Day 2: Final Gear Check & Mountain Prep Day

UPDATE FROM THE GROUP

“Day Two’

This morning over breakfast, our team met each other for the very first time. We have a great group and were laughing deeply within the first 10 minutes together.

We have spent the majority of the day discussing and planning what we need to do to be best prepared for a hike of a lifetime-to the peak of Aruhu (means “Freedom” at the top of Mount Kilimanjaro.

At lunch today our guides, John Simon and Gabriel gave us detailed instructions on what to pack for the first day, and what to for the whole week of climbing. They are so knowledgeable with nearly 600 summits of Kili between them. No wonder that one of the main rules we need to pay attention to was, “listen to the guide, listen to the guide, listen to the guide”. A few of the other instructions for a great trip, included drinking enough water, getting enough to eat, taking the correct clothes, and taking care of yourself hygienically.

The last thing I’ll mention were two principles that we will be practicing this week. The first is “pol-e, pol-e”, which means “slowly slowly”. Basically, this means we will go at a slow pace for the next week. The other principal is to take one step at a time, one day at a time and not get ahead of ourselves-worrying about getting to the Summit. Just staying present.

Sounds like good life principles too.

Excited to hike with this team.

~ Pete Hiskey