Midnight in Zanzibar

Sometimes your kids inherit your wandering ways.

My daughter did.

Each year, she celebrates Christmas and New Years by leaving the country.

Since she works in the Federal Government it is a good idea as there is not a lot of action at that time. And, knowing she is going to do it well in advance it is only a matter of where and making sure she can get clearance to visit that country. I was visiting her in Washington DC when a friend who had joined us for cocktails suggested an African trip. What she actually said was, “Did you ever think about climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro?” Two or three others jumped in and suggested something a little closer to home.

My daughter and her six foot and odd change tall friend said they were going. Both are long distance runners so they are in good shape. Their support teams are made up of Marines and men they’ve met doing the Iron Man and running Ultra distance races. I learned later that a couple Marines took them out for cocktails and did a debrief on how to prepare for the mountain.

One of the topics that came up was what to do after taking a couple days to climb up over 19,000 feet and back down. That’s why the photo that illustrates this blog. My daughter sent it to me on New Years day. She and her friend had decided to fly to Zanzibar after coming down off the mountain and do some scuba diving in the warm sea. This photo was her way of saying I’m safe and warm at last!

Preparation is not half the fun!

A telephone conversation in mid-December made me feel more comfortable with the plans for the trip. We send each other a complete itinerary and copies of our documents when either of us leave the country. The call was to tell me that the e-mail with all that stuff was on the way and to get me up to speed on the bizarre clothing requirements.

Picture this: You are going to be living out of a backpack for two weeks. At the base of Kilimanjaro shorts and a T-shirt will be comfortable. At the top you’ll need both high altitude and low temperature protection. Boots, survival pants and a coat that is a wonder of high-tech warmth control not to mention a hat. Something with ear-flaps you might find in Minnesota or…Yes, a Santa Claus hat will do.

Mt. Kilimanjaro Group Trek – Marangu Route

Sun, 22 Dec: Pre-departure meeting

Mon, 23, Dec: Drive to Marangu Gate (6K), walk 5 miles to Mandara Hut (9K)

Tue, 24 Dec: Walk 7.5 miles from Mandara Hut to Horombo Hut (12K)

Wed, 25 Dec: Walk 7.5 miles from Horombo Hut to Kibo Hut (15.4K)

Thu, 26 Dec: Walk 6.2 miles from Kibo Hut to Uhuru Peak (19.3K); descend 13.7 miles to Horombo Hut

Fri, 27 Dec: Descend 12.5 miles from Horombo Hut to Marangu Gate,

Massage!

The next day you are on a plane to Zanzibar and its sun, white sand a view of the blue-green waters of the Indian Ocean. When New Year’s comes you snap the photo that begins this post.

She is on her way home now stopping in Dar Es Salaam and Dubai.

And so it goes.

His consulting practice, founded in 1990, is known for on and off-line Trust-based Consultant Marketing and Brand development advice that builds businesses, brands and lives of joy.

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