A week ago today I received a phone call from Justin. Due to some unforeseen circumstances, they will be unable to make the Kilimanjaro trek with me.
I’m definitely disappointed for them because I know it is a journey they’ve wanted to take for a number of years. I’m also disappointed because they are outstanding travel partners who make any adventure better. Our two-week Alaska trip in 2008 was proof of that.
Still, I’ve traveled abroad solo before so this won’t be new territory. I’ve been training seriously for nearly three months so I’m still planning to move forward. I’ve examined a few fallback options, but my focus remains on Kilimanjaro.
I contacted an outfitter today regarding joining both a climbing trek and a post-trek safari in Kenya and Tanzania. At this point not enough people are signed up for the climb to guarantee it’s departure, but they will get back to me tomorrow about it.
I’m looking into a couple other outfitters just in case it doesn’t work out. The hang-up I face at the moment is time limitations. This trip basically is only possible because I have a money credit with an airline, but it expires June 23 so my trek options are a bit limited.
Hopefully I will know more tomorrow. I’d like to get the trek booked by the end of the week so I can finalize my flight plan and then move full speed ahead with obtaining the necessary vaccinations and visas.
Chris Wristen 