With a day away from my first climb for 2015, I want to thank the people who have contributed to my readiness. Firstly, to my family, who have been steadfastly supportive. Thank you Anisha for your understanding of why this 2nd trip to Kili is so important and for allowing me to take the time off to accomplish this. To Geneva, thank you for your company as I packed and unpacked my gear and for always being there as a sounding board. I think that you will soon be ready for your first climb. Thank you Dane for standing up to take of things while I am away. I love you all and am going to miss you.

A special thanks also goes to Dr Anton Coetzee and Dr Allan Fuller for taking care of my health during my training. Thanks also goes to Allison Dendy, Karine and all the physiotherapists at the practice. Your healing hands have worked wonders and I am sure that I’ll need your assistance on my return.

Thank you to Woodmead Pharmacy (Pharmacist Nikil Desai) for taking care of my meds and for always being available with advice.

Finally, I thank my friend and hiking partner for agreeing to accompany me on this trip. He calls me his big brother and I am glad to do the trip with my younger “sibling”.

My next blog will be from the mountain.

Cheers and God Bless.