Thanks to a great place to work, my trip was able to be extended so I could go to Zanzibar for a few days with 2 of the other climbers. The beaches of Zanzibar were amazing! In the last 2 1/2 weeks I have had more experiences than I have had in the last 3 years! I am still in disbelief at how much has happened! Already the pictures have started to be posted and emails sent among new friends and family. Our team bonded in a way that most do not get get to experience. We became a family who watched out for each other, encouraged each other, educated each other and inspired each other. People ask if I am mad that I was unable to reach the summit.. Initially yes, but the experience has been so great that summiting was only a part of it. My MS didn't prevent me from summiting Kilimanjaro and that is what I was testing.. What this means is that I will come back to Africa to once again climb and summit Kili, and to also experience more of the culture and the people. Africa is an amazing place that can change your life if you are open to it. It can't really be explained. There is something about the spirit here that lifts you up and makes you believe anything is possible.. I wonder what my next adventure will be.. ;)

Hello from Arusha! We have just returned from the mountain and what an incredible experience it was. I reached a personal summit of 16,000ft before my body would take me no further. Physically I had trained enough, but I suffered from Acute Mountain Sickness from Day 2 on.. I could keep no food or liquids down and when you are supposed to be eating 4000 calories a day and drinking 4 liters of water a day, your body eventually says no more. I started the summit, but was escorted down to high camp. I was initially very mad, but realize that for how sick I was, I still did as well as many. This climb was more than about summiting Kili, I came, I climbed, I learned, and I've grown.

The bags are mostly packed and set by the door to be picked up and carried out at 7:30 am sharp tomorrow morning. The only thing that remains are the last minute items that need to be tossed in as I walk out the door. My kindle has been loaded with pdf documents and books for the journey, taking care of the need for paper documents everywhere (thank you Greg ;) ). Passport, check; visa pictures, check; gloves, check; protein mix.. No check as I seem to have missed that on one of the several lists I had made... Maybe the bag of snickers and reeses I packed will be sufficient.. At this point I must accept that what I have will be just right to get me through the climb.

After helping at the Lifetime Triathlon today, the timing team sat down for a much needed lunch (start time this morning was 3:00 am!) and one of the gentlemen was quizzing me.. Much like above. "Do you have a scarf?" "yes" I responded, "How about your hat and gloves?" "Yes, but I'm not sure which bag they are in!". I took comfort in knowing that everything he listed off I have packed.. somewhere in the seas that are my boundary and duffel bag and pack.

We will begin the climb on Wednesday, July 13th, with summit day planned for Monday, July 18th. What a great way to start the week!

Thank you to everyone who has sent me messages wishing me a safe journey in Africa. I am sorry I have not had time to respond to each of you individually, but know that your messages are read and appreciated :) I look forward to seeing you all upon my return!

The books that once filled my pack for weight during the training hikes have now been replaced with gear, food, snacks, and miscellaneous items for the flight. A friend helped me pack the Boundary Bag for the last 3 hours tonight.. organizing, sorting, packing, unpacking, repacking! It is quite a tedious process and one that will continue on into the night as there is still more to pack. It will be a great feeling once it is all completed, set by the door, and ready to be carried out Sunday morning.

I think my excitement will begin once in flight.. Right now the packing and prepping process for going out of the country is a bit overwhelming.. And I'm working this week as well so trying to organize patient care for 2 1/2 weeks of vacation is a process in and of itself! I'm grateful all is winding down though as well for working with a great group of individuals who have supported me during the last few months of training and prepping for the trip.

For those interested, please feel free to click on the Alpine Ascents and Empowerment Through Adventure site links for updates during the climb!!