Have you ever aspired to conquer something big? We mean, really BIG? Both literally and figuratively, summiting Mount Kilimanjaro is just that.

We’re going to follow the journey of three New Orleanians, all Boomers, as they train for the trip of a lifetime- climbing Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania. Kilimanjaro, a dormant volcano, is the tallest mountain in Africa, and at 19,341 feet, it’s the highest single free-standing mountain in the world. It is best known for being one of the ‘seven summits.’  Depending on the route taken, it takes between five to nine days to reach the summit, and less than half of all climbers reach the summit.

These intrepid locals, Liz Hoffman, Cheryl Denenea, and Kirk Barrell began 2020 with a goal- to climb Kilimanjaro this July. Although they’ve been talking about it for quite some time, their journey from the flats of New Orleans to climbing African’s highest peak just begun in earnest. We’ll follow along to see how this nurse, banker, and geologist train for this thrilling, once-in-a-lifetime adventure! 

We’ll keep you updated on our Facebook page on their highs and lows (yes, we said that) as they train here in New Orleans! Their trip is scheduled for July 13-27th, 2020.

Here’s to reaching all our goals! Email us at info@nolaboomers.com with any questions you may have for Liz, Cheryl and Kirk. 

Click here for their first training journal entry.

Hi Boomers! My name is Liz Hoffman.

Liz Hoffman, 54, pediatric nurse at Children’s Hospital and mother of four

I’m 54 yrs old and the mother of four amazing children. I’ve been a pediatric nurse for over 30 years  and presently work at Children’s Hospital in New Orleans. 

I have always felt an adventurous side of myself but, have often faltered on the execution. In this stage of life, I am more than ready physically and mentally to take on new challenges and adventures.
Enter Mt. Kilimanjaro! I hope to inspire my children to continue to  nurture their adventurous sides.  
 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cheryl Denenea, 54, is a commercial banker with Capital One and mother of four.

My name is Cheryl Denenea and am a proud Boomer!

 

I am 56 and blessed with a wonderful husband and four awesome children – young adults now :). In addition to enjoying my Relationship Manager role with Capital One’s Commercial Banking team, I love supplementing my day with fitness activities. Raising four kids, it took awhile to commit to an exercise regimen, but have surprisingly remained dedicated for 5+ years (mainly boot camp and running). I wanted to kick it up a notch and was seeking a challenge that was “out there” but achievable. Hiking Mt. Kilimajaro came up in conversation and Liz, Kirk, and I were all in! Biggest fear — hygiene! Biggest uncertainty – altitude! Kili 2020 – here we come!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Kirk Barrell is a 56-year-old father of two, petroleum geologist, and active adventurer.

Kirk Barrell, 56, is a petroleum Geologist and father of two.

Kirk grew up in New Orleans and attended De La Salle High School and LSU. After obtaining two geology degrees, Kirk spent 27 years in Houston working in the oil industry. In 2017, Kirk moved back home to New Orleans and resides uptown near Audubon Park. Kirk serves as President of Amelia Resources LLC, a small oil company. He enjoys all outdoor activities especially when mountains and forests are involved. As a young boy he dreamed of traveling to Africa with his father to experience a safari. His decision to hike Kilimanjaro is a culmination of that childhood dream along with taking advantage of the freedom and flexibility of being an empty-nester.