For us, hiking began when the family joined the Highpointers Club and started summiting the highpoints of each of the U.S. states. Years later, Peter and Erika decided that they wanted to hike up every 4,000 footer in Maine, and have now done 9 of the 14. Now the two of us have decided to take on the highest peak in Africa, Mount Kilimanjaro. The trek is confirmed, the flights are booked, and the two of us have committed to summit on July 24th.

Initial emotions were excitement and bliss. TEN whole days in the wilderness without access to work emails -- what could be better! Then came the realization of the necessary training...and how does one breathe at 19,341 ft?! No more late nights eating gluten-free Dominos pizza for Erika. Peter will have to sacrifice his mid-afternoon cookie. Both will have to form an intimate relationship with the gym's most inane machine, The Stairmaster. 

Peter’s mom has recently been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. As a part of our Kilimanjaro experience, we are fundraising to support the National Pancreatic Cancer Foundation. Every year approximately 43,000 people die from pancreatic cancer and 54,000 are diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. Please consider making a donation to help fund research, critical care programs, and education/prevention information.

Stay tuned for our training and trek updates!

Peter & Erika