimanjaro

Local Trio Take on the Mountain

By Anthony Bui

Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro is a sizable feat that can be both intimidating and challenging to even the most experienced of climbers. It takes a lot of training and discipline to put yourself in the right physical conditions in order to increase the likelihood of making it safely up and down the mountain. No one would think that three members of an older generation, one that society has often painted as a generation who is slowing down, would even consider sizing up Mount Kilimanjaro. Cheryl Denenea, Kirk Barrel, and Liz Hoffman were willing to take on that challenge and overcame any stereotype that was placed on them due to their age. Cheryl has always felt that when her kids got to a certain age she’d be more capable of getting out there and doing more for herself from a health standpoint. This involved a lot more activities that exercised leg muscles and built up endurance. With their new fitness regime, Liz felt that there was this whole different side of them that they have never explored. So, when Kirk sent out an email regarding the expedition, this group of three latched on to the idea and actually sought to carry it out together. For Kirk, the outdoors has been a part of his life for a long time. Being a geologist, he loved to spend time outdoors and in the woods. During his days at LSU, he ran a lot. Now in his later years, he had decided to pick up hiking. Before Kilimanjaro, he had tackled smaller mountains in the states before. Having always wanted to go to Africa, Kirk decided to see who else would be interested as well. For Cheryl and Liz, the excitement and enthusiasm of the adventure was enough to fuel themselves mentally. With a combination of various types of exercises, boot camp, running, and a whole lot of walking around the beautiful city of New Orleans, they were doing all they could to make sure that their bodies were in the best shape possible. Training proved difficult, though, as it was hard to simulate 19,000 feet in a city that resided below sea level. To overcome this hurdle, Kirk actually went to Colorado to train in more accurate conditions and take on smaller mountains. Kirk was always the logistical person for the group. He did his research and made sure everyone was up to date on their shots. Staying in the optimal position health wise and maintaining that level of conditioning proved to be more difficult than imagined as COVID repeatedly pushed their trip back. Being the person that works in healthcare, Liz was able to make sure the group planned things out safely. Kirk jokes that when they were finally able to schedule the trip, he was in his worst condition. However, that wasn’t enough to stop the three of them as they eagerly prepared to finally travel to the mountain with the only question on their minds being: “How are we going to wear a mask for a 24-hour flight from New Orleans to the mountain?” The group recalls the joyous moment they were finally at the base of the mountain, ready to start their journey to the top, after all of the time spent training and preparing. This journey was filled with many sleepless, cold nights; slippery terrain; and braving the elements, all because of an email sent out to 35 people that only piqued the interest of these three friends. The journey up was truly an experience for the group. It was also an experience unlike many others who have gone up Mount Kilimanjaro. The slopes were surprisingly empty as not many other groups were currently tackling the

mountain. That did not change the fact that the conditions on the mountain would be any less grueling and challenging. There were many nights when the group could get adequate rest, but they continued on despite any obstacles in their way. They had trained too hard to give up. When reflecting on their favorite moment of this expedition, they unanimously agreed that reaching the summit was that moment for them, not only as individuals, but as a group. The last 36 hours were brutal, as the air became thinner and the hike became more vertical, so when they finally reached the summit, the emotions just overcame them, as the group teared up as they looked at each other with love, relief, and joy as they successfully reached the top. Kirk had done his research. He saw pictures of the sign on top and what it looked like, but seeing it in person just meant so much more to him. It meant so much more to the entire group. For those seeking a new adventure, the group encourages you to go for it. Cheryl definitely feels that the trip was an amazing experience. This was the first time that she has ever been to Africa, and she believes that it is unlike any other place she has ever been to. The culture and the kindness of the people there just aided in making this a trip that will be remembered for a long time. Liz shares, “It is never too late to tackle an adventure or whatever that may be for you. Life is too short not to at least explore whatever your aspirations may be. It opens a door for new adventures.”