I think I’m almost there with the packing! Well I haven’t actually packed everything into the bag and seen how that all works, but I do believe I have most of my kit.
When I first pulled out my packing list 3 months ago, I nearly had a heart attack. 3 pages long and with multiple items to each line, I was seriously unprepared in the kit department. No backpack, no waterproof jackets and most importantly, no boots. No one can go on a climb without boots! After the panic has subsided, I started to pool my resources and see what I actually did have.
After marking off 5 of the 100 items on my list, I knew I was in serious trouble. A few stressed out whiney calls to friends and some solid reassurance that things would all come together and I had started to collect myself. Of course I then rang my mother and being the awesome mum she is, she set about in ghathering some of the items and made a bee line for every Adventure store in the market. Her shopping skills were finally being put to good use.
Now less than a month from the trip, I’m pretty sure I’ve got the essentials and most of my bases covered. My ski gear including huge puffer jacket and goretex gloves are going to be a saving grace. I also had a few sets of thermals so that saved me a few dollars. A trip to Kathmandu saw me purchase a pair of highly important wool socks, my camel pack water bladder and a microfiber towel – all things I had wanted for a long time but finally got the push to buy.
Big thanks to my housemate who is lending me his big goretex, ultra warm ultra waterproof jacket. Another friend has lent me his backpack – as even though I have travelled the world many a time, I’m not a ‘true’ backpacker for I never travel with a backpack. And then Mumma who has kitted me out with day pack, walking poles, first aid kit, headlamp, drink bottle and so much more.
It’s getting closer and closer now and with the weight of the packing and gear off my mind, I can focus on wearing the items and getting in the much needed hours of walking.
Where is the memo that says preparing for a climb is a challenge and months and months of prep! By far the most prep I’ve ever done.
Please send forward any information, tips or suggestions on how I can better prepare myself for this epic challenge that’s ahead of me.
I will be taking on my biggest Adventure yet, Climbing Kilimanjaro for Alzheimer’s Australia NSW! I will Climb Kilimanjaro in honour of my Grandpa who passed away from Alzheimer’s in 2008. I was in Africa when I found out and I said at the time I would one day do this for him, in his memory! We are raising money for Alzheimer’s Australia NSW to raise awareness and the necessary funds for prevention of the disease that affects so many. Dementia is the third leading cause of death in Australia, after heart disease and stroke. We must prevent and find a cure as it’s not a normal part of aging, and does affect 100,000’s of Australians.
Help me reach my $10.000 target by donating to my online fundraising page:
http://my.artezpacific.com/personalPage.aspx?SID=357503&Lang=en-CA
KILI COUNTDOWN – 29 Days to go
Lovelly Travels 