Friday, February 9 2024
The countdown to departure draws near, and the air buzzes with anticipation. The past few weeks have been a whirlwind of preparations: gathering gear, coordinating with companies, booking flights, and ensuring we’re all medically ready for the journey ahead. The energy is palpable, a blend of excitement and nerves swirling in our conversations, especially among the kids. Our recent family dinner, brimming with laughter and shared stories, was a resounding success. Now, we eagerly await the moment we set foot on this grand adventure. I’m filled with anticipation at the thought of escaping the ordinary and immersing myself in the raw beauty of nature alongside my eldest sons.
Allow me to introduce you to the remarkable individuals joining us on this expedition, each bringing their own unique spirit:
- Thomas, my dear friend and the visionary behind the lens. We first met in Australia, and since then, he’s become my go-to companion for adventures. He’s tasked with capturing our journey, promising a film that will undoubtedly be spectacular.
- Alex, a kindred spirit whose presence promises to add an extra dose of fun to our expedition. We’re curious to see how his choice of footwear fares on the journey!
- Ryan, my trusted adventure companion, with whom I’ve shared countless tales of daring escapades. His boundless zest for life is well-known, as is our mutual determination to stave off frostbite on this trip.
- Tonya, Ryan’s other half, a beacon of light even in the darkest of times. Her joyful presence embodies the spirit of adventure and adds depth to our journey.
- Louis, a South African friend whose insights and experience, including multiple ascents of Kilimanjaro, are invaluable to our group, particularly with a lively bunch of teenagers in tow.
- Jack, my firstborn, embarking on his African adventure with eyes wide open. This journey will test and shape his calm confidence, a rite of passage I eagerly anticipate witnessing.
- Lyo, Jack’s longtime friend and budding business partner, joins us for the adventure. We’re making sure he takes his malaria medicine, and I’ll be hiking alongside him, as mosquitoes seem to have a fondness for him. Will they earn the title for the messiest tent? Only time will tell.
- Joe, my heart, my second son, and my tentmate for this adventure. His compassionate nature and eagerness to explore the world fill me with excitement for the experiences we’ll share.
- Jacob, the epitome of adventure, accompanied by his best friend, Alex. Their laughter-filled preparation hikes foreshadow the fun that awaits us on the mountainside.
- Alex (Kid Alex), always game for an adventure with us “crazies.” I’m thrilled to see him and Jacob laughing their way up the mountain.
- Seba, My South American friend who has been instrumental in organizing logistics, and as well as Alex, we’re curious to see his choice of footwear for this journey too!
With backpacks packed and spirits soaring, we stand on the brink of an adventure that will test our limits, deepen our bonds, and fill our hearts with stories waiting to be told. Each member of our eclectic group brings a unique essence to the expedition, promising a journey marked by laughter, challenges, and unforgettable moments.
As we count down the final hours, the excitement is palpable. This isn’t just a trip; it’s a leap into the unknown, an opportunity to disconnect from the world and reconnect with our true selves, both individually and as a group. Stay tuned, for the adventure of a lifetime awaits.
I will send a Saturday update when we are in Amsterdam, so I can report How the flight went.
xoxo, Jenn
Saturday, February 10 2024
We touched down in Tanzania and dove into the world of online visas – a process I’d recommend to skip next time. It ate up more time than just getting them on arrival.
Our layover in Amsterdam got squeezed by a delay, but we managed to grab some quick pizzas before boarding since the boys had slept through mealtime on the plane.
But our Amsterdam arrival was met with an unexpected twist: only three out of our ten bags made it. Cue the drama and a promise of bags delivery by Monday. No surprise to anyone but us.
It was late – 11 PM here, 1 PM back in Park City – and hunger struck again. We scouted for a bite to eat in the quiet town and settled for grilled chicken, fried plantains, and some impromptu pasta.
Driving through pitch-black roads, we marveled at the absence of city lights. We can’t wait to see this place in daylight!
We stocked up on snacks at the grocery store and finally checked into our hotel at 1 AM – not that it felt late with the time change.
Now, breakfast’s on the agenda for 7 AM, followed by a gear-less strategy session at 11 AM.
Stick around for more updates!
xoxo, Jenn.
Sunday, February 11 2024
Embracing the jet lag journey as it’s hitting way more today! After a solid breakfast, the gang—Tonya, Jack, Jacob, Alex, and yours truly—found ourselves gear-less, thanks to some rogue luggage. Cue a quirky rental spot atop a deserted mall, where Louis swooped in as our savior, helping us navigate the sweltering heat and gear maze.
Post-nap, we ventured to an Italian/Indian joint for dinner at 6 PM. The boys are having a hard time with the food. “It tastes different” is the main reason why I think they are filling up more on Coca-Cola than anything else. I ordered some chicken, but ended up having a mishap with it, which turned my dish into a napkin-worthy affair, but hey, that’s all part of the adventure, right?
We are back at the hotel, and I have prepared all the bags for the kids, and our backpacks are ready to go. We prepped for the gear’s eventual arrival with duffle bags on standby, so they can move everything from the suitcase into the duffel bags, and they can bring it to us up in the mountains.
Despite the challenges of time zones and questionable food options, our teenage troopers are rolling with the punches like seasoned pros. I am very proud of them.
And speaking of rolling with it, Jack and Lyo were spotted sipping margaritas by the pool this morning—(Not really sure what the age rules are for drinking here, but hey, it’s 5 o’clock somewhere, right?)
Here’s to embracing the unexpected and finding joy in every twist and turn of the journey!
Stay tuned for the next updates!
xoxo, Jenn.
Monday, February 12 2024
Made it to Camp 1! The ascent proved to be a test of endurance, with unexpected inclines and a relentless downpour that soaked us to the bone. Lyo threw up on the way up, and Tonya is battling a stomachache, which added to the challenges of the day. Yet, amidst the adversity, I couldn’t help but feel a surge of pride for the boys’ resilience.
Currently holed up in a hut, waiting for the porters to haul up our tents. Food’s been a bit of a challenge; note to self: prep better next time. Everyone’s too exhausted to eat anyway, specially the boys’.
The scenery’s stunning, though – endless shades of green as far as the eye can see. Shoutout to the porters, the real heroes of this mountain. They’re lugging way more than we are and still zooming past us like it’s nothing.
We’ve got a team of six guides with us, two of them women, which is pretty cool. Pushing ourselves hard, but grateful for this experience. Such a beautiful country with even more beautiful people.
Pro tip for future trekkers: pack umbrellas and breathable rain gear. It’s sweltering out here.
I’ll keep you guys updated!
7:00 pm – Monday, February 12 2024
Unfortunately, our bags did not make it to camp, but we’re keeping our fingers crossed for tomorrow’s delivery. On the bright side, we’ve lucked out with not one, not two, but three flushing toilets – talk about luxury in the wild!
Dinner tonight? Fish and crispy fried potatoes, a real treat for the seafood enthusiasts among us.
Before digging in, we ran a quick round of medical checks – blood pressure, temperature and oxygen saturation. Good news: everyone’s in shipshape and we will do it daily to ensure everyone is prepared to keep pushing to the top of the mountain.
Tomorrow’s agenda? Rise and shine at 6 am, breakfast by 7, and hopefully, hitting the trails by 7:40 am.
That’s a wrap for today’s adventures!
xoxo, Jenn
Tuesday, February 13 2024
12pm – As the morning dawned, stillness enveloped our camp. Breakfast brought smiles as crepes slathered with Nutella delighted the boys. Lyo’s spirits lifted, a great sign! Tonya, however, endured a rough night, her energy drained by the challenges of the moorland climate we find ourselves in. Despite her struggles, she perseveres, opting for a slow pace to conserve what little energy she has. If she keeps feeling like this, she might go back down tomorrow. Remember, “People over peaks”.
Thankfully, we reached camp in time for lunch, igniting hope among us all. Our tents, equipped with cots, provide a luxurious respite compared to the standard accommodations on the mountain. Gratitude fills the air as altitude sickness spares our group, allowing us to revel in every step, especially those that mark Thomas’s personal best.
Our tents had cozy cots, a luxury on the mountain. Rumor had it our lost bags might arrive today, which would be a game-changer. The porters’ singing mixed with the boys’ banter made the landscape feel straight out of a Dr. Seuss book.
The boys led the way again, but snacks from home were scarce in this culture. Still, the camaraderie among our growing camp was heartwarming.
Ryan was our diva with multiple bags, while Louis was a lifesaver, helping out those struggling. While hiking we do little chants. The porters say”non-stop” and we respond “to the top”, pushing each other onward and making the hike way more entertaining.
4:00 PM – Lunch was a welcome break, with soup, pasta, and eggs, plus Pringles for a snack. Tomorrow, we’re planning on making sandwiches for the climb.
7:00 PM – After a heartfelt ceremony, dinner—chicken, rice, and banana bread—hit the spot. With Tonya feeling better, we headed to bed, grateful for the magical moments on the mountain.
I’ll keep you guy’s posted on tomorrow’s adventure!
xoxo, Jenn.
Wednesday. February 14 2024
First of all, Happy Valentine’s Day, friends! How fortunate am I to spend this day in such an incredible place, alongside my three older sons and a group of magical people. How was your Valentine’s Day?
Today’s adventure took us up to lava tower, where we took a break for a midday refuel. We decided to split into two groups to ensure the younger ones could maintain their pace without feeling held back. However, the higher altitude is making it harder for them to sleep well, leaving everyone feeling a bit grumpier than usual. Hopefully, a good meal will lift their spirits.
1:46 pm – Lunch was a true highlight. Upon reaching camp 3, even the kids seemed more at ease. They’re learning the importance of speaking up for what they need, and our gracious hosts here are always ready to lend a hand once they know what’s required. Additionally, anyone who can carry the weight they do on this challenging terrain while belting out tunes is nothing short of a hero. The vistas along this route are nothing short of breathtaking. When they say this is a scenic route, they are right.
This camp differs greatly from the solitude of the second summits. There is a lively atmosphere and a sense of community unlike anything we’ve experienced or expected.
7:00 pm – Camp 3 is bustling, always filled with fellow hikers. It’s a bit different from the quieter stretches we’ve been through, but the friendly atmosphere here makes up for it. Our hosts managed to whip up some homemade pizza for dinner – a real crowd-pleaser. Plus, their soup? Legendary.
With satisfied appetites and tired muscles, we’re turning in early to recharge for the adventures that await us tomorrow. Goodnight, fellow adventurers. I’ll keep you guys updated.
xoxo, Jenn.
Thursday, February 15 2024
Today started with another delicious breakfast of crepes, eggs, and toast. Then, we tackled the daunting Barranco Wall, which appeared more intimidating than it actually was. Despite some initial apprehension, navigating the wall proved to be manageable. The boys demonstrated remarkable strength and resilience, exceeding expectations on this climb. Observing their progress has been a source of enjoyment for all of us.
Today started with another delicious breakfast of crepes, eggs, and toast. Then, we tackled the daunting Barranco Wall, which appeared more intimidating than it actually was. Despite some initial apprehension, navigating the wall proved to be manageable. Amidst the commotion of our ascent, the boys demonstrated remarkable strength and resilience, exceeding expectations on this climb. Observing their progress has been a source of enjoyment for all of us.
A minor setback occurred when a sleeping bag zipper broke, but Salem, our self-proclaimed engineer, adeptly repaired it, solidifying his earned title. After a quick nap, we had tea, medical checks, and a briefing for tomorrow. No headaches today, which is a win!
The boys’ vitals were surprisingly good, almost like they were at sea level. We’re all impressed. The adults fared equally well. We unanimously agreed that Chef Yum Yum’s soup recipes were exceptional, and the water situation is a bit of a challenge.
We’re gearing up for the summit push tonight, aiming to reach the top at sunrise. The staff even brings us coffee, tea, and hot chocolate to wake us up—definitely a highlight for the boys.
Wish us luck tonight! I’ll keep you guys posted.
xoxo, Jenn.
Friday, February 16 2024
12 pm – Today at camp, we’re in a holding pattern, waiting for the summit climbers to descend so we can take their spots. It’s a bit crowded here, but everyone’s spirits are high, despite a little hunger. Food is on the way in an hour, followed by a well-deserved nap, dinner, and some rest before our ascent. The boys are taking advantage of the downtime, working on their tans.
6 pm –
This afternoon, everyone took it easy, especially after I had to drag the boys out of the sun to avoid sunburn. A few headaches popped up, but nothing that’ll hold us back now.
We’re splitting into two teams for the summit push: the slower team, including Louis, Ryan, Tonya, big Alex, Seba, and Thomas, will start at 11:30 pm. Meanwhile, I’ll be with the teenagers starting at 1 am, aiming to meet just before the summit to catch the sunrise.
Each team will have a ratio of three guides to three porters, with radios for backup if needed. We’re adopting a slow and steady approach, with no rush to summit. Once we reach the top, we’ll rest in our tent for a few hours before beginning our descent. Our progress will determine how far down we can go.
I’ve got the boys organized and ready to go. We’ll wake up at midnight to prep, snack at 12:30, and hit the trail by 1 am. The other team will follow a similar schedule, starting an hour earlier.
We’ve witnessed eleven helicopter rescues since arriving, which seems like a lot, but thankfully none involve us. Keep your fingers crossed for us. If my calculations are right, we’ll start the summit push at 3 pm Park City time!
I’ll do my best to keep everyone updated along the way.
Saturday, February 17 2024
5:40 AM – We made it!!! All the boys made it!! The first team to leave is still climbing.
Jacob, Joe, Jack, and myself on the roof.
8 am –
Everyone set off on schedule, and the boys were unstoppable. We struggled to keep up and ended up waiting an hour for sunrise. Unfortunately, Louis wasn’t feeling well and had to turn back early. However, Alex, Seba, and Thomas reached the summit! Tonya made it to Stella Point but had to descend due to altitude sickness, accompanied by Ryan.
We took a different route back and are now at a camp at 10,000 feet, a significant drop after conquering the mountain. We’re all exhausted and looking forward to a hotel. Tomorrow morning, we’ll make that a reality.
The sunrise on top of Kili. Such a beautiful view. So grateful for this experience.