#Lake Michaelson

[scholar-of-yemdresh]

This Post.

I'm finally doing it! A list of Adult (20s+) Nonbinary/Genderqueer/Transneutral and Trans men rep in SFF books(no romantasy). This will only be limited to main or major characters.

I've not read everything on this list, so some information could be inaccurate or missing e.g I might not know that a character is actually a POC or 40s+. I will also advise to check content warnings because some of the books listed here can get pretty gnarly.

Will occasional be updated

Keys: 🏳️‍⚧️=Trans Author,✊🏾= Author of Colour,🌈=POC,🧓🏾=40s+, ♂️= Trans man , ⚧️= Nonbinary,🎨=Comic

Claude from The Chatelaine by Kat Heartfield ♂️

Tarquin Mercator from The Devoured Worlds by Megan E. o'keefe ♂️

Yari from Master of Poisons by Andrea Hairston ⚧️🧓🏾🌈✊🏾

Sol Katz from Dead Collections by Issac Fellman 🏳️‍⚧️♂️🧓🏾

Rosie from Persephone Station by Stina Leicht ⚧️🧓🏾

Rafe from Viscera by Gabrielle Squailia🏳️‍⚧️♂️

John Wyndham from The Affair of the Mysterious Letter by Alexis Hall 🏳️‍⚧️♂️

Casey Ravel from the Ballad of Perilous Graves by Alex Jennings ♂️🌈✊🏾

Ardent Violet from The Starmetal Symphony by Alex White🏳️‍⚧️⚧️

Gyen Jebi from Phoenix Extravagant by Yoon Ha Lee ⚧️🏳️‍⚧️✊🏾🌈

Shock Pao from Shock Pao by Ren Warom ♂️

Firuz-e Jafari from the Bruising of Qilwa by Naseem Jamnia 🌈✊🏾🏳️‍⚧️⚧️

Iktan from Between Earth and Sky by Rebecca Roanhorse ⚧️🌈✊🏾

Chih from the Singing Hills Cycle by Nghi Vo ⚧️✊🏾🌈

Brennus from Wolf Among the Wild Hunt by Merc Fenn Wolfmoor ⚧️🏳️‍⚧️

Dex from Monk & Robot by Becky Chambers 🌈(?)⚧️

Anima from In The Watchful City by S. Qiouyi Lu ⚧️🌈✊🏾🏳️‍⚧️

Eolo from The Raven Tower by Ann Leckie ♂️

Ridley from No Gods,No Monsters by Cadwell Turnbull 🌈✊🏾♂️

Enae & Qven from Translation State by Ann Leckie⚧️🌈🧓🏾

Penfield R. Henderson, Aiden Chase, Blithe + others from Future Feeling by Joss Lake 🏳️‍⚧️♂️

Ilan from The Faithful Dark by Cate Baumer♂️

Various from The Tensorate by Neon Yang 🏳️‍⚧️✊🏾🌈⚧️♂️

Alex Easton from What Moves the Dead by T.Kingfisher⚧️

Edie from Hammajang Luck by Makana Yamamoto⚧️🏳️‍⚧️🌈✊🏾

Nameless Man from The Four Profound Weaves by R.B. Lemberg🌈🏳️‍⚧️♂️🧓🏾

Arén from A Promise Broken by S.L. Dove Cooper♂️

Erígra Lilún from The Unbalancing by R.B. Lemberg 🏳️‍⚧️⚧️

Claire|Claude from Baker Thief by Claudie Arseneault ⚧️

Dianthus from The Fate of by J.E. Lynn ⚧️

Asa from The Forgotten Lyric by Carolina Cruz⚧️🌈

Sal Hernandez from It Took Luke by Mark Bouchard & Bayleigh Underwood 🎨⚧️🌈🏳️‍⚧️

MCs from Time Will Devour His Children by Otava Heikkila🎨🏳️‍⚧️♂️🧓🏾🌈

Jonah from Dominion of Blades by Matt Dinniman♂️

Tet Sang from The Order of the Pure Moon Reflected in Water by Zen Cho♂️or⚧️🌈✊🏾

Marcus from Lesser Known Monsters by Rory Michaelson♂️🌈

Scorn from Emergent Properties⚧️

Misery Nomaki from The Genesis of Misery by Neon Yang✊🏾🏳️‍⚧️🌈⚧️

Taigan from The Worldbreaker Saga by Kameron Hurley⚧️🌈

Leiander from The Stones Stay Silent by Danny Ride♂️🏳️‍⚧️

The Plauge Doctor from The Salt Grows Heavy by Cassandra Khaw⚧️🏳️‍⚧️✊🏾

Aleph Null from Test by Christopher Sebela & Jen Hickman🎨⚧️

Joel Lodowick from My Heart Is Human by Reese Hogan🏳️‍⚧️♂️

Jules from Finna by Nino Cipri 🌈⚧️🏳️‍⚧️

Dax from Shatter Minds by L.R Lam🌈♂️

Scout from The Last Gifts of the Universe by Riley August⚧️

Avery Ryu from Dead Space by Kali Wallace🌈⚧️

[pod-together]

Filk Broken Telephone 2023

We highly recommend listening to these by starting with the first work in each chain and going in order!

Chain 1

[Filk] Exy Swing (All For The Game - Nora Sakavic) written and performed by Ceewelsh Summary: [Filk] Neil considers Riko

More Than a Dream [Filk] (天官赐福 - 墨香铜臭 | Tiān Guān Cì Fú - Mòxiāng Tóngxiù) written and performed by esbielle Summary: A song that could work as an epilogue for the whole novel.

[Pod_together Broken Telephone Filk 2023] This Bitter Earth (Burial Mounds Edition) (陈情令 | The Untamed (TV), 魔道祖师 - 墨香铜臭 | Módào Zǔshī - Mòxiāng Tóngxiù, Original Work) written and performed by Mangacat Summary: "This Bitter Earth - Oh, how it stares at me" To the Tune of 'On the Nature of Daylight / This Bitter Earth'

[Filk] Not Your Grave (Supernatural (TV 2005)) written and performed by TheArcher Summary: Song from Castiel to Dean, telling him to survive, set to Such Great Heights.

Chain 2

[Filk] Dreams (Danny Phantom) written and performed by legonerd

[Filk] Ghosts (山河令 | Word of Honor (TV 2021)) written and performed by irrationalpie Summary: Wen Kexing sings about revenge (mostly). Set early in canon, when he's plotting to sow chaos and expose hypocrisy by getting the self-proclaimed heroes of the Five Lakes Alliance to kill each other infighting over the Glazed Armor

The Loric Who Remain [lyrics and audio] (The Lorien Legacies - Pittacus Lore) written and performed by farkenshnoffingottom Summary: John's POV from I Am Number Four, set to the tune of All Time Low's "The Reckless and the Brave"

As the tides wash away all hint of facade (Our Flag Means Death (TV)) written and performed by Elle_dubs Summary: Stede & Ed are feeling things ... differently at the end of Season 1.

Chain 3

The Night it calls my name (No Fandom) written and performed by Dr_Fumbles_McStupid Summary: a filk about vampires set to Ingrid Michaelson's the chain

[Filk] Gratitude (Thai Actor RPF) written and performed by Wereflamingo Summary: Joong is getting lost between fiction and reality. A filk to the tune of Dum Dum by Jeff Satur, written and recorded for Filk Broken Telephone 2023.

[filk] choosing time (The Ultimatum: Queer Love (TV)) written and performed by olive2read Summary: an ode to the messiest lesbians on reality tv

Poison & Win (?) (This is How You Lose the Time War - Amal El-Mohtar & Max Gladstone) written by wilfriede0815, performed by SerenaEW and wilfriede0815 Summary: A filk about the poisoned final letter to Blue from Red.

(I Want To Be) Part of Your World (Red White & Royal Blue - Casey McQuiston) written and performed by bluegeekEM Summary: An Alex/Henry, enemies-to-lovers filk set to “Part of Your World” from The Little Mermaid.

Chain 4

The Night it calls my name (No Fandom) written and performed by Dr_Fumbles_McStupid Summary: a filk about vampires set to Ingrid Michaelson's the chain

[filk] In Whitby (Dracula & Related Fandoms, Dracula - Bram Stoker (Novel 1897)) written and performed by ArtemisTheHuntress Summary: A song about something haunting the idyllic seaside town of Whitby.

m (dragon) e (No Fandom) written and performed by minnabird Summary: Infinite Escher mirrors Reflect familiar eyes There is no monster, it's just my heart Dark night of the soul It's here -- A M◐◑N palace filk written and recorded for Pod_Together 2023, for narrative group 4

Whatever Mama Wants (Fandom - Fandom) written and performed by mahons_ondine Summary: A filk broken telephone production--a little villain song!

[Filk] This World is Mine! (Phantom: The American Musical Sensation - Yeston/Kopit, Le Fantôme de l'Opéra | Phantom of the Opera & Related Fandoms) written and performed by SerenaEW Summary: What if Carlotta strived for world domination? Crack-ish filk.

[amber-michaelson]

can you do headcanons about yandere klaus mikaelson vs yandere Elijah Mikaelson

Yandere Klaus Mickelson vs Yandere Elijah Michaelson

They are just to stubborn to give up, once they found out that they both have feelings for you it became a competition to see who knows you more or who loves you more and when that doesn't work klaus turns it into a game on who can win you over and let's just say Rebecca is wining jk.

Elijah will try and win you over with his mind "so I guess I'll give you my homework"

Klaus uses his use for power

"Yeah I don't date people have greed for power"

They were sad about your answers were you seriously not into any of them then they decided they had to share you if they wanted to keep you.

After they kidnapped you and locked you up it went down hill, both of them had different ways they wanted you to follow and different plans to have for dates and they were getting more and more fed up with each other.

Klaus was the first one to snap and threatened Elijah with the stake and that made Elijah do something 10 × worse he took you for himself and fled.

Klaus was mad very mad he started killing people where ever he looked till he found a trail, Elijah kept you in a cabin by the lake and he was worse now threatening to kill you if you didn't listen and isn't afraid to kill people that stood in his way.

When klaus found you all hell breaks loose and in the end klaus wins except losing half his sanity looking for you and the rules and punishments get worse from there because if his brother was willing to do this what is the rest of the world willing to do

My other vampire diaries works

Check out my other works

[cordeliaflyte]

I dreamt that I was me (20 yo polandcel*) but also I was Valentine Ambrose (scion of very well-respected and ludicrously rich English family in a period that seemed... 1870s-1930s maybe, except I was also a feudal landlord but I collected rent not from peasants but fellow rich people)

so I was at home (this being my parents flat in Warsaw. not my palatial estate in Oxfordshire. because I was of the Oxfordshire Ambroses) and I got attacked by an evil robot alien i hate it when that happens -_- he was made of. let me find a photo. he was made of these

so I killed him of course. but I knew that the magnets would come together again and he would come back stronger and kill me. this is when Graves appeared. I did not know this person but he was like please could you give me breakfast... and I was like I will give you breakfast but first you must make sure the evil robot does not come back.

so look. in the room next to this (IE my bedroom. because the whole action took place in my brother's bedroom. which is next to mine) you will find so many suitcases. take three. then, you have to detach alllll the magnetic sticks and balls from each other. and put them in suitcases. it is important to divide them because they will fuse back together. and if the whole body fuses back together that would be bad. but now only 1/3 of the body can fuse so there will be no whole body to kill me. and then you need to drown the suitcases in three separate lakes.

Graves (his surname was Graves) was like okay... and I was like great :) I'll be in the kitchen I'll pop in to check on you. and I did just as he filled up all the suitcases with the divided magnetic parts of the evil robot. so I walk into the room and I say no no no what are you doing... you chose the nicest suitcases the prettiest ones I cannot allow you to drown my yellow suitcase... or the blue flowery one which, despite being broken, has sentimental value... sorry you need to start again! only then will you get breakfast.

but all the 1/3 of the body had fused already so Graves had to pick them all apart again and transfer them to different suitcases (the uglier ones, which I could stand to part with). then he had to find the three nearest lakes and drown the suitcases. and then I was like okay Graves you have proved yourself... not only can you have breakfast, you can also become my butler sidekick and do all the boring work after I kill evil robot aliens. this was the beginning of a beautiful friendship/employer relationship tinged with homoeroticism (I was a man so it was homoerotic).

so at some point I was collecting rents from the other rich people of England. this also included me saying what their names were. one was the father of a girl I was friends with in primary school kind of. back in the day when I was like 6 she convinced me he was in Metallica (I cannot stress enough he was not I was gullible). anyway. I renamed him Michaelson.

also my father was there and I was like ah of course. my venerable father, Mr Ambrose. and he was like what are you talking about daughter. my name is [his name] and I am NOT one of the richest men in england. and I was like shhhh you are in this dream and I'm a man (called Valentine Ambrose).

so after I am done collecting rent I am hanging out with my friends. they are all bright young things my age but also my family friend, Millicent Lovelace. she is an elderly lady who was a friend of my grandmother's or SMTH she's like an aunt figure to me. but I start to worry she has dementia now because she's like um who are you. and I'm like I'm valentine from Oxfordshire remember? little Val you held me on your lap when I was six... and she's like I don't know any Oxfordshire Ambroses...

and at first I'm like oh no my aunt figure has dementia. but then all my friends are like who are you... and I'm like I'm valentine!!! Valentine Ambrose of the Oxfordshire Ambroses... and they're like we've never heard of you OR your family. I look at newspapers and I am in NONE of them despite being famous... I look in history chronicles and no mention of my famous family... I don't exist and no-one in my family has ever existed...

I think this is a metaphor for the foretold death of the English aristocracy in the 1940s etc which never happened these bitches still own all the land. this dream was a panegyric preached over an empty coffin 🚬🚬

*can you tell I'm obsessed with phrasing things like this. everything is pilled or celled sorry.

[kezzplayssims]

Sebastian Michaelson

Age 69 years old

Loves being a Grandpa, and is so proud of his daughter Celeste.

He retired from his job as an accountant when Atlas came along, to help look after him while Celeste and Christopher work.

He and Atlas are jokesters together and often get in trouble from Celeste for playing pranks on Christopher.

He also spends a lot of time at the rec center. He has joined a group of other elders who play simbles and speed walk around the lake.

He has a bit of a romance going with Vivian Lewis.

[at-thestillpoint]

♫ for texas man!

[ask me things!]

♫ send a fic and i’ll make a 3-5 song playlist for you for texas man

The playlist for this fic is truly a single song (thank you, Shania), but here are all the songs I reference :

Texas Man — The Chicks (aka the reason this fic exists. This came up on shuffle many, many moons ago and things devolved from there)

From This Moment On — Shania Twain (the song I listened to on repeat to finish the damn thing. I don't explicitly name it, but it's the song Jake and Tatum dance to)

Can't Help Falling In Love — Kina Grannis, Kacey Musgraves, Ingrid Michaelson, and/or Lake Street Dive (technically, it's an instrumental cover, but there are so many good covers!)

Kiss Me — Sixpence None the Richer (it felt right)

Bonus:

All My Exes Live in Texas — George Strait

Hometown Glory — Adele

American Teenager — Ethel Cain

If You Love Her — Forest Blakk

Slow Dancing — Aly & AJ

What If I Love You — Gatlin

[theladyragnell]

RULES! Put your On Repeat Spotify playlist on shuffle and post the first 10 songs that come up

Tagged by @idiopathicsmile!

Note: I don’t actually have Spotify! So this is what comes up on shuffle on a “Favorites” list from my media player.

1. “Bright” by Echosmith

2. “Once Upon a Time: The Goose Girl” by Helen Trevillion

3. “Run to You” by Pentatonix

4. “Jolene” by Hey Ocean! (this is not a cover of the Dolly Parton classic, though it does reference it)

5. “Blood Brothers” by Ingrid Michaelson

6. “Good in Red” by The Midnight

7. “New Constellations” by Ryn Weaver

8. “Sun” by Sleeping at Last

9. “Hypotheticals” by Lake Street Dive

10. “War at Home” by Josh Groban

And I am supposed to tag some people! Let’s do @samyazaz, @sovinly, @mr-chatterboxs-column, @myrmidryad, and @dollsome-does-tumblr, as well as anybody ese who’s in the mood for a low-key game!

[ell0ra-br3kk3r-writes]

song list

midnights - taylor swift

lavender haze | maroon | anti-hero | snow on the beach | you're on your own, kid | midnight rain | question...? | vigilante sh*t | bejeweled | labyrinth | karma | sweet nothing | mastermind | the great war | bigger that the whole sky | paris | high infidelity | glitch | would've, could've, should've | dear reader

folklore - taylor swift

the 1 | cardigan | the last great american dynasty | exile | my tears ricochet | mirrorball | seven | august | this is me trying | illicit affairs | invisible string | mad woman | epiphany | betty | peace | hoax | the lakes

evermore - taylor swift

willow | champagne problems | gold rush | tis' the damn season | tolerate it | no body, no crime | happiness | dorthea | coney island | ivy | cowboy like me | long story short | marjorie | closure | evermore

girls and boys - ingrid michaelson

die alone | masochist | breakable | the hat | the way i am | overboard | glass | starting now | corner of your heart | december baby | highway | far away

the blessed unrest - sara bareilles

brave | chasing the sun | hercules | manhattan | satellite call | little black dress | cassiopeia | 1000 times | i choose you | eden | islands | december

am - artic monkeys

do i wanna know? | r u mine? | one for the road | arabella | i want it all | no. 1 party anthem | mad sounds | fireside | why'd you only call me when you're high? | snap out of it | knee socks | i wanna be yours

cigarettes after sex - cigarettes after sex

k. | each time you fall in love | sunsetz | apocalypse | flash | sweet | opera house | truly

brand new eyes - paramore

careful | ignorance | playing god | brick by boring brick | turn it off | the only exception | feeling sorry | looking up | where the lines overlap | misguided ghosts | all i wanted

any other songs y'all want i just wanted to add some of my favorite albums <3

[firstelevens]

shuffle game

rules: you can usually tell a lot about a person by the type of music they listen to. put your playlist on shuffle and list the first 10 songs, and then tag some people. no skipping!

”Africa Dream” by Reflection Eternal

“Saturday Nights” by Khalid

“Girls Chase Boys” by Ingrid Michaelson

“Silence” by Marshmello & Khalid

“Wildflowers” by Tom Petty

“As It Was” by Hozier

“Does Your Mother Know” by Christine Baranski

“Delicate” by Taylor Swift

“You Go Down Smooth” by Lake Street Dive

“Slow Hands” by Niall Horan

tagging: @birdhapley, @philtstone, @jadedofmara, @aivley-reblogs, @sonseulsoleil , and @bisamwilson

[bellamysgriffin]

Okay, now I’m curious to know some of your favorite albums if you don’t mind? ‘Cause I can relate A LOT to the way you see Ms. Swift’s albums. And I’m searching for good music, so please give me recs! (Old & new.)

oh boy!! gear up, because i LOVE talking music.

pop:

rae by ashe & ashlyn by ashe (she's such a unique voice in pop today <3)

begin to hope by regina spektor

emails i can't send by sabrina carpenter

strangers forever by maude latour

woman on the internet by orla gartland

build a problem by dodie

bad together by rozzi

ed buys houses by sidney gish

gracetown by san cisco

wrong crowd by tom odell

bad ideas by tessa violet

some feelings by julia nunes

tell it to the volcano by miniature tigers

cuz i love you by lizzo

don't get dark by del water gap

be ok by ingrid michaelson

country:

you don't own me anymore by the secret sisters (LOVING this one lately)

jolene by dolly parton

out among the stars & american IV by johnny cash

lady & gentlemen by leeann rimes

rock:

jade bird by jade bird (OH MY GOD!!!!!)

odessey and oracle by the zombies

hotel tv by lawrence (this is sorta pop/rock/r&b fusion)

combat sports by the vaccines

bad self portraits by lake street dive (my favs)

playing chess by elise legrow

back to black by amy winehouse (EVERYTHING BY HER!)

chills and fever by samantha fish

songs for a sinking ship by april smith and the great picture show

we need medicine by the fratellis

the stranger by billy joel

love tattoo by imelda may

folk/indie:

in between dreams by jack johnson

songs of leonard cohen by leonard cohen (oh my god everything this man touches is GENIUS, he is probably my favorite lyricist of all time)

bridge over troubled water and sounds of silence by simon and garfunkel

wide awake & feathers and fishooks by rayland baxter

autumn fallin' by jaymay

maple ridge by swear and shake

healing and a remedy by upstate (SO underrated, one of my fav albums of all time is healing)

dead and born and grown by the staves

how i knew her by nataly dawn (SO GOOD)

jazz/r&b

lady soul by aretha franklin

lo-fi soul by haley reinhart

somewhere in between by eloise

it could happen to you by chet baker

the jerome kern songbook by ella fitzgerald

the astrud gilberto album by astrud gilberto

ella swings lightly by ella fitzgerald

songs from the heart by johnny hartman

in the wee small hours by frank sinatra

cocktail by rose colella

yesterday i had the blues by jose james

ella and louis by ella fitzgerald and louis armstrong (maybe my fav of all time?)

careless love by madeleine peyroux

[gomtkenyaexpendition]

Discover the Beauty of the Chogoria Route on Mount Kenya

Mount Kenya is one of Africa's most stunning and diverse mountain ranges, offering trekkers various routes to explore its breathtaking landscapes. Among these, the Chogoria Route stands out for its unparalleled beauty and unique trekking experience. If you're considering an adventure to this majestic peak, the Chogoria Route on Mount Kenya should be at the top of your list. Managed by Go Mount Kenya Expendation, this route offers an exceptional journey through some of the most scenic parts of the mountain.

The Chogoria Route: An Overview

The Chogoria Route is renowned for its diverse scenery and relatively moderate difficulty, making it an excellent choice for both seasoned trekkers and those new to high-altitude hiking. The trek begins in the lush forests of the Chogoria area and leads you through alpine moorlands, glacial valleys, and rugged rock formations. Along the way, you'll enjoy stunning views of Mount Kenya's peaks, including Batian Peak, the highest point on the mountain.

One of the highlights of the Chogoria Route is the pristine Lake Ellis, situated in a beautiful glacial valley. This lake provides a serene resting spot amidst the trek and a chance to take in the tranquil surroundings. As you continue along the route, you’ll pass through the stunning Hall Tarns and the picturesque Lake Michaelson. The diversity of the landscapes encountered on this route truly sets it apart from other trekking options on Mount Kenya.

The Trekking Experience

The 6-day trek along the Chogoria Route is designed to showcase the very best of Mount Kenya's natural beauty. Starting from the lush lower slopes, trekkers will ascend through dense forests and moorlands, eventually reaching the alpine zones. Each day of the trek is carefully planned to ensure a gradual ascent, allowing for acclimatization and minimizing the risk of altitude sickness.

The trek also includes several scenic campsites where you can rest and enjoy the incredible views. Each campsite is chosen for its scenic value and strategic location, ensuring that you get the most out of your experience. Whether you’re gazing at the dramatic peaks of Mount Kenya or relaxing by the lakes, the Chogoria Route offers a memorable adventure that combines natural beauty with physical challenge.

Why Choose the Chogoria Route?

The Chogoria Route on Mount Kenya is an excellent choice for those seeking a balance between adventure and comfort. Its scenic diversity provides an ever-changing backdrop, from lush forests to stark alpine landscapes. Additionally, the route is less crowded compared to other trails, offering a more tranquil and intimate experience of Mount Kenya's wilderness.

Choosing Go Mount Kenya Expendation for your trek ensures that you are in expert hands. With their deep knowledge of the mountain and commitment to providing a top-notch trekking experience, Go Mount Kenya Expendation offers unparalleled service and support. From pre-trek preparation to guiding you through the rugged terrains, their experienced team is dedicated to making your adventure unforgettable.

Preparing for Your Trek

Preparation is key to a successful trek on the Chogoria Route. Ensure that you are physically fit and accustomed to high-altitude conditions. Proper gear, including sturdy hiking boots, warm clothing, and rain gear, is essential. It’s also important to stay hydrated and maintain a balanced diet to keep your energy levels up throughout the trek.

Go Mount Kenya Expendation provides detailed guidance on preparation, including gear recommendations and fitness tips. Their expert team will help you with all the necessary arrangements, ensuring that you’re fully prepared for the challenges and rewards of the Chogoria Route.

Conclusion

Embarking on the Chogoria Route on Mount Kenya with Go Mount Kenya Expendation promises an unforgettable adventure. The combination of stunning landscapes, diverse ecosystems, and expert guidance makes this trek a standout choice for anyone looking to explore one of Africa's most iconic mountains. For more information or to book your adventure, contact Go Mount Kenya Expendation at info@gomtkenyaexpendition.com or call +254 720 231 076. Start your journey today and experience the beauty of Mount Kenya like never before!

[badbishop999]

7 Best Tips for Climbing Mount Kenya

Climbing Mount Kenya is a thrilling adventure that promises stunning landscapes, diverse wildlife, and an unforgettable journey to the summit of Africa’s second-highest peak. Whether you’re an experienced climber or a novice looking for a challenge, these seven tips will help you prepare for an epic ascent.

1. Choose the Right Route

Mount Kenya offers several routes to the summit, each with its own unique challenges and scenic rewards:

- Sirimon Route: The most popular route, known for its gradual ascent and beautiful scenery.

- Naro Moru Route:The shortest and steepest route, popular with those looking for a quick ascent.

- Chogoria Route:The most scenic route, passing through stunning landscapes including the Gorges Valley and Lake Michaelson.

Selecting the right route for your experience level and interests is crucial for a successful climb.

 2. Train and Prepare Physically

Mount Kenya’s high altitude and challenging terrain require a good level of fitness. Prepare by:

- Cardio Workouts: Running, cycling, and swimming can help build your endurance.

- Strength Training: Focus on your legs, core, and upper body to handle the demanding climb.

- Hiking Practice: Get used to long hikes with a loaded backpack to simulate the climb.

Building your stamina and strength will enhance your climbing experience and reduce the risk of injury.

 3. Acclimatize Properly

Acclimatization is key to avoiding altitude sickness and ensuring a safe climb. Here’s how to do it:

- Take Your Time:Don’t rush the ascent. Spend extra days acclimatizing at higher altitudes.

- Hydrate: Drink plenty of water to help your body adjust to the altitude.

- Listen to Your Body:If you feel symptoms of altitude sickness (headache, nausea, dizziness), take it seriously and descend if necessary.

Proper acclimatization can make the difference between reaching the summit and having to turn back.

 4. Pack the Essentials

Packing the right gear is essential for a comfortable and successful climb. Here’s what you’ll need:

- Clothing: Layered clothing to manage changing temperatures, including a warm jacket, thermal layers, and waterproof gear.

- Footwear: Sturdy, comfortable hiking boots with good ankle support.

- Sleeping Gear: A warm sleeping bag rated for cold temperatures.

- Other Essentials: Headlamp, trekking poles, sunscreen, hat, gloves, and a first aid kit.

Make sure you have everything you need to stay safe and comfortable in the mountain’s variable conditions.

5. Hire a Guide or Join a Tour

While it’s possible to climb Mount Kenya independently, hiring a local guide or joining a tour group is highly recommended. Guides provide:

- Expert Knowledge: Local guides know the terrain and can enhance your experience with insights about the flora, fauna, and history of the area.

- Safety: Guides are trained to handle emergencies and can help you navigate challenging sections of the climb.

- Logistics:Tour operators often handle permits, accommodation, and meals, making the trip smoother and more enjoyable.

A guide can greatly enhance your safety and overall experience.

6. Respect the Environment

Mount Kenya is a UNESCO World Heritage site with unique ecosystems. Help preserve its beauty by:

- Following Leave No Trace Principles: Pack out all trash and minimize your impact on the environment.

- Sticking to Trails: Avoid creating new paths that can lead to erosion and habitat destruction.

- Respecting Wildlife: Keep a safe distance from animals and do not disturb their natural behavior.

Being a responsible climber ensures that Mount Kenya remains pristine for future generations.

7. Enjoy the Journey

While reaching the summit is a fantastic achievement, don’t forget to enjoy the journey:

- Take Photos: Capture the stunning landscapes, unique vegetation, and memorable moments.

- Soak in the Views:Take breaks to appreciate the beauty around you, from the lush forests to the rugged peaks.

- Connect with Fellow Climbers: Share stories and experiences with your climbing companions.

The climb is as much about the journey as it is about reaching the summit. Take time to savor every moment.

Conclusion

Climbing Mount Kenya is a challenging yet rewarding adventure that offers spectacular views and a profound sense of accomplishment. By choosing the right route, training properly, acclimatizing, packing the essentials, hiring a guide, respecting the environment, and enjoying the journey, you’ll be well-prepared for an unforgettable experience. Lace up your boots, grab your gear, and get ready to conquer the heights of Mount Kenya!

Have you climbed Mount Kenya? Share your tips and experiences in the comments below!

[african-travel-n-tours]

Mt. Kenya: Hike Like a Boss with Africompass Travel (Seriously, You Got This!)

Think you can handle conquering Mt. Kenya, East Africa's brag-worthy #2 peak and a UNESCO World Heritage Site to boot? Africompass Travel is here to help you with a killer 6-day trek that's equal parts challenging and ridiculously awesome. Get ready for epic scenery, wildlife sightings, and bragging rights that will last a lifetime. Here's a sneak peek at what's in store:

Day 1: Gear Up & Forest Fun

First things first – gotta make sure your gear is ready to rock. Then, we'll head to Sirimon Gate and kick things off with a chill 3-hour hike through the lush rainforest. Tonight's digs? Jud Maier's Camp (3,300m), a comfy spot nestled right in the trees. Rest up in your cozy mountain tent – the adventure really gets going tomorrow!

Day 2: Secret Valleys & Epic Views

Fuel up with a breakfast fit for a champion because we're tackling the moorland today. But here's the cool part – we're ditching the usual path and venturing into the hidden gem that is Sirimon Valley. Think untouched landscapes, tons of wildlife, and enough photo ops to make your Instagram jealous! We'll camp out overnight in Sirimon Valley (3,940m), surrounded by the beauty of the high mountains.

Day 3: Dramatic Valleys & Stargazing

Rise and shine, adventurers! Today, we say goodbye to Sirimon Valley and head for the scenic Hinde Valley. Get your camera ready because we're about to traverse the dramatic Nithi and Gorges Valleys. Towering cliffs, untouched valleys, and cascading waterfalls – it's like something out of a movie! Our home for the night is Hall Tarns (4,300m), where you can expect epic views and a sky full of stars.

Day 4: Magical Lakes & Waterfall Wonders

Descend into the enchanting Gorges Valley, where the mystical Lake Michaelson awaits, complete with the legendary Temple cave formation. Next up, we'll explore the cascading Vivienne Falls, named after the famous author of "Speak to the Earth." After soaking up the valley's rugged beauty, we'll head back to Hall Tarns for some well-deserved rest and maybe some epic storytelling around the campfire.

Day 5: Summit Day - Reach for the Peak!

This is it, the big day! We'll take the less-traveled north face route on an exciting climb to reach Pt. Lenana, the third-highest peak of Mt. Kenya. Expect about 4 hours of challenging but rewarding trekking, all leading up to panoramic views that will blow your mind. After conquering the summit, we'll descend to Teleki Valley and spend the night celebrating our victory at Mackinders Camp (4,150m).

Day 6: Descent & Epic Memories

Our final day sees us conquer the scenic Naro Moru route as we descend Mt. Kenya, completing a truly unforgettable trek around the entire mountain. The journey ends at the Naro Moru River Lodge, where you can relax, reflect on your incredible adventure, and let the memories of this epic climb sink in.

More Than a Hike: An Adventure You Won't Forget

This Mt. Kenya trek with Africompass Travel is more than just a hike – it's a chance to explore Kenya's unreal natural wonders, from lush forests and dramatic valleys to towering peaks and all sorts of cool wildlife. It's an experience that will push you, inspire you, and leave you with memories that will last a lifetime.

Ready to conquer Mt. Kenya and totally crush your adventure goals? Contact Africompass Travel today and book your trip! The magic of Africa's second-highest peak awaits.

[brn1029]

Time for your Rock Report

Hollywood Vampires have announced they will be releasing their first live album, Live In Rio, on multiple formats on June 2nd via earMusic. The band, featuring rocker Alice Cooper, actor Johnny Depp, Aerosmith's Joe Perry, and producer and songwriter Tommy Henriksen, also shared a video for "I Got A Line On You" while announcing the album. The performance was recorded in 2015 in front of more than 100,000 fans, just weeks after the band's self-titled debut album was released. During the performance, the band played several cover songs, including the Who's "My Generation," the Rolling Stones' "Brown Sugar" and Plastic Ono Band's "Cold Turkey." Halestorm frontwoman Lzzy Hale joined for a rendition of Led Zeppelin's "Whole Lotta Love." Cooper's classics "School's Out" and "Billion Dollar Babies" were also on the set list.

Talking Heads have announced they will re-release their 1984 concert film Stop Making Sense in theaters in a newly restored 4K version. Along with the announcement, the band released a fun teaser video that shows David Byrne going to the dry cleaners to retrieve his famous oversized grey suit. A24, which has acquired the film's worldwide rights, will release the movie in theaters later this year to coincide with its 40th anniversary. A deluxe edition of the Stop Making Sense soundtrack will be out as well on vinyl and digital formats. Stop Making Sense, directed by the late Jonathan Demme, was filmed over three nights at Hollywood's Pantages Theater in December 1983 when the band performed in support of their fifth album, Speaking in Tongues.

Patti Smith covered The Beatles' "She's Leaving Home" at a Paul McCartney tribute concert at New York's Carnegie Hall on Wednesday, March 15th. The show, which raised money for music education programs, featured an all-star lineup including Graham Nash, Wings guitarist Denny Laine, Bettye LaVette, Nancy Wilson, Lyle Lovett, Bruce Hornsby, Shovels & Rope, Lake Street Dive, Natalie Merchant, Allison Russell, Ingrid Michaelson, and Christopher Cross. They were all backed by a house band led by Rolling Stones touring drummer Steve Jordan and Fab Faux bassist Will Lee. Although Smith wasn't part of the official lineup for the evening, she joined to deliver a stunning rendition of "She's Leaving Home." It was her first time performing the 1967 Beatles classic.

[squeakowl]

A playlist for Falling in Love on a Foggy Day...

Listen on Spotify - x

(Unavailable on Spotify - 1)

(Aptly timed, since October 15th 2018 is my parents’ 30th wedding anniversary!)