I will tell it as it is .... the good and the bad!
This is not only for my own record, it is also to share the experience with friends and other like minded travelers who may want to follow my journey. My friends and family have listened to my excited ramblings as I have prepared for this trip, most are being very supportive and are encouraging me to follow my dream, while politely.....or not so politely in some cases..... declining my kind invitation that they join me. I can't imagine why they didn't jump at my various invites, dares and challenges :)
My first step was lots of research - you know me - search, search and search some more!
I wanted to find out everything I could about this climb before making a decision to go ahead with it and which of the many Kilimanjaro operators to climb with. So I Googled similar blogs and gained great inspiration from the many stories I read, they also opened my eyes to the huge challenge ahead. I hope my Blog helps others to follow their dreams in the same way I was inspired to do so.
It is now a little less than 12 months until I climb Mount Kilimanjaro. I will be arriving in Arusha, Tanzania in 327 days and starting my climb of Mount Kilimanjaro three days later. And NO, I am not going to add 327 entries between now and then.
I have a long time to prepare - but only a short time when you consider the weight I have to loose and the training program to get me climb fit. I have to transform from a couch potato to a lean mean climbing machine - or something near to that anyway!
My flights and climb are booked and money has passed hands - so I am now committed.
I leave Australia on the 22/08/2012 and arrive in Arusha, Tanzania, on the 24/08/2012 for a three day stay to acclimatise, meet my climbing guides and have my gear checked to make sure I have everything.
I take my first steps on the slopes of Mount Kilimanjaro on the 27/08/2012 for a nine day climb.
Am I excited?
Hell yeah - bring it on!!!!
