This is it!

Today I head to Amsterdam, where I will stay with family and have a few days in that great place. My mom is Dutch and was born in Holland, so of course there is something very special about that place...beyond its natural beauty. Step one will be great.

Then, it's off to Mt. Kilimanjaro. I need your prayers and thoughts as I take on this mountain!

Monday July 25 - Acclimatization day - nature walk around the foothills of Kili.

Day 1 - Tues July 26 - 3-4 hours of hiking. 9,281 feet

Day 2 - Wed July 27 - 5-6 hours if hiking. 11,499 feet

Day 3 - Thurs July 28 - 3-4 hours of hiking. 12,795 feet

Day 4 - Fri July 29 4-6 hours of hiking. 15,213 feet

Day 5 - Sat July 30 - 6-7 hours of hiking. 13,231 feet

Day 6 - Sun July 31 - 3-4 hours of hiking. 15,331 feet

Day 7 Mon Aug 1 - 8-10 hours of hiking. 18,802 feet

Day 8 Tues Aug 2 - 1-2 hours to the SUMMIT!!! 19,341 - The highest "free standing" (volcanic) mountain in the world! The top of Africa and what this is all about. Pictures then... down. Brrrr

Still Day 8 - 5-7 hours of hiking down. 10,065 feet

Day 9 - Wed Aug 3 2-3 hours of hiking - completion celebration!!! Shower, food, bed.

Aug 4-8 - Safari! :o)

Aug 9-24 Malawi! :o)

Thank you all for your support, encouragement and love as I embark on this adventure of a lifetime. As you can see, I need your thoughts and prayers for health, safety, protection against Acute Altitude Sickness and stamina while I take on Mt Kilimanjaro. I will update as I'm able, however internet access will be sporadic and generally unpredictable. Everyday you will be in my thoughts, knowing I have so much support, I am deeply encouraged.

With my whole heart, thank you.

Success

While waiting at the walk in clinic for my altitude sickness prevention medicine (yes it's true, I have NO idea how I almost left without it?!) I was talking with a stranger. I was sharing my plans for the next 2 months and near the end of our conversation, she asked me how I will know if I was successful. She said, not including if I summit or not, but how else will I measure the success of this journey?

Wow. I love how quickly the answer came. I didn't have to think about it, it just rolled off my tongue. My response...

It's already a success. There are many children who will go to school next year, have the necessary supplies and have their fees paid, therefore obtaining credit for the year.

I have put a huge amount of pressure on myself to summit - of course I want to, that is the goal! But it's almost like this woman was an angel sent just for me today. To help me realize the greater goal, the greater success. That I am doing this for children in Malawi as well as here in BC. By the generous donations of my family and friends, this journey has not yet begun, but has already been deemed a success.

Amen.

Singin and Smilin in the Rain

I've been doing lots of walking and stretching the last few days. Feels pretty good! Tonight I spent some time with a good friend, had pizza and watched some "cop" shows on the tv. It was great to just chill and relax with her and not be "busy" doing or planning or prepping. It felt "civilized."

That's actually the second time I've used the word "civilized" today. I said it earlier when talking with my mom and dad about planning and preparing for this trip. Never in my life have I had so much lead up time to get ready for a vacation or a journey. I always jam as much in right up to departure and then right when I get back. It makes life hectic. My life feels really hectic much of the time. But, for the first time in my adult life (I believe) I took time off. Real time off. I said no to extra shifts (though the money would be fabulous), I didn't go into the school and plan and prep for next year, I didn't work tons at home. I just...wait for it... vacationed. For the last two weeks I have done nothing but walk, hike, sleep and lived mostly without an alarm clock. I feel relaxed. I feel ready for my trip. I feel, civilized.

My dear friend Libby who I met while I was in the middle east used the word "civilized" and it stuck. Much of what she said and the principles she lives by stuck with me. She is a strong woman with great values. Of the many things she said, "civilized" seems to be creeping into my world lately.

Tonight, I walked home from my friends and took the long way, then did some extra circles. The rain was falling, the air was warm and the flowers were out. Lights were on in peoples homes. Tv's on, children's bedroom nightlights on and families gathered in the family rooms. People were sitting out on their porches and at one house, a couple was enjoying wine at a dining room table lit by candle light. I noticed I had a smile on my face. My pace was quick but my heart was warm and calm. The world around me is civilized. People take time to just "be" and to just "enjoy" each other.

I liked it.

Oh the pressure

I get migraines. They suck. I haven't been able to pin down the trigger for my migraines but strongly believe they are "pressure" related. At least, they have been for the past year. So, Monday I got a migraine and took the magic "pill" slept for a few hours and was tired but otherwise ok. Then the all day headache Tues and today. I cannot let these headaches get me down. Even though the weather may not cooperate, my life still has to keep going!

So, yesterday I did an hour of stairs and the track and felt pretty good. Even though stairs are my all time least favourite cardio training to do. (Then went for a fabulous dinner with my parents to celebrate my mom's birthday! No alcohol for me, feeling a little under the weather. Boo).

Today I did an hour and a half walk and still feel good. They may not be hikes but I'm still feeling pretty strong in the endurance and stamina department so, I guess that's ok.

Dear Mr weatherman - please keep the air pressure close to stable until I leave, I want to depart feeling strong and healthy!!!

Thank you.

Then and Now

Months ago when I started hiking, I was more or less "alone" on the trails. Just me, the raindrops and the mist. I loved it. It was like I was transported to another place, where I existed in a place of vast beauty.

Now when I'm on the trails, it is nice to see faces, say 'hello' to passerby's and enjoy a chat with a fellow hiker now and again. Today, however, I noticed the evidence of the passing of time. I was sad to see so much garbage along my pristine trails and floating in the water. I was left to ponder that if those who left the garbage could have seen and experienced what I did in the early spring, would they change their mind about what they left behind?

I understand much more clearly the meaning of "leave only your footprint" and will continue to enjoy the trails in summer, but await my magical spring with excitement.

Sore today, yesterday's Grind with todays 4+ hours has my calves letting me know they need a hot bath and good, long stretch!

Iced sugar free vanilla coffee... grande, please.

Baden Powell as a warm up.

Up the Grouse Grind.

Down the Grouse Grind.

All I gotta say is this.

Thank heavens there is a Starbucks at the base of Grouse!

Black bear, black bear, what do you see?

Headed out to my favourite spot, Buntzen Lake, today. After a slight delay due to two accidents on the freeway, I made it there mid morning and headed out on the trail. Lower lake was a nice warm up then I decided to do the mountain climb heading up on Lakeview, two and a half times. So the burning quads ensured the workout level was good, the pouring sweat was also a nice sign. I think the ultimate was that I hadn't noticed the smorgasbord I had become for the mosquitos. Nice.

Just over 3 hours, two of which were strong, hard cardio climbs that felt good. After, I slipped my feet out of my boots and into the lake for a quick cool down. Didn't take long - lake is ICE! but it did feel good :o)

Tonight a friend who lives in Port Moody (where my hike was today) posted a picture of a black bear that was walking through his neighbourhood... I saw a bear (grizzly I think?). He saw a bear (black). According to the news many others have been seeing bears. Dear bears, please leave me alone and I promise to do the same for you!

Glad I had by bear bells ringing on my pack all day today!

Hmmm, where to hike tomorrow that promises the bears will not be also?...

2 weeks...

Wow, in just two weeks I'll be starting to pack, ensuring I have everything and hoping it'll all fit AND be under 33 lbs. I have packing issues and am NOT looking forward to how this packing challenge is going to go.

But, it'll all work out, it always does. School has now finished and my mind has shifted gears, I'm starting to be consumed by thoughts of my summer. Consumed with walking, hiking, training and hoping that what I have been able to do will carry me to the top of Africa. Healthy and strong.

This journey is for children near and far who have greater challenges than I can even imagine. My small hike over 8 days is nothing, really, in comparison to the lifelong challenges they have faced. I am excited to take this on, to bring hope to young lives ensuring they will attend school for another year.

I am only one, but still I am one.