Yes, there is now irrefutable proof that I don't know how to act my age. I tried to be sensible up until two days before the other four were due to leave for the Mt. Kilimanjaro climb. At that point I couldn't stand it any longer and decided that in spite of my temperamental I T band (if yours doesn't hurt you probably don't know what your I T band is.....) I was going too. Some people just never grow up. I had brought a knee wrap and a back wrap.... which ended up on my other knee... (necessity really is the mother of invention). Along with a bottle of ibuprofen I was set. Thank goodness the oft repeated directive was to go very slowly in order to allow our bodies to acclimate to the rapid increase in elevation. No one had to tell me twice. Rain forest, moor, heather, and portions that looked like a lunar landscape were all included in the scenery we passed through. Enchanting. By law, we had to hire guides, a cook, and porters. Yes! So the only thing I had to carry was my own carcass. It was common to see our porters welcoming us into camp with rousing African call and response singing and dancing. WE LOVED THAT! Keiper team made it to the summit. Amy, Matt, and Jenna actually set foot there while Tim and I stayed at the high altitude camp to "watch over the equipment" (translated as watching over the inside of our eyelids). It was an experience to remember....especially since I will not be doing it again. Thank you God for allowing us such a unique and delightful experience.
