Pole, pole

Before agreeing to climb Mt. Kilimanjaro I knew nothing about it, maybe that's a good thing as otherwise I might not have agreed to it.  This does however, mean I am literally starting from scratch.  How do I book it? When shall I climb it?  Who should I book with?  Which route should I take?  What fitness training is best?  How much will it cost?  What should I wear?  Where do I wee?  So many questions.

Some people have commented on how long it is before I actually climb Kilimanjaro.  There is a Kilimanjaro mantra I have read many times -"pole, pole" (pronounced poley, poley).  In Swahili it means 'slowly, slowly' and is something the guides repeat throughout the climb.  It doesn't matter how long it takes you to get to the top, its not a race.  Taking it slowly slowly not only means you get to take in some spectacular scenery but it also gives you time to adjust to the altitude, minimising the likelihood of acute mountain sickness.

I would be heartbroken to get so far and potentially not reach the summit on the last night because of altitude sickness, exhaustion or bad preparation.  So I have decided to live by the mantra from day one, start as I mean to go on.  I'm in no rush and want to make sure I have done everything I can to be prepared for this - improve my fitness, do my research, get the right equipment, practise how to squat ;)......I really do need to start with the basics.

Thankfully a quick google search (other search engines are available) pointed me in the direction of Henry Stedman.  It's fair to say Henry is the polar opposite of me.  What he doesn't know about Kilimanjaro isn't worth knowing.  Henry has climbed the mountain many times and then some, taken each route up and is so passionate about it he has written a book, set up a website and generally spreads the word on what an amazing mountain this is.

Henry's book has become one of my trusted companions, as has his website....so imagine how happy I was to see that you could contact him directly for help (which of course I did!!).  Henry gave me lots of information in addition to that available in his book, and that was more personal to me.  He was able to recommend the most suitable route, the best time of year and even a guide that fitted with what we were looking for...that in turn led to the climb being booked!

If you want to find out more about Kilimanjaro or are interested in climbing it yourself I can highly recommend Henry and his vast array of knowledge and enthusiasm.  Everything you need to know can be found on www.climbmountkilimanjaro.com - including details of his book, the ONLY book in my opinion!

Weekend Wash Up - 9th Oct 16

I couldn't quite decide what to blog about today so thought I'd include a few headlines from the past couple of weeks in the life of an unfit, ill-prepared, elephant loving, kilimanjaro climber in the making.  Enjoy!

CITES - Whose side are they really on?
Wildlife conservation experts from around the world met at a CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna & Fauna) conference in South Africa in September.  Decisions made at the wildlife trade meeting can be decisive for the fate of some of the worlds most endangered wild species.  Apparently they work to raise awareness of the ever declining wildlife species targeted by poachers and trafficking and take action to protect these species from eventual extinction.

Amongst the topics discussed was the ridiculous idea of lifting the ban on the elephant ivory trade - to allow stock piles of ivory to be sold legally again and therefore reduce the demand for illegal ivory...and therefore somehow save the elephant from slaughter by greedy, heartless arseholes.  In fact all it would do is encourage more people to kill them....but I'm no expert.  Thankfully this proposal was rejected.

There was also a proposal put forward by Kenya to give African Elephants the maximum level of international protection.  Around one thousand African Park rangers have lost their lives over the past decade fighting against the illegal ivory trade and many African countries are doing all they can to protect elephants - uplifting the level of protection to the maximum level would send a clear message that the ivory trade must stop.  However this was also rejected.

The proposal failed to gain the two thirds majority needed, the opposition of the EU (who vote as a block) was pivotal.  Now that the global "wildlife conservation experts" have spoken elephants will continue to be slaughtered for their ivory.  Good job.

We said goodbye to Mae Thai
Mae Thai was one of the lucky elephants to be rescued from a life of street begging by Elephant Nature Park back in 2002.  She was one of the longer term and loyal nannies to the other younger elephants at the park.  I spent some time volunteering at the ENP and got to spend some time with Mae Thai - feeding her, washing her and watching just how graceful she was for something so big!  You could see just how wise she was by looking deep into her eyes.  Mae Thai sadly passed away peacefully at the Park on 25th September.  Whilst she will be a big loss to all that work at the Park, their never ending hard work and determination continues as they are still rescuing elephants, young and old and giving them the life they deserve.  I highly recommend a volunteering holiday here so check it out - www.elephantnaturepark.org

Me and Mae Thai 

Fifteen months and counting
In more positive, exciting news, I'm all booked.  The climb is a go!!!

Set off: 26th January 2018 to reach the summit on 31st January 2018.
Route: 7 Day Lemosho Route
Followed by: A Safari to Lake Mantra and some volunteering...watch this space.
Charity: Still TBC - who knew it would be so hard!

Now the serious training begins....eek!

The toe reached Break Point
After my little mis-hap my broken big toe is now on the mend so training can start again at last.  Unfortunately it meant I had to miss a half days training with Ollie Ollerton, star of SAS: Who Dares Wins.  Ollie and Laura from Break-Point were so lovely about it and we agreed to reschedule so I didn't miss out.  I will no doubt update you all on how well I survived this after the event - and promise to include a few action shots as well as a selfie with the man himself.

The new Break-Point Fitness portal will be launching soon and I can't wait.  I'm all registered to get the exclusive insight into Special Forces fitness, mindset and performance.  I'm sure its going to help me get the top of Kilimanjaro, helping both mentally and physically.  Register online by visiting the Break-Point website now.

SAS: Who Dares Wins returns this week with Series Two - in the Jungle.  Having grown up living in the depths of the rainforest in Papua New Guinea I can't wait to watch and see what they get up to.  Whilst I am fine with spiders and snakes...and the occasion scorpion in my bedroom, I'm not sure my childhood in any way prepared me for what these brave boys are going to be put through.  Set the never miss now - its going to be epic!!