Great training session achieved for Mt.Kilimanjaro on Sat Nov 1st

Hello everyone

Here's hoping you are all well despite the unsettled weather!

We had a fantastic day climbing Whernside and Ingleborough back on Saturday Nov 1st. Despite it been a cold and rather windy day, we had a really positive climb and it definitely let us all know as individuals where we are in our own fitness and stamina levels. Our Kili training crew consisted of Becky, Ali, Cliff and myself.

Here's a few photos - didn't really take many to be honest, was too busy trying to get completed in around 7 hours so we weren't on the peak when darkness closed in. It was one of those Autumnal days where it was gloomy for a large part of it. We did manage to get some sunshine, but not as much as we would have liked. It was very windy at times, swirling around in all that vast open space. I really struggled at times to breath especially on the steep inclines - it's weird I find how sometimes it seems to cause me no issues and other times I spend my whole climb gasping for breath! This of course will be because of the scar tissue on my lung from the radiation therapy. But overall it wasn't a big issue.

The last mile and a quarter back to the cars was along the road and in the dark, so we just made it down off  Ingleborough in time! 

So the stats for our day was:

We walked 35,043 steps, covered 14.82 miles, burned 3449 calories and climbed 4692ft! That is higher than Ben Nevis by over 280ft. And this was done in 6 hours and 45 minutes.  A cracking day for sure!

So we will get some more  climbs in before we jet off on January 30th and hope the weather is kind to us!

So after getting the all clear to Colon cancer last month it's now onto the next investigative procedure. I'm to have a CT scan, this is actually happening next week on the 18th. So will have to see if it shows anything up. Can't say I'm confident about it at all, after all the last one I had didn't pick up the gallstones which were bloody big!! Something would be better than this nothing. The discomfort/ pain has finally reduced down to it's usual level after a few weeks of been worse which was definitely because of the colonoscopy....it really flared up the pain. As always I will report back with the results when I get them.

Well like I said previously I was trying to be brave and get out there again after my self imposed exile. It had a very rocky start but is settling down now.....I am actually making friends and I think some good ones, so this is settling me down. I nearly abandoned it after getting plagued by girls who I can only say were not nice at all and retreated back to where I feel most comfortable. But I keep taking a deep albeit shaky breath and I keep plugging away. This is all I can do, but it's enough.

On a really positive note - our training climb was a really big break through for me and showed how much I've improved in my fitness and stamina from even last year! I was still energised at the end, when you think of the 10 hours it took me to conquer Ben Nevis last June and all the cramp issues I had from a third of the way up. I had no cramping issues, not even one and I was so happy about that. Bec's and I talked about it coming back down Ingleborough and both agreed it's been a massive step forward in my overall recovery.

 And yes again it makes me feel totally vindicated in my decision to stop the cancer prevention drug 3 years early...because regardless of the fact ( as the medical world keep telling me ) that it may quite well have shortened my life expectancy I have what I always wanted and that's a quality life. Since stopping the drug...I have conquered Ben Nevis - the highest point in the UK and am well and fit enough to go tackle The roof of Africa . I'll take quality over quantity every time for sure.  So yes I'm feeling great about taking on the challenge I set myself way back in 2010 when they stopped my chemo early because of contracting pneumonia.

Life is beautiful and I look around and see it everywhere I go - I feel very blessed for everyday I get the chance to fill with wonder, curiosity, fun and laughter. Thank you to everyone who is and wants to be part of my life....I am very grateful to you all. 

Until next time  

Tracy

Getting some training in for Mount.Kilimanjaro

Hello everyone

Well tomorrow ( Sat Nov 1st ) will see the Kilimanjaro climb team Becky, Ali and myself off into the Yorkshire Dales to climb Whernside ( highest peak in Yorkshire ) and Ingleborough as part of our Mount.Kilimanjaro training, going to be a great day, we are all looking forward to the climb and catching up with each other.

Whernside is 736m or 2415ft and the highest peak in Yorkshire.

Ingleborough is 723m or 2277ft and the second highest peak in Yorkshire. Combined height of 4692ft. This will see us climb 283ft higher than Ben Nevis the tallest mountain in Britain.

So all in all will be a great training exercise, and to be fair - who wouldn't want to climb in the majestically scenic Yorkshire Dales!

I can't wait to see what my fitbit stats show after the climbs have finished! 

I've come a long way on my road to recovery from my first climb of Whernside where I was that ill I almost tumbled down the steep decent, while practically irrigating the moors with all the throwing up I did. After reaching the bottom eventually it saw me having to be driven back to Ribblehead in the support car - my 3 peak challenge finished off in the worst possible of ways - ill health stopped my challenge. It was actually 4 pm that day ( 6 hours total ) before I stopped been sick....rough, rough day indeed!

Since then I have climbed Whernside numerous times successfully and I'm really looking forward to combining Yorlshire 2 highest peaks together - this will be a really big indicator to where I am physically and more importantly how my stamina is doing. I still suffer from fatigue, but thankfully not to the level it once were. I have slowly and frustratingly chipped away at these issues that keep knocking me back and fingers crossed I've finally turned the corner!

So keep the three of us in your minds tomorrow as we set off on a 6-8 hour climb. It's forecast some rain...but it looks like it will be quite light.

Until next time

Tracy 

Potential complications on Mount.Kilimanjaro

Hello everyone

Here's hoping you all enjoy the weekend regardless of what you have planned. Of course I hope you manage to get out exercising and getting some fresh air at some point.

Good diet and exercise is proven to prevent certain cancers, so always another bonus to getting yourself up and at it!

So booked, confirmed and now we just get on with our training knocking the days off until we finally land in Tanzania.

So we are really pumped up fro this epic journey. We will depart from Manchester airport on Jan 30th 2015 landing at Kilimanjaro International on Jan 31st.

We will be picked up at the airport and transferred to our hotel for the night.

Bright and early on Feb 1st we will set off for our 8 day climb of Mount.Kilimanjaro! - we are actually doing a private climb ( climb companies decision not ours ) so there will be the three of us...Bec's,Ali and myself with are crew. We are doing the Lemosho route - which will give us....well me the best chance of successfully ascending to the summit. I believe if I tried to do any quicker I would fail, this route gives more time to acclimatise to the altitude and hopefully will help prevent altitude sickness, which is the biggest killer on Kilimanjaro.Every year an average of 1000 climbers are evacuated off the mountain and 10 people die. Altitude sickness is often under-estimated and many climbers don't even learn what the symptoms are before attempting to climb.

This is our actual climb itinerary!

Kilimanjaro Lemosho Route 8-Days

Day 1 : Drive to Kilimanjaro National Park Londorossi Gate, Hike to Mti Mkubwa Camp

Visiting: Moshi to Kilimanjaro Lemosho Route 8-Days

After breakfast and briefing, drive to Londorossi Park Gate (2-3 hour dirve). From here a forest track requiring a 4WD vehicle leads to Lemosho Glades. Walk along forest trails to Mti Mkubwa (big tree) campsite.

• Elevation: 1830m/6000ft to 2650m/8700ft
• Distance: 6km/4mi
• Hiking Time: 2-3 hours
• Habitat: Montane Forest

• Meals: LD
•  Mti Mkubwa Camp

Day 2 : Hike Mti Mkubwa Camp to Shira 1 Camp

After breakfast, we continue as the trail gradually steepens and enters the giant heather moorland zone. After several streams are crossed we continue over the Shira Ridge then gently downwards to Shira 1 camp located by a stream on the Shira Plateau.

• Elevation: 2650m/8700ft to 3500m/11,500ft
• Distance: 8km/5mi
• Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
• Habitat: Moorland

• Meals: BLD
•  Shira 1 Camp

Day 3 : Hike Shira 1 Camp to Shira 2 Camp

After breakfast, a gentle hike across the plateau leads to Shira 2 camp on moorland meadows by a stream. A variety of hikes are available on the Plateau, making this an excellent acclimatization day.

• Elevation: 3500m/11,500ft to 3850m/12,600ft
• Distance: 8km/5mi
• Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
• Habitat: Moorland

• Meals: BLD
•  Shira 2 Camp

Day 4 : Hike Shira 2 Camp to Barranco Camp

From the Shira Plateau we continue to the east up a ridge, passing the junction towards the peak of Kibo. As we continue, our direction changes to the South East towards the Lava Tower, called the “Shark’s Tooth” (elev 4650m/15,250ft). Shortly after the tower we come to the second junction which goes to the Arrow Glacier. We now continue down to the Barranco Camp. Although you end the day around the same elevation as when you began, this day is very important for acclimatization and will help your body prepare for summit day.

• Elevation: 3850m/12,600ft to 4000m/13,000ft
• Distance: 8km/5mi
• Walking Time: 5-6 hours
• Habitat: Semi-desert

• Meals: BLD
•  Barranco Camp

Day 5 : Hike Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp

After breakfast, we leave Barranco and continue on a steep ridge up the Barranco Wall to the Karanga Valley and the junction which connects with the Mweka Trail.

• Elevation: 4000m/13,000ft to 4050m/13,250ft
• Distance: 5km/3mi
• Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
• Habitat: Alpine Desert

• Meals: BLD
•  Karanga Valley Camp

Day 6 : Hike Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp

We continue up to the Barafu Camp. You have completed the South Circuit, which offers views of the summit from many different angles. Here we make camp, rest, enjoy dinner, and prepare for the summit day.

• Elevation: 4050m/13,250ft to 4700m/15,350ft
• Distance: 4km/2mi
• Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
• Habitat: Alpine Desert

• Meals: BLD
•  Barafu Camp

Day 7 : Hike Barafu Camp to Summit, down to Mweka Camp

Visiting: Kilimanjaro Lemosho Route 8-Days

Very early in the morning (midnight to 2 am), we continue our way to the summit between the Rebmann and Ratzel glaciers. You head in a northwesterly direction and ascend through heavy scree towards Stella Point on the crater rim. This is the most mentally and physically challenging portion of the trek. At Stella Point you will stop for a short rest and will be rewarded with the most magnificent sunrise you are ever likely to see. Faster hikers may view the sunrise from the summit.

From Stella Point, you may encounter snow all the way on your 1-hour ascent to the summit. Once at Uhuru Peak you have reached the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the continent of Africa!

From the summit we begin our descent by continuing straight down to the Mweka Camp, stopping at Barafu for lunch. You may want gaiters and trekking poles for the loose gravel going down. We arrive at Mweka Camp and enjoy our last evening on the mountain.

• Elevation: 4700m/15,350ft to 5895m/19,340ft
• Down to 3090m/10,150ft
• Distance: 5km/3mi up / 13km/8mi down
• Hiking Time: 5-7 hours up / 5-6 hours down
• Habitat: Stone scree and ice-capped summit

• Meals: BLD
•  Mweka Camp

Day 8 : Hike Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate, drive to Moshi

After breakfast we continue the descent down to the Mweka Park Gate to receive your summit certificates. At lower elevations, it can be wet and muddy. Gaiters and trekking poles will help. Shorts and t-shirts will probably be plenty to wear (keep rain gear and warmer clothing handy).

From the gate, continue another hour to Mweka Village. A vehicle will meet you at Mweka village to drive you back to your hotel in Moshi. Don’t forget to tip your guides and porters.

• Elevation: 3090m/10,150ft to 1680m/5500ft
• Distance: 10km/6mi
• Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
• Habitat: Forest

• Meals: B

So that is our climb agenda, it's going to be an amazingly tough climb - but the rewards will be magnificent!

When we get back to the hotel we have a couple of days to chill, celebrate and reflect our success! we'll take in the town, stretch our muscles out and just soak up the sunshine and culture!

Then we are off on a three day safari! - can't do Tanzania without getting a safari in. We have got a great deal on a wonderful three day taster. It's actually called the Taste of Tanzania.....it will even take us to see the famous tree climbing lions! And here it is.....

3 days Taste of Tanzania Safari

The 3 days lodge safari will offer you the chance to watch a wide variety of wildlife amoungst some of the most varied landscapes. Not only will you see parts of the Tarangire and Lake Manyara National Parks but also the world-famous Ngorongoro Crater.

Day 1 Arusha – Tarangire National Park

In the morning you will be collected from your hotel and taken to Tarangire National Park. The Tangire National Park with its endless tree savanna and seasonal marshes is also home to the largest elephant herd in North Tanzania; with over 4000 at the last count, it takes some beating. To add to this you also can watch giraffes, buffalos, lions, zebras, gnus and different types of antelopes and gazelles.

Upon your arrival at the Park your driver will open the roof of the vehicle and the extensive widlife watch will begin. Lunch will be taken at a picnic spot and in the afternoon you will get to see more of this amazing and beautiful park. Late in the afternoon you will arrive at Maramboi Tented Camp outside the park for overnight. Lunch; Dinner

Day 2 Tarangire National Park – Ngorongoro Conservation Area

A nice early start then a drive pass the Rift Valley (Africa’s graben fault) up to the cooler regions of the crater uplands. The Ngorongoro Crater is almost 600m deep and in this massive caldera you will find an amazing variety of animals. Alongside the “big five” (elephants, buffalo, lions, leopards and rhinoceros) you will find virtually all of the animals that can be found on the entire east african savanna.

At a chosen picnic spot you will have lunch and the rest of the afternoon will be devoted to more wildlife watching. Later on you will leave the crater and be driven to Ngorongoro Farm House for dinner and overnight. Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner

Day 3 Ngorongoro Crater – Lake Manyara National Park – Arusha

After breakfast you will continue on your “Northern Circuits” tour to the next National Park in Tanzania. Lake Manyara Park is one of the smaller parks in Tanzania. It covers an area from the north western edge and a large proportion of the lake itself. The lake is the seasonal home to thousands of flamingo, pelicans and more than one hundred other types of birds that also make this lake their home.

On the partly forested edges you will find and get a chance to watch the proud elephants with their impressive tusks search for food and go about their daily business. You will also get to see giraffes, buffalo, gazelle, antilope, baboons, and last but not least the famous tree climbing lions.

After a jammed packed wildlife tour it will be time to leave the national park and return to Arusha.

We then return to our hotel for a further two days to do whatever we decide at that time before making it back to the airport.

We'll fly out of Kilimanjaro on Feb 16th, landing back into Mnachester on Feb 17th.

There ends our tremendous adventure.

I will be doing my climb on behalf of two charites -

 Airedale general hospital - HODU - the department where I received my chemotherapy.

Alopecia UK - to help further research into a disease which has no known cure currently. This is in support of my brave little buddy Molly who has patchy alopecia which she started with aged 8 years old.

I will be setting up justgiving pages or the equivalent charity online pages for anyone who wishes to donate to two very worthy causes, both give hope to those currently suffering and those who will be diagnosed in the future, with the hope research will eradicate the diseases for future generations.

Bec's has genuine concerns for me regarding our trip to Tanzania because of the anti gay laws and deep homophobia in the country. I have assured her and other friends all will be fine, Bec's has heard about the violent reactions against gay people which have resulted in death by stoning.

I'm not going for a holiday romance , as you can see above it's all go,go,go! I have calmly told everyone I won't be growing my hair.....but for the duration of our stay in Tanzania I will say I have a boyfriend back home if I feel the situation calls for it.

I'm in no way playing down the risks for myself, but won't allow it to prevent me going to complete the challenge I set myself so long ago. As long as I'm/we are sensible - all will be good.

Until next time

Tracy

Results from last procedure

Hello everyone

A quick and very short update. I went to see my consultant today for the results from my recent Colonoscopy. Fantastic news folks, there are no tumours and no signs of any abnormalities that could potentially be the early stages of colon cancer. So my colon gets the all clear!

However this doesn't get me any closer to solving the mystery of my pain/discomfort in my left side.

I did tell him the prep and procedure had really flared up my pain and it's only really just settling down to it's normal level, I con only lay on my right for a matter of minutes before the pain or spasms throw me onto my back.

So the next investigative procedure he's doing is a CT scan, which he said didn't show anything last time I had done back end of 2012. To which I agreed and then pointed out it didn't even pick up n the gallstones - which were very big like grapes! He agreed it was a surprise it hadn't picked them up. So now I'm waiting for an appointment to come through for this......it's looking less and less likely that it will be sorted this year.

It's so frustrating! not to mention  uncomfortable for me....

But yes - positive news for my colon!

Until next time

Tracy

Mount.Kilimanjaro is booked and confirmed!

Hello everyone

It's finally sorted and booked! I cannot even begin to put into words the excitement, the relief even that it's finally going to happen. Each and every time it had to be delayed for whatever reason it chipped away at my confidence that it would ever happen. I've waited a long time to get to this point and know no matter how hard it is, I am going to savour every single second of it!

2014 has just like every year since diagnosis been a completely mixed bag on every front. Some health issues have been diagnosed and finally sorted, others are still been investigated and the discomfort and uncertainty remain.

This year saw me having two individual cancer scares which I've mentioned in previous posts. The great news is that the scares turned out to be just that- scares, but it does still play with your mind a little. With the second one this July gone, I found myself re-evaluating my life, my plans once more.....with all the messing about I'd endured over the build of my boat,and to find out I'd been lied to yet again over the start date of the build - I was so angry, that I've cancelled the project all together.

Friends & family were curious as to why, and with reason, it's been my plan for over 12 months....but the fact is I had been sent off for tests for another lump found in my breast ( same one I had cancer in ) and I thought exactly the same as the first time, it is what it is, let's see what we are dealing with, if anything....but while I went for the tests I thought about the boat and my frustration with it, if I had cancer again, who would the boat be left to, who would have the hassle of dealing with it, was it the best plan to tie up all my cash in the boat and have nothing to actually live my life....especially after the previous few years where I literally had nothing and was struggling to survive. It's not like I have children to think of, and no matter what happens - I want to live my life to the fullest......I'm done with the struggling, as far as I'm concerned it's time to let loose and enjoy, it's taken enough years to get my health back on track to do so.

And sadly again another reminder of our own mortality - Linda Bellingham bless her lost her battle with cancer yesterday (Monday ) actually my birthday and it does reset my mind a little. All through my own personal journey with the cancer, I have never broken down and cried, I've never actually felt sad about it, it is what it it and the only thing I could ever control was how I was going to deal with my treatments....and me being me I did so with interest and humour. And the only time I've thought about my own mortality was when a dear friend passed away after losing his battle with cancer after it came back after 15 years in remission. I suddenly thought, it really can just appear back in your body at any time, just like that. I read the message from a mutual friend who had informed me of Tommy's passing and I just cried and cried, not in fear of myself but for the loss of one of the kindest and most gentle of men I had ever had the pleasure to know.

So when things like this are happening around you all the time and even though you are clear of cancer right now and god willing will stay that way - it makes you look at everything in the greatest of detail. I live my life to the fullest I can every day, I try to fill it with fun and laughter, and try to make others lives fun too. The only impression I want to leave others with of myself are positive ones where they think I'm glad I met/chatted with Tracy....if only for a few minutes. And I 'll know it was the real me they got.

It's made me try to be braver on the personal front, no-one ever believes me but I am actually a shy, I've never understood or got flirting, I don't even realise if someone is flirting with me, unless it's has subtle as a sledge hammer! but with everything that's happened in my life in recent years, I want to be able to laugh and chat with girls and see where it takes me, it's the scariest thing in the world, I don't know how to go about it all really. I just know I want to be brave enough to say I like you to someone who catches my eye....I know more than most life is fleeting and needs grabbing with both hands. The positive from all this scary stuff is that I've healed enough in myself to be even thinking this....so we'll see if anything ever comes of it!! I miss touching, holding hands, cuddles and hugs....I miss all that the most.

For the longest time I didn't believe I deserved another chance at happiness, that I didn't have anything to offer anyone in a relationship, that after the surgery and all the cascade of illnesses etc it made me somehow not whole, inferior or damaged goods if you want....and who in their right mind would want to deal with all that? it's been the toughest part of my whole cancer journey to get to the point where I think, maybe there's someone out there that won't find it a massive chore, that thinks maybe I am worth it. Well like I say I'm trying to be brave and that's all I can do...right?

I'm back with my consultant on the 23rd Oct for the results from my recent Colonoscopy, here's hoping for some answers to the pain in my left side....if not it's onto the next investigative procedure....all I can say is after 2 years I'd just like a bit of a breather from the discomfort. So we'll see what happens on results day!I will of course keep you informed of the results and the follow up if any.

Until next time

Tracy

Flights booked Mount.Kilimanjaro Feb 2015!

Hello everyone

It's finally after all this time becoming reality! yes folks the flights to Tanzania are finally booked - wow such a long time since I set the challenge in 2010 but finally after many set backs is going to happen. So Becky, Ali and myself will fly out from Manchester on Jan 30th to JRO - Kilimanjaro's international airport and won't return to the UK until Feb 17th!

We haven't booked our actual climb yet but have been checking various companies out, emailing them etc. We are going to narrow it down to about half a dozen and then make a decision within the next couple of months.We are still going to be doing the Lemosho route and hopefully we'll be able to bag a bargain for a safari with the same company!

So we've been getting our gear together and I think we've all nearly finished. I've still some stuff to get, but will leave it until nearer the time for now. Bec's has had her first jabs and I'm booked in with the nurse for mid September to start mine. Will let you know which jabs I have to have when I find out. I've had to start a long way out with my jabs as they can only be administered into my left arm.....so unlike many years ago when I went to India and left it until the last minute and had to have both arms and my butt done in one day....I'm been organised and getting it done in a timely fashion.

Bec's GP surgery have told her the Rabies jabs isn't needed and so I will keep my fingers crossed mine say the same but will go with their recommendations of course.

So I've decided to hit my bike in order to get some stamina and endurance training in, on top of my daily mileage with my business....and then of course it's plenty of hill walking on top of that. So hoping for no knock backs as I crack on with my training for my once in a lifetime Mt.Kili climb!

Now looking at things to see and do while in the area, we'll see what we can do/afford or even have the energy for after our climb!!

So my current health is:-  I'm fully recovered from having my gallbladder out, still getting sharp pains on and off, no idea if that is normal or not. Although I wasn't told or given any dietary restrictions/information I have discovered myself that I'm doing badly with dairy. Can't stomach a yoghurt without been violently sick and I have very little tolerance for milk....but that's been like that for a long time now, in fact since my chemo days.

I've not been called back to the hospital and breast clinic as of yet and I guess I should contact them to find out what the hell is happening. I did finally get a letter telling me my mammogram looked fine, nothing about the ultrasound I had to have to check out the lump that was discovered at my last clinic appointment ( luckily for me the radiologist told me it wasn't anything to worry about ). But I still haven't been officially given the 5 year clear or released from the hospital, I have no idea what is going to happen from here on in and quite frankly I am not impressed with the after care I received from the hospital in general.

My invasive treatments and the care I was given through that was second to none and I still as you know go see my old chemo nurses fairly regular. But since then it has been nothing short of a shambles with my 6 monthly check ups and a new doctor every time I've gone. I will be good and get hold of my breast specialist nurse to find out if I'm done with them or not. In January the doctor had said it was in no way definite that I would be released and sent on my merry way this July just gone....but after my second scare of the year I've no clue!

As for the pain in my left, I have the first of my exploratory procedures to try get to the bottom of my 2 year pain. I'm scheduled for a Colonoscopy on Oct 3rd, so we will see where this now leads.....me?....I hope it leads to a pain free period of time!

My consultant has said if nothing shows up from this procedure it will be followed up with a CT scan and again if nothing, then a MRI. Where the medical staff in Leeds believe it's bowel issues, my consultant doesn't think so, he thinks my spine......so I said well why not go straight for the MRI, surely it will show everything up and save money. He however wants to do it this way round!

I just want answers and fingers crossed a solution, it would be swell to be able to crack on with life without something lurking in the background for a bit.

Until next time

Tracy   

Mount.Kilimanjaro to go ahead Feb 2015!

Hello everyone

We have three definite climbers for Mount.Kilimanjaro this coming February! It's hard to put into words what this adventure means to me, I know I have written about how I came to challenge myself with this amazing climb previously but emotionally it feels like it means I'm back. If I can climb to the Roof of Africa......then I'm fully back and I think I'll find peace with the frustrations of all the other health issues I've had/got since my diagnosis. I know this won't make any sense to you guys, but it does to me.

 I am so very lucky to have friends like I do....Bec's and Ali are real troupers and no matter what I ask of them, their answer is always yes. We have already committed ourselves to next years Walk the Walk Edinburgh Moonwalk in June for breast cancer as long as we can get places ( keep your fingers crossed for us ).

We are all busy getting our kit together for our Once in a lifetime climb, this is a full on commitment because the kit is expensive enough without even adding the cost of the actual climb and flights! We are planning to do the Lemosho route because it has a higher success rate for summit ascent and gives you more time to acclimatise and hopefully fingers crossed will help prevent any major issues with altitude sickness.

So we are checking out flights and prices now as well as local climb companies,,,,,we have all agreed to try keep the money local if possible. Just waiting for renewed passport to come back and then we are on it. So in all probability flights will be booked in the next 3 weeks!! it feels so real now after waiting what seems a lifetime. Thank you Suzie for countersigning my passport and for telling them in her words "Jelly isn't a terrorist" lol!! 

On the Lemosho route our start point will be the Londorossi gate, the point of no return....this moment I cannot wait for!

We know it's going to be a tough grind at times and now I'm recovered from the gallbladder removal, I'm hoping to crack on with some great training sessions.....I want to be on an even playing field with the girls, so my tough is as close as par to theirs as I can get......then I'll be happy! On route we will see the Lava tower and my plan if I can is to climb to the top of it.....I will be bringing a small piece of it home with me ( shhhhhsh it's a little secret! ) I hope I get a chance to climb it and more importantly.....I hope I can get to the top!

I literally shake with excitement and anticipation of standing at the summit of Uhuru at 5895m - the World's tallest free standing mountain.....what else is there to say!

I really want my photo taking here!!!

Here's a couple of ariel shots of Mount.Kilimanjaro to finish this off.....

On the health front, I'm still waiting for my first appointment to kick off the investigations to try find out the cause of my 2 year pain/discomfort in my left side.....I will keep you up to date as things progress.

Until next time

Tracy