Mmmmmm ..... I reached the summit of the highest free standing mountain in the world on the 21st June, 2012. That was tough, exhausting, the biggest challenge I have ever faced. BUT I made it and apparently it is like 'child birth', you somehow, at sometime forget the pain. Still too early for that! I however, would never have made it without knowing that I wouldn't die. Yes sounds very melodramatic, however if my Tanzanian 'Abell' wasn't with me every step of the way, watching me, assisting me, literally blowing my nose, then I would never have had the pure confidence to keep going, step by step, for as long as it took, because I knew Abell would be there making sure 'I would survive'! It's not difficult to have no fear if you logically work out that you're safe. Like letting go of a 'flying fox'. You're secure .... just let go and trust that you will survive. Anyway back to Mount Kili. I did the 'Coca Cola' route - the fastest way up - also the least to succeed as you don't have enough time to acclimatise. Real 'altitude sickness' ain't no fun! I've experienced continual altitude sickness when skiing at 'Portillo' in Chille. I was continually, slightly ill in Vale. But this was different. Throwing up, heart racing, legs giving way, wanting to fall flat on your face and just lie there forever. Everyone in my group of 12 was sick, just different levels. Everyone in my group, all you wonderful, adorable, amazing people that I will always have to share the experience with, made it to the top. Please let me tell you what that day/night/day consisted of .......
To be continued
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