What am I getting myself into?

I've decided to jump on the blogging boat and write about our upcoming adventure, and the events leading up to it. This adventure is one I never dreamed of doing, thought of doing, or even desired to do...but I married a man who likes adventure, and because I kinda like him, I guess I'll tag along. Growing up, my sense of adventure included riding on roller coasters at Canada's Wonderland, camping in a tent, or going barefoot in a public bathroom (never mind on that last one, can't even do that). Dan's sense of adventure includes running, hiking, and climbing mountains (what a weirdo), but again since I like him, I might as well join him. I've been told that I talk a lot, and tend to ramble, so feel free to skim through as much or as little, and enjoy reading as we embark on this adventure together. Oh, and because of this adventure, Dan owe's me a cruise, hence the title!

Mount Kilimanjaro: The rooftop of Africa

To get you up to speed, I'll start at the beginning. So Dan says to me one day last winter “I’d like to climb a mountain in Africa.” My response “Wave to me from the top!” I had no interest whatsoever, and quite frankly didn’t think he was that serious. However when he brought it up a few more times, and started putting coins in his teddy jar for his 'Kilimanjaro fund' I knew this was no joke. I told him, “Ask a friend, or a brother to go with you and I’ll enjoy a safari at the bottom”.  But then I started thinking about it, this would be an amazing experience and quite the adventure. Shouldn’t I be a part of that? So I decided to do some research and read a few blogs about the hike, both good and bad and that’s all I needed…I was in! Dan didn’t really believe me at first, but I immediately took up a running program and began my training. After a couple months of learning to run, I ran in my first 5 km race and then kept up running throughout the summer. In August we had our first real hiking experience on a 3 day 32 km backpacking excursion in Algonquin Park. And it hurt, it hurt real bad…but I did it, and was very proud of myself for carrying 50lbs on my back. It was a good taste of what our climb up the mountain would be like. In the months that followed we continued running, and we’re also able to recruit Dan’s brother Rob, and sister Christine to join us in Africa. Our initial plan was to go in September 2013, but we realized we could save some money if we went earlier…so that was that, flights are booked and now we’re going in February, like next month!! I’m freaking out, so much to do in so little time, but very excited.