So a week left exactly before we fly out to Tanzania. The tension and apprehension is mounting and several of my sponsors have been coming back to me to check on how the training has gone.
Yesterday we made front page news in the local paper! How fantastic is that, I want to say well done Jane for intiating that. I've been back page news before, even made the Daily telegraph a couple of times, but never Front Page News! Brilliant and a fitting morale boost before the off.
I've emailed Chris Moyles today ahead of the Comic Relief Launch on Monday in the hope he might read these pages and give us a mention....you never know. Wouldn't it be great to do a live call to the show from the summit of Kili on the morning of Friday 13th!
As for the training and preparations, everything seems to have gone well so far. No reactions to the jabs needed (only on the bank balance, they're not cheap by any means!), my boots have settled in well, (no blisters or sore feet at all) I've even managed to loose over 2 stone in weight. Dunstable Downs has proved an ideal training base, interspersed with the odd trip to Snowdon and the Peak District! So with just a few items left to claim I believe its all systems go for the big climb!
But most importantly of all my fundraising has brought in just under £4000 (once the gift aid is added), a real positive outcome for Climb Your Mountain whether I succeed in summiting or not!
Friday, 30 January 2009
Thursday, 29 January 2009
Mount Kilimanjaro 6 Day Snow Forecast for 5895 m (c) Snow-Forecast.com - Snow-Forecast.com
Mount Kilimanjaro 6 Day Snow Forecast for 5895 m (c) Snow-Forecast.com - Snow-Forecast.com
With thanks to Nigel for providing this useful link.
With thanks to Nigel for providing this useful link.
Monday, 26 January 2009
Never never EVER underestimate your mountain!
Entering my last full week at work before setting off I've suddenly realized that all those last minute things I've been storing in my head have worked themselves into an uamanageable list requiring some thought, prioritizing, but most of all writing down. Top tip to anyone Reading this ahead of their own challenge make sure in the weeks and days approaching departure you carry a little black book for noting down all the ideas, thoughts, and general items to remember so you don't forget when it comes to packing! It may seem trivial but believe me you will be suprised what comes out when you put pen to paper. I'm not a list person (only girls create lists) but in this case I am prepared to concede my masculine tendency to keep things in my head runs the very real risk of leading to a deficiency in my preparation. One thing I learnt from Snowdon last week was never never EVER underestimate your mountain and your preparations for climbing it!
Monday, 19 January 2009
Sheep!
Sat as I am in Starbucks just around the corner from the Tanzanian Embassy I have a bit of time to reflect on the weekend. I suppose the first thing to say is how I managed to get up at 6 am this morning. My right hip is killing me but hopefully that is just temporary, otherwise no reaction to the excersions of the weekend.
Here is my first thought of the week. We saw and made fun of lots of sheep who seemed to wander around aimlessly and precariously on steep hillsides and cliff edges. At times we even questioned why sheep behave the way they do and what is their point apart from an excellent compliment to mint sauce! But are we any different? This morning I along with several hundred others wedged myself into a long metal container on wheels in order to get transported from one spot to another. Some people pay thousands of pounds a year to repeat this experience every day of the week! Are we really any different to those sheep? Who is better off us or them? The comparison amuses me this morning.
Here is my first thought of the week. We saw and made fun of lots of sheep who seemed to wander around aimlessly and precariously on steep hillsides and cliff edges. At times we even questioned why sheep behave the way they do and what is their point apart from an excellent compliment to mint sauce! But are we any different? This morning I along with several hundred others wedged myself into a long metal container on wheels in order to get transported from one spot to another. Some people pay thousands of pounds a year to repeat this experience every day of the week! Are we really any different to those sheep? Who is better off us or them? The comparison amuses me this morning.
Sunday, 18 January 2009
Sense of Achievement!
When we set off on Saturday for Snowdonia I don't think any of us really believed we would get to the top given the weather forecast. The fact that five of us managed it today in very harsh conditions says a lot to me about the people going on this trip. I want Jane in particular to know that hers was probably the best decision of the whole weekend made at completely the right time when the opportunity presented itself. Somebody said the mountain will always be here and there will be other days when conditions both underfoot and in the air are much less hostile. Brilliant Jane and well done JPS for showing what true team work is all about.
Whilst I'm feeling literary can I remind my fellow climbers of my little piece of inspiration for the weekend:
"Somedays its safer to walk in the footsteps of others than tread your own course"
Bloggit, Sunday 18th January 2009, Halfway up Mt Snowdon.
As for the rest of us well getting to the top was no mean achievement. I totally underestimated the day today, but eventually reaching the summit, albeit on my hands and knees has left me with a strong sense of satisfaction, humility and understanding of the need for preparation in the face of mother nature. Each of us is tested every day in some way, for me that test came on my hands and knees around lunch time today. Who knows what it will be in a couple of weeks time, going up Killimanjaro. One thing is for sure, I couldn't wish for a better group of people to be going up with!
So you may have gathered I've found my new nickname.... Bloggit.
I am very happy with this choice, it has a Tolkeinesc quality entirely appropriate for our surroundings this weekend. (Yes I know its because I'm a geek, but what the heck, allow me my indulgence on this).
Well its time for Bloggit to hit the sack. I'm knackered....happy.....but nackered non the less. More tomorrow!
Whilst I'm feeling literary can I remind my fellow climbers of my little piece of inspiration for the weekend:
"Somedays its safer to walk in the footsteps of others than tread your own course"
Bloggit, Sunday 18th January 2009, Halfway up Mt Snowdon.
As for the rest of us well getting to the top was no mean achievement. I totally underestimated the day today, but eventually reaching the summit, albeit on my hands and knees has left me with a strong sense of satisfaction, humility and understanding of the need for preparation in the face of mother nature. Each of us is tested every day in some way, for me that test came on my hands and knees around lunch time today. Who knows what it will be in a couple of weeks time, going up Killimanjaro. One thing is for sure, I couldn't wish for a better group of people to be going up with!
So you may have gathered I've found my new nickname.... Bloggit.
I am very happy with this choice, it has a Tolkeinesc quality entirely appropriate for our surroundings this weekend. (Yes I know its because I'm a geek, but what the heck, allow me my indulgence on this).
Well its time for Bloggit to hit the sack. I'm knackered....happy.....but nackered non the less. More tomorrow!
Saturday, 17 January 2009
Jackie - porn star or not?
So tonight was the first opportunity for the group to spend time together over a good meal and really get to know each other. A variation of the truth game helped break the ice and sure enough created some stand out moments.
Jackies answers created the most excitement. Her claim to fame as a soft porn star was perhaps not too difficult to dismiss in itself but following on from her claim to be asked to work as a topless model following a spell as Miss Electrolux led a few of us around the table wondering what she really would like to do with a Hoover!
She's certainly not going to be allowed to live this one down!
Well done Jackie you certainly made our evening.
Jackies answers created the most excitement. Her claim to fame as a soft porn star was perhaps not too difficult to dismiss in itself but following on from her claim to be asked to work as a topless model following a spell as Miss Electrolux led a few of us around the table wondering what she really would like to do with a Hoover!
She's certainly not going to be allowed to live this one down!
Well done Jackie you certainly made our evening.
Snowdonia trip
In less than 3 weeks this photo will be repeated on Kilimanjaro!
Snowdonia trip
Sunshine and glorious weather followed us all the way from Milton Keynes to North Wales but oh how the weather changed by 4pm.
With 2 no shows 7 of us set off from our hotel for an afternoon walk in the shadow of Snowdon.
By the end we had walked over 5 miles and were soaked through to the skin but I have to say it has been a great afternoon.
My steak & Guinness pie will be very welcome a little later.
For now I hope you enjoy my picture highlights.
With 2 no shows 7 of us set off from our hotel for an afternoon walk in the shadow of Snowdon.
By the end we had walked over 5 miles and were soaked through to the skin but I have to say it has been a great afternoon.
My steak & Guinness pie will be very welcome a little later.
For now I hope you enjoy my picture highlights.
Friday, 16 January 2009
Getting Apprehensive!
This time in 3 weeks I shall be in the air heading for Nairobi. Today I had the opportunity to brush up on a few first aid tips and reminders of what to do in the event of an emergency. For the first time I think I've become a little bit apprehensive about just what I'm trying to achieve.... Have I done enough training? Will I cope with the altitude? What happens after the trip? So many unanswered questions!
Actually my real immediate focus has to be this weekend and my first trip to Snowdon. I can't believe this is my first visit to this part of Britain, I feel quite ashamed of myself. I've realised just how much of the UK remains unexplored so I'm really excited about being able to start to correct that for myself. Hopefully the weather will allow me to get somewhere near the summit on Sunday, but if not at least it will give me the chance to spend time and get to know my fellow climbers.
There's lots of things I want to try out this weekend from technology to toothpaste. I'm sure things will go well but this should prove to be a good test, particularly if the weather does close in at any stage.
Well heres to an exciting and enjoyable couple of days. Hope my pictures and words convey the events to follow well. MTF.
Thursday, 15 January 2009
Saturday, 10 January 2009
Boys join me on route
very well on the hill!
Friday, 9 January 2009
simon.collinge@btinternet.com sent this to you using Google Maps: A Google Maps link
Hi, I'd like to share a Google Maps link with you.
Link:
<http://maps.google.com/maps/mm?q=http:%2F%2Fwww.mymotionx.com%2Fmotionx-remote%2Fapi%2Fgps%2Fhost%2F3be3ae36-43b7-4a2f-800c-ac93e92e07c6&ie=UTF8&hl=en&ll=51.871163,-0.540294&spn=0.02504,0.027466&z=15>
Link:
<http://maps.google.com/maps/mm?q=http:%2F%2Fwww.mymotionx.com%2Fmotionx-remote%2Fapi%2Fgps%2Fhost%2F3be3ae36-43b7-4a2f-800c-ac93e92e07c6&ie=UTF8&hl=en&ll=51.871163,-0.540294&spn=0.02504,0.027466&z=15>
This email was sent to you by a user on Google Maps (maps.google.com)
Tuesday, 6 January 2009
Training Today
This was my training environment today ok Dunstable Downs. Minus 7
degrees this morning when I started. Magnificent!
Sunday, 4 January 2009
A Grand Purpose !
So welcome to my Blog. Its Monday 5th January 2009 and in 33 days I will be attempting to climb Kilimanjaro!
Over the next few days and weeks I hope to use these pages to record my thoughts, hopes, trials and tribulations as I attempt to climb Africa's highest mountain.
I hope this provides interest to the reader and doesn't become self indulgent, although I wont make any apologies for details relating to my experiences past present and future!
To Ben and Harry, your dad loves you!
To Chris and Maria, thanks for taking me in.
To Mum & Dad, thanks for a great Christmas.
To Julia, Tim and the boys, have a great time in Australia.
To everyone who has expressed and donated their support, thank you so much, you know who you are and non of this would be possible without your belief in me.
Over the next few days and weeks I hope to use these pages to record my thoughts, hopes, trials and tribulations as I attempt to climb Africa's highest mountain.
I hope this provides interest to the reader and doesn't become self indulgent, although I wont make any apologies for details relating to my experiences past present and future!
To Ben and Harry, your dad loves you!
To Chris and Maria, thanks for taking me in.
To Mum & Dad, thanks for a great Christmas.
To Julia, Tim and the boys, have a great time in Australia.
To everyone who has expressed and donated their support, thank you so much, you know who you are and non of this would be possible without your belief in me.
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