Customer Reviews

Kilimanjaro Adventure

5 star:		(8)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(5)

 

 

Hal Streckert thinks alot of himself, and he keeps reminding us of how great he is every chance he gets. As I am going to Kilimanjaro myself in 4 weeks, I basically enjoyed the tale of this family's trek up the mountain but I just couldn't keep from rolling my eyes and cringing at the tone of the author and his trite writing style. I'd give examples from his book to show you what I mean but I just can't be bothered to pick it back up since I finished it. If there were more books out there on this topic, I'd give him only 2 stars, but the fact is, there's unfortunately not alot to choose from. Try "Climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro" by Stephen Carmichael which is interesting, factual and without the Hal-ster's self aggrandizing tone.

I disagree with the crankier reviews. This was a fun read and an excellent description of exactly what to expect on the "tourist" route to the summit. The family angle added some human interest: Kyle is a typical 17 year old who doesn't want to do anything that doesn't involve at least six other teenagers, and he certainly doesn't want to climb Kili with the 'rental units. But he goes anyway, and...well, read the book. I didn't find Hal arrogant at all, and enjoyed viewing this "peak" experience through the eyes of folks who could be the family next door. I also recommend Carmichael & Stoddard's book, especially if you want specifics how to plan, what to bring, etc. Read this one for fun, flavor and a good description of the experience.

It just goes to show that with a competitive spirit and a loving family you can always stand on top of the world.

Let me preface my comments by saying that I am not a mountaineer, but am planning a Kili climb for next year. But in my opinion, from reading Mr. Streckert's book, I got no sense of what it is like to climb the mountain. Through his prose, he attempted to describe the scenery and effort, but his flowery words just sounded silly to me, and more than a little arrogant. It was as if only he and his family, among all the people and groups they encountered, were capable of climbing Kili. He also makes it sound as if conditioning, strength training, and a will to climb will ensure success. Those certainly play a very significant part, especially the will, but given my understanding of AMS, it is the luck of the draw (or your genes) whether or not you are stricken. The most "in-shape" person can come down with AMS. It is a little scary how Mr. Streckert portrays, or seemingly ignores this fact, and how, while on the mountain, he encouraged people that sounded more than a little ill, to keep going. It seems to me that he should have been more concerned for their health and safety. If he was, it did not come across in the book. A little humility in and editing of his writing would have made their family adventure (and a great one it was) worth reading about by the rest of us. As written, however, it was not worth it to me.

I was hoping to use this book to plan a trip to Africa to climb Kili but really there's not enough substance here. The author's constant reminder of all the feats he's accomplished and other people he's bettered (Whitney climb, Grand Canyon hike etc) is just plain annoying. Its an easy read and if that's what you're looking for, great. If you want some details for a trip keep looking.

Kilimanjaro Adventure is a very well written book, It is very descriptive and it is filled with excitement. Kilimanjaro Adventure prepares any experienced climber, beginning with the initial preparations up to stepping foot at the stummit of the African Giant! For those of you who are serious about climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro, this is a must read book! The author puts you on the mountain with the climbers to experience the thrill, adrenalin, and the feeling of accomplishment!

This book is nothing more than a self-serving essay. It is one big "let me pat myself on the back". Hal Strickert is one big dork.

I certainly could have done without comments such as "She was dressed up and wearing one of her highest and sexiest pair of heels" referring to his wife turning her ankle. Then in chapter four we get to hear about Hal and Diane "joining the mile high club".

He starts out claiming they are going to climb a very demanding route. In the end, they climb the same old worn out tourist route that thousands of other climbers take every year.

He refers to "climbing" the mountain. All they did was hike or trek up the mountain just as thousands do every year. There is certainly nothing wrong with taking this route or any others, but don't make it sound like you just climbed Everest.

Give me a break. I am either sending this book back or throwing it in the trash.

This book was a true dissapointment. The information I received from it is available for free on the "net". The writer comes off as arrogant and gives one the impression that he is the end all when it comes to climbing. The insights were weak, and he dedicated much of the text to filler so he could justify calling it a book. The reference section is an insult to anyone wanting to book their own trip. Buy Lonely Planets guide to East Africa. and research the web if you want good information on Kililmanjaro

You're planning a outdoor adventure. You go to your local outdoor equipment store, or sign on to the Internet. You browse through maps and atlases, "how-to" books, and photojournalist accounts. But what you want is a lay-person account of someone that's done it before. Kilimanjaro Adventure is that book. Hal Streckert has taken his desire to climb Kilimanjaro and not only recorded the quantitative (travel agencies, vaccinations, exercise regimens and hiking paths), but also thoughtfully documented insights, reactions, and the history behind the adventure.

This beautiful verbal slide show entertains and educates. The Streckerts take the readers from San Diego to Tanzania via Hawaii, Switzerland and Mexico.. Their tale incorporates previous trips through the Grand Canyon, and up the Breithorn and Popocatepetl. Hal's comfortable story-telling style moves the book from chapter to chapter, from sea level to the top of the African continent.

Particularly engaging is the attention Hal focuses on his wife Diane, and his son, Kyle. Their reactions to the climb, the people and the author himself make the story even more inviting and tangible. It's exciting to follow the Streckerts as they make their way towards the peak of Kilimanjaro. And, as a refreshing denoument, we join the family on a Safari adventure after returning from the mountain top.

These are what make this an endearing and appropriate guide for another couple or family planning a similar adventure. The book is a way for the Streckert family to share their knowledge and experience with more than just their immediate friends. I hope they choose to publish future travels; more peaks await their footsteps.

I thought this book was great. It makes it sound so easy to go to Africa and climb Kilimanjaro. I climb in the Rockies and always wondered about going out of the country to climb. Now I think I'll go do it. I already started looking into it and now I'm even more inspired. This is the push I needed to get my b--- in gear.