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Success, after all the training it al came good and I succesfully climbed Mt Kilimanjaro.  We took the Lomisho route and from start to finish it took about 8 days.  We had a short days walk of about 4/5 hours followed by a long day of between 7 and 9 hours.  We started each day with breakfast at about 7am and were packed up and on our way by 8:30am.  Breakfast consisted of porridge, omlettes and toast with black tea or coffee.  We would then walk until lunch time which depending on the day would either be cooked or a packed lunch, cooked if it was a short day as we would walk to the evening camp.

Once at camp we would have a wash and prepare for the next day and then have dinner at about 6pm.  Dinner was soup folowed by a main course of curry or spagetti or a stew followed by fruit.

As their was not a lot to do after the meal and a chat and briefing for the following day most people went to bed by 9pm so that they were ready for the following day.

Our group was made of 9 people including myself and aged between 40+ and 70.  All of the group made it to Stella Point which is the summit of Mt Kilimanjaro and 8 of us made it to Uhuru Peak which is the highest point at 5895m.

It was one of the most rewarding climbs I have done and the people and scenary were exceptional, I would recommend this to anyone that enjoys hill walking as if you are fit enough this isn't overly difficult.  The best day was when we climbed the Baranco Wall and achiving Uhuru Peak.

Well the first challenge is completed, the 3-Peaks Yorkshire challenge.  Six of us started out at 7am on Friday the 13th which turned out to be a lucky day, with rain, wind and sleet in the first 10 miles or so and then some nice sunshine to finish off.  The following 3 links will show you the route and times and other than a quick stop for lunch and a whisky at the pub everyone managed to keep going to the finish.  It was then off to the pub for some well deserved liquid refreshment.  It is now only 8 weeks or so until Kilimanjaro and other than a couple of blisters things are looking on track.

http://connect.garmin.com/activity/85537642

http://connect.garmin.com/activity/85537606

This year I have decided to attempt an ambition I have had for many years and climb Mt Kilimanjaro.  I have spent many summers walking and climbing in the Lake District and Highlands of Scotland and in that time have climbed the 3 highest peaks in the UK and also travelled to Tenerife and climbed Mt Teide.  This year I have decided after talking about it for some years to attempt to climb Mt Kilimanjaro. 

Over the next few months I will be getting in some steady training, walking and running and each month will do a big walk or climb to get in shape to attempt Mt Kilimanjaro.

In May with some friends I will do the Yorkshire 3-Peaks challenge as a taster for the big one in July.

So as long as I stay injury free I hope to do the Yorkshire 3-Peaks, Mt Kilimanjaro and round it all off with the Great North Run in September

And if you sponsor me for these endeavors I have chosen the Rainbow Trust Children's Charity which has been supported for many years by collegues at work and does a fantastic job

This year the Rainbow Trust celebrates its 25th anniversary. Founded in 1986, they have supported thousands of families who have a child with a life threatening or terminal illness.

Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving – they’ll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they’ll send your money directly to the charity and make sure Gift Aid is reclaimed on every eligible donation by a UK taxpayer. So it’s the most efficient way to donate - I raise more, whilst saving time and cutting costs for the charity.

So please dig deep and donate now.