Before we get into the journal for the day written from the wonderful Matt Adam-Smith, I wanted to fill you in on our podcasts. We know that they are small and hard to see, we are shooting on a small Flip Camera in order to save time, editing can take hours and we need to stay fit and healthy as we climb. This year, we will start each video with a clip from one of our teammates. Last night we sat around the fire and each told our stories, why we spent the last year training and raising money for a country that most of us have never been. We laughed and cried – a lot. But this is the very core of Love Hope Strength and it is important to us that you get to know these incredible people and their stories. So enjoy a brief moment before we get into the daily video to meet the 25 (26 in spirit, we wish you were here Kevin) that have made Kilimanjaro Rocks a reality and who each carry your loved ones in their backpacks.

Shannon Foley

Now, onto the journal of the day….

Yesterday was about recovering from the long journey to Africa, acclimatization, getting our gear ready and last but most importantly getting to know each other and finding out why we are all here on another mad adventure supporting this amazing foundation and its great work.

Today, however, was when it all started for real. The anticipation and waiting was over and after another magnificent breakfast (pancakes, omelettes etc) we set out on a 3 hour drive to the trail head and the start of our climb. The ride was a bumpy one and the dust everywhere has been just unbelievable. We passed through remote villages along the way and saw young children herding cattle but the most noticeable thing was that everywhere we passed through there were friendly smiling and waving faces welcoming us. The people here have so little but are just so happy. Hopefully we can leave here having made a difference to their quality of life through the cancer care projects we’re supporting in East Africa.

On the drive we again had some amazing views of this big mountain we were about to start climbing. Today the skies are clear and we hope the weather remains kind to us, especially as we get higher.

Day 1 on the trail is a pretty easy start but we know it’s going to get tougher. Three hours at a nice slow pace gets the legs working and hearts pumping but it’s sunny and warm, so most of us are in shorts and t-shirts (although gaiters are a must because of the dust). It’s a good job that it’s a day without needing the much serious gear as I’m still waiting on one of my two bags (the one with all my trekking gear), that never made it with me from Australia - so I’ve had to beg, borrow and steal some gear. Last night one of my bags finally arrived after nearly 48 hours with nothing but my hand luggage and I was so relieved to at least have my trekking boots and washbag (but not much else of my mountain gear).

After just an hour of walking, we arrive at our lunch stop to find a huge table laid out with a smorgasbord of food waiting for us and we even have portable toilets set up for us! Although tempting to spend the rest of the afternoon sitting in the sun digesting our magnificent lunch, it’s onward and upward for another 2 hours to Camp 1 at 9,000 feet (or 2,560m in new money).

After a quick wash to get rid of the dust, the guys put on the first proper show of the trip to a packed campsite of 25 trekkers, 125 porters and other support crew plus other non Love Hope Strength related people we’re sharing the campsite with.

As the evening sun shines through on the band, Mike leads off with “Right Back Where I Started From” and gets the crowd involved singing the chorus and then each of the band members take centre stage – Glenn plays a new song, Cy sticks with the well know (One Thing Leads to Another), Brien brings out Peru favourite Catalina, Robin plays a cover, Nick plays Aeroplane and then Slim Jim leads Rock This Town. The porters just love it and the crowd gets closer and closer in. There are even stage invasions (well, there would have been if there had been a stage!) as the locals dance to the music.

Finally, it’s time for Love Hope Strength and everyone picks up the chorus – it sounds like an Alarm gig as the chorus continues on into the evening breeze as everyone disperses.

It’s been a long day but a great one. The team is gelling really well. With a much smaller group than in Peru last year (and also smaller than Everest the year before), there’s a chance to get to chat to everyone. For many it’s an opportunity to catch up with old friends from previous years, for others it’s a chance to make new friendships as we converse along the trail and the hours fly by.

Everyone is doing well and enjoying the trek so far but we all know that it’s going to get harder as the effect of the altitude kicks in and it gets colder. But I know we’re all going to make it fine, as we work as a team and share our love, hope and strength with each other, as we head onward and upward towards the summit. We are all missing our loved ones that we’ve left back home and our thoughts are with many family and friends who have beaten, succumbed or are currently fighting cancer, as we are reminded at every step why each of us is here.

Kris, Scott & Dan, I love you and miss you all heaps – boys, be good for mum. And finally, my thoughts are with my good friend Steve as he continues his cancer treatment – keep well mate.

Matt Adam-Smith
Love Hope Strength Foundation
Kilimanjaro Camp 1, 9,000 ft (2,650m)
Tuesday 29th September 2009

 

Click on the yellow flags to see where the team is today!