Planning

Sometime around our trip to serve in El Salvador, my good friend Stacey asked if I might like to climb Mount Kilimanjaro with her.  The answer to a question like that can only be “of course.”  Of course I would like to summit the highest peak in the continent of Africa.  Of course I would love to go to Tanzania and Kenya, to see an ancient, exotic part of the world from a rare and beautiful vantage point.  Of course I would like to spend a week or two with one of my best friends.

Today I started looking into how I might prepare my body for 19,341 feet of elevation.  The highest peak in Washington State is 14,409 feet.  Seattle, like so many great American cities, has an abundance of resources for would-be adventurers.  REI has been a store I have enjoyed visiting since I was just a boy.  I was given a sleeping bag from REI in 1987.  That sleeping bag is the one I use to this day, and is awaiting my return to Albania.  I did some research today to find out how mountaineers prepare for ascents like the one I have committed to.  

Wayne at REI recommended I try beginning with an easy hike like St. Helens, followed by Mt. Adams and then maybe Mt. Baker and finally Mt. Rainier.  I have not had a physical goal since high school and I am curious how my body will respond to a different kind of stress.  The city was beautiful today, I was thankful to have a reason to visit it.  I am still adjusting to the notion that I will be in Albania this time next week.  It is amazing where life takes us when we walk through open doors.