For seven fascinating hours we bounced and swerved along the African highways. We past two impressive mountains which met with a cry from the back of the bus "is that Kili?" then I was woken from my slumber. "there she is" cried Nigel. OMG I have seen nothing like it, she grew out of the African plain absolutely towering over it. Her snow crested peak majestically looking down on the surrounding lands like the Queens crown does from her throne.
Prior to this moment I had not quite understood the phrase highest free standing mountain in the world. Aren't all mountains free standing? It may be me being dim, this mountain stands alone in its splendor, other higher peak are part of vast mountain ranges. As a result kili's summit appears half way up the skyline. Today we were blessed with a fantastic view as the clouds cleared and the sun exposed an awful lot of snow on its peak. This is a BIG challenge, so much more than I have done before. One I am determined to beat.
We have all the support we could need - 33 sherpers! Bags, tents food water and also including a doctor. However outrageous that may sound. The BBC are using the same tour group to us, they have in excess of 140 to support 9 climbers plus 18 crew. Dare I suggest the celebs will not be slumbing it...
After 29.5 hours of travel I am shattered its time to turn in for the night full of anticipation for the days ahead.
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