WHY WOULD I WANT TO CLIMB MT. KILIMANJARO.......

I started thinking about climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro several years ago.  My friend Nives and I were so excited about the prospect (usually after a couple of glasses of wine) but we kept putting the idea on the back burner - it seemed that there was always something more pressing that was taking a priority in our lives.  Then, I turned 60 in 2011 and Nives was retiring early 2012 and we decided to celebrate these events with a strong commitment to do the climb. 

Throughout my life I have been relatively sedentary with brief energetic spurts at fitness (usually in January, as a new years resolution). I've joined many clubs over the years - dating back to the Vic Tanny days - honest!  I've always considered myself more of a "bookworm" and would much rather cozy up in front of the fire and read or watch TV, than venture into the cold for a day of skiing.  I do like to challenge myself though and have undertaken many ventures related to business or educational type of activities. 

In all of my 60 years on this earth, I have never really challenged myself physically.  When I retired from my career of 30 years, it suddenly became much more important.  I joined a fitness club (once again), but this time I maintained a reasonable schedule, doing a very basic workout about twice a week, missing the occasional month or two.  I found my new exercise and conditioning program showing results....I wanted to do more and the possibility of climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro resurfaced once again. 

For me, it was all about challenging myself - defying my aging body and proving that age just shouldn't matter that much if you set your mind to something.  I'm a relatively competitive person and the challenge was just too tempting to put it back on the burner this time.  Of course it helped immensely that I have a strong ally to keep me focused on my new resolve.....my good (and much younger) friend, Nives.




So in July 2011, I gritted my teeth and decided to "do this thing".  I signed up AND sent a deposit to Tusker Trail (our choice of a safe and reputable Kili Trekking tour company)

......and so I began my journey.....