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Ashley 10/10/09: What an experience! I have done many physically challenging endeavors, but if you weigh all those challenges against "age", this would certainly rank among the most difficult.
We celebrated the climb (and my 60th birthdaqy) by touring the Arusha National Park. It was the equivalent of a "mini-safari". from the confines of a Land Cruiser, we observed giraffes, cape buffalos, zebras, baboons, hippos, monkeys, etc.
Anna and the Kiliwarriors surprised me wiyh a birthday cake during our picnic lunch at the park. This is a birthday that I will always remember. I can't wait to make some entries about our team, the guides and porters, the food, and most of all the mountain.
I'll leave you with this: "Comradeship......is forged among high mountains, through the difficulties and dangers to which they expose those who aspire to climb them, the need to combine their efforts to attain their goal, the thrills of a great adventure shared together." (John Hunt, "The Ascent of Everest")
Anna, 10/9/09: Well, we did it! I have not yet made my way through all of the fantastic comments on our website, but I want to thank all of you for your support and encouragement throughout this endeavor. I am extrememly proud that we reached the summit. It was an amazing experience to finally reach our goal after so many months of planning and training. To do it without injury was the icing on the cake.
Our guides, Wilbert and Gideon, and our porters, Kanini and Efarta, helped me tremendously-by showing me where to step and giving me a helping hand if needed. I'm grateful to the Kiliwarriors for helping me reach the top. I will add more later after some rest and recuperation. Thanks everyone for your thoughts and prayers throughout the trip.
Anna and Ashley arrived in Atlanta this afternoon @2:30. An hour later, after going through customs, we finally saw their smiling, tired faces. They are glad to be back home!
Borrowing the words of George Mallory from this website's home page, we can most definitely say, "They gave it a whack, and did themselves proud".
After a short R& R, Anna and Ashley will take over my blogging responsibilities. We are thrilled to have them home, safe and sound.
Marga
Ashley and Anna left Africa today @6:00 p.m. (their time). Their flight will land in Amsterdam at 7:30 a.m. After a short layover they arrive in Atlanta at 1:40. Mark, Ken (my brother) and I will be waiting for them. Welcome Home! Marga
