Climb Kilimanjaro For OIF

Ashley 10/10/09: What an experience! I have done many physically challenging endeavors, but if you weigh all those challenges against "age", this would certainly rank among the most difficult.

We celebrated the climb (and my 60th birthdaqy) by touring the Arusha National Park. It was the equivalent of a "mini-safari". from the confines of a Land Cruiser, we observed giraffes, cape buffalos, zebras, baboons, hippos, monkeys, etc.

Anna and the Kiliwarriors surprised me wiyh a birthday cake during our picnic lunch at the park. This is a birthday that I will always remember. I can't wait to make some entries about our team, the guides and porters, the food, and most of all the mountain.

I'll leave you with this: "Comradeship......is forged among high mountains, through the difficulties and dangers to which they expose those who aspire to climb them, the need to combine their efforts to attain their goal, the thrills of a great adventure shared together." (John Hunt, "The Ascent of Everest")