Day 1 - How slow can you go

The moment had arrived! Three month of tireless worry and fundraising had past now we were finally ready to begin our ascent of Kili.

We had one final surprise around the corner before we set off. The road here are rarely tarmac, now that we are on the lower slope of the mountain shrouded in tropical rain forest was now a true test of 4x4 machinery. Our first land rover lost a fan belt, apparently a common occurrence here. We were descended upon by possibly two hundred children. Originally timid they soon joined Simon's waving games then slapping hands. Dean's i pod and tunes proved a riot and did Nigel's picture display on his camera. These scenes. were just like those you would see with a celebrity in Comic relief. It's amazing how these totally unplanned moments prove to be the most memorable.

After soon quick repairs we soon arrived at the base of the Rongai route. We were off! Slowly, very slowly. I have talked about the need for patience and discipline. I did not anticipate anything this slow at the beginning. If you imagine the slowest speed that you could walk and half it. I found myself pausing mid stride to slow down. The team joked I had two yellow cards in the first half mile for over taking our guide
... It was painfully slow, however, this was in our best interest to acclimatize to the altitude. Later I strode out a couple of short section to have some fun, the heart was soon racing and the lunges took a lot longer to recover.

The path wound its way through an amazing variety of flora. Beginning in woodland which opened up into farmland growing potatoes and peas into rain forest and finally tundra. We had a fleeting siting of Columbus monkeys. A preceding group of Americans chased them into the forest for a better view... Living up to their reputation. Still a sighting!

We crawled along for three hours climbing eight hundred meters to 2,700, more than twice the height of Ben Nevis. I can feel the altitude, a slight dizziness and headache which cleared when we stopped. Then there is altitude flatulence. Enough said.

A thoroughly enjoyable day, the team have bonded very well. We talked the whole way today.

I look forward to another fantastic day tomorrow and finding a reception to send this message.