Day 3: Final Gear Check in Arusha

Yesterday was a day of final preparation… gear check and a briefing from our mountain guides. I came away from that with a greater comfort level and confidence that we will succeed on this adventure. 

We also had a wonderful team dinner where everyone shared what inspired them to take on this endeavor. While there was a common goal to accomplish something that we know will be hard, there was also a theme of wanting to do it together. We have a special group of people here who have shared significant moments in our lives. This will be another. 

As I write this I am sitting across from a wonderful gallery of art depicting the beautiful animals of this great land. The sun is about to rise on the day of our first steps upon the mountain. We will hike through the rainforest and emerge above the clouds by nightfall. 

We have not spoken of it, but I am nervous, excited, and terrified. I suspect that I am not alone. Today, we will meet the rest of the expert team of guides, porters, cooks, and workers who make this possible for us. We will forever be indebted to them for what they will do for us. Our lives are in their hands. May God watch over us all to keep us safe and well and join us on our adventure. It shall be an epic journey.

John Manchester