Kilimanjaro expedition diary (Part 1)

"Kili" adventurers: (l-r) Hannes, Bonnita, Kedi, Jan, Andy, Allie, Derek, Thami, Deshun

"Mission Control":   The 2nd expedition of Deshun's "7 Summits" program kicked off in fine style on Sunday when the group met for a special "pre-Kili" dinner at the gorgeous Mi Casa Su Casa guesthouse in Melville.
The wonderful folk at 1st for Women are sponsoring the entire expedition and, this time, Deshun and Jan are being accompanied by the 3 winners of the "O" magazine and 1st for Women competitions, Thami (editor of "O") and 2 members of the 1st for Women organisation.
Dinner was accompanied by much excitement and laughter and each group member shared their own reasons for wanting to stand on the highest point on the African continent:

Allie - competition winner, Mom, wife, student
"I'm very fortunate to get a 2nd chance at getting to the top of that beautiful mountain.  Plus it's a goal that got me off my butt and fit for the expedition!"

Andy (competition winner, Mom, businesswoman)
"I've long had a dream to climb a mountain and it's happening now as I'm entering a new phase in my life.   The experience will afford me the opportunity to be in touch with myself and my life, etc"

Bonnita (competition winner, 40yr old working mother of 3 boys)
"I have a once in a lifetime opportunity to experience the thrill of an adventure like this!   It's definitely the start of a new and exciting phase in my life.   Here's to many more!!"

Derek (husband of Allie, father of 3, stepfather of 5, businessman)
"My priority is to support Allie in her quest to summit Kili.   Then I have my personal goals - to reach the summit and to enjoy this experience with a superb team and leader."

Hannes (1st for Women representative)
" 'Pole pole' [Swahili for 'slowly, slowly'] is the way for Kilimanjaro and may also be the way for life"

Kedi (1st for Women representative)
"I'm looking forward to a spiritual journey in which I will connect with my creator - a realisation that there is a God who is in control of our being.   It's not so much about me but about my purpose in this universe.   A connection with what God created."

Thami (editor of "O")
As editor of O, the Oprah Magazine, Thami believes in "living your best life", exploring the unexplored, fulfilling your hearts' greatest desires and doing all the things you wished you could do but doubted you ever could.   "For me, climbing Kili is about 'sucking the marrow out of life' and learning to live life one day at a time - one step at a time"

Jan (cameraman and documentary maker)
"It's an honour to be returning to Kilimanjaro and, as one of Deshun's 7 Summits, this expedition has special significance.  I'm looking forward to the adventure and to the moment when we stand on the highest point of this great continent."

Deshun (businesswoman, mountaineer, high altitude synergist)
"I'm so grateful to our sponsor, 1st for Women Insurance Brokers, for the opportunity to climb Kilimanjaro.   The group decided to dedicate this adventure to all the peoples of Africa and particularly those affected by conflict, poverty, hunger, drought, sickness.  With such a powerful purpose how can one not be inspired to reach the summit!"

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On Monday morning the group gathered at OR Tambo airport where, sporting their 1st for Women pink and huge smiles, they boarded the plane for Kilimanjaro.
After landing in Tanzania they were driven to the overnight lodge from where they would begin the climb on Tuesday morning.    The next 5 days follow the scenic (and less crowded) Rongai route to the top of Kilimanjaro and this diary will record their progress and share their thoughts and experiences - your very own virtual Kilimanjaro adventure!

"Bon voyage!" (l-r) Allie, Bonnita, Thami, Kedi, Andy, Hannes, Deshun, Jan - pretty in pink at OR Tambo airport on the way to Kilimanjaro