Wow, I'm gonna climb a mountain...How the heck did this happen?

Kilimanjaro is the highest mountain in Africa, the highest 'walkable' mountain in the world, and is touted to be a magnificent and spectacular undertaking. It was only two days ago that my good friend (of nearly 40 years) Nancy and I decided that we would climb Mt. Kili.

I was looking through the posts on my facebook home page and saw a post from another high school friend of mine, whose son had recently climbed Mt. Kilimanjaro. She’d posted pictures and there was an old guy in the group, who didn’t look particularly sturdy, at least not any sturdier than me, anyway…Long story a little shorter… The pictures drew me in and by the last picture I said to myself, “I can do that if he can.” So, I emailed Nancy, because I knew she was the only friend I had in the world who wouldn't say "Are you crazy?", when I asked if she would be interested in climbing a mountain, and as usual, Nancy didn’t let me down. Here’s our exchange…

Lori to Nancy: “Did you see Susan’s son's pictures of his trip to Africa...I'm thinking that next summer during your break we should meet in Africa and make the climb...what do you think?”

Nancy to Lori: “Well, I think it's a fascinating idea... So in other words...hell yeah!!! Let's plan on it!...”

After several more posts we decided that we'll climb the summer of 2010. We both work in education, Nancy teaches at a woman's college in the Middle East and I work at a big ten University in the Midwest - so, summer is our best bet, and since our current academic years have already begun, next summer it is.

So, here we are, just two days later binging emails back and forth about what kind of climbing boots to buy and what guide company to use. The excitement of the decision, at least for me, has not yet worn off. I'm trying to work out in my mind, not only all the details of the actual trip, but also the physical training that will be required for such a climb. The climb will take 7 to 8 days, 6 of which will be up hill (go figure) and I can actually see myself taking every step…This is going to be the adventure of my life!