Gary 3:04 am Amsterdam layover.
"See that mountain over there, yeah, one of these days I'm going to climb that mountain"
I heard this on the start of the Alabama song "mountain music", an old man talking to a young man about one day climbing a mountain that he knew he would never try. I am on a flight with my two sons to climb a mountain i have seen twice, and in 24 hours will start climbing. Will we make it to the top? All we know now is we will try and if we don't make we will never lament about never trying. I hope at the end of the day will be another life lesson that will make them better men.
This blog is about a journey Gary, Luke and Gabe. We will go dark in a few hours but use this to communicate to friends and family. We will post when we can and bring friends and family along on the adventure.
Luke Amsterdam 8/8
Just arriving to Amsterdam approx 7:45AM feeling like a champ (not really). Haven't seen much yet only airport interiors which it is interesting to see an airport without a Chili's and McDonalds next to every gate. We are all quite jetlagged and ready to arrive to Africa.
Gabe Amsterdam 8/8
Left Boxville yesterday morning now chillin in the Amsterdam airport. Watched about 5 movies on the flight didn't sleep a wink. Excited to be on the mountain and ready to be in Africa!
Day 2
Gary African tulip getting ready.
I forgot how painful 22 hours in airports and planes are but to finally arrive in Africa is worth the pain. Felt a little bad about taking a upgrade and leaving Luke and Gabe in the back of the plane on a long flight with bad food and crying babies but they are young and can sleep siting up and not be crippled at end of the day.
I am finally out of cell and contact with the world, which is a little scary, but after the last few days,weeks,months is also welcome. I stressed about preparation, work, am I properly trained, will i return like the astronauts from the planet of the apes where i don't recognize the world i left. Slowly i am looking at the mountain and that's all i have to worry about.
We talked to a family of people on the climb they took the 10 day route and struggling 8th day and they are attempting to summit, temps in single digits, lack of sleep, crowded trails, trash, and bad food is what we are told to expect. I was prepared for this i think. We chose the quickest way up and down saving days for the beauty of Africa and warmer temps.
Luke
Another day closer to Kili arriving to Africa at 8:00PM Friday. Dark outside but that doesn't stop the locals of Arusha from getting out as we saw them shower the streets on the way to the hotel. The hotel hasn't changed much from last time still the same friendly people and Indian food buffets. Feeling pretty risky given the fact that our room was inhabited mosquitoes and we opted out of taking malaria pills...until next time.
PS The only toiletries Gabe brought consists of a hair brush and Gold Bond anti-chaff powder and he has still yet to brush his teeth.
Gabe
Rough travels again didn't catch a ton of sleep over the 8 hour flight mainly because of excitement....and flying through thunderstorms. Got a gnarley nose bleed on the flight, so God only knows how this 20,000 ft altitude is gonna treat me. Arrived at the Kilimanjaro airport around 8 pm. It feels good to be in Africa again. The ride to the African tulip hotel was interesting as usual, its pretty awesome seeing how they live their everyday life. MOTORCYCLES EVERYWHERE. So these Africans must be pretty cool people. Also mosquitoes everywhere.The staff at the tulip remembered us from our last trip and was very welcoming. Great people. Got all our gear in line for tomorrow morning bright n early. Bout to pass out and get some sleep for tomorrow!
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