Summit Update – 9/21/09
Hi all,
We’re here. Everything arrived but the rigs and Dave Penney’s gear, which should arrive tomorrow evening on the next flight from Amsterdam. Not having the rigs will make things more challenging, but that’s why we built in a couple of days before the climb.
It was really nice to get on the plane after the frenetic pace of getting ready, but the inactivity was difficult too. Movies, books and sleep were not quite enough to rest my flitful mind which is continually working out mountain scenarios. I know that part of my personal goal is to quiet my mind, but it’s more difficult when there’s no physical action. Ah, the lessons begin before the mountain.
The team is tremendous as always. Director Amanda Stoddard, director of photography Patrick Reddish, cinematographer Mike Stoner, and multiple media manager Ryan Gass are excited prepared, and capturing footage along the way. For security reasons they weren’t able to catch Bob More, in flip flops, giving me a piggyback down the stairs from plane to Tarmac. Bob, who was a fraternity brother and is the President of the One Rev board, and Nate Bryan, who ski raced with me at Middlebury and is our doctor, are new additions to the team. Along with Expedition Manager Dave Penney, it’s a great group that has weathered the day and a half of travel from US Mountain West to slightly sub-equatorial Tanzania.
The air was a soft, smooth 80 degrees as we disembarked into a deep darkness absent of street lights or almost any other lights. I’m writing in the Rover as we drive from the remote airport to the busy city of Arusha. Meeting our drivers, Peter and Kihigo, with hugs and handshakes felt like a homecoming after our previous two trips. The more people we get to know, the more connected we are to Africa and Tanzaia.
I hope for quality rest before the street corner preacher with the speakers, I’m sure he’ll still be there, starts his sermon at about 5am tomorrow morning. From the big, deep dark sky, to the friends, the Rovers and even that early morning preacher, we’re feeling comfortable and ready.
Thanks for all of your help.
Best, Chris
18 comments18 Comments so far
Leave a reply
Good luck Chris! We are cheering for you and hoping the climb goes smoothly. The winch sounds interesting. Can’t picture it, so please give us some photos! All the Best!!!
Dear Chris,
Glad to hear you arrived!!! Hope all the gear catches up! Look forward to your updates! Best of luck with the climb! Ginger
Hey Chris – Well, you know I’m rooting for you!!! I’ll be following your progress every day. You are an excellent writer, by the way, in case I haven’t told you that before. xo Aunt Beth
Cheering, hoping and praying for your success over the next week (and beyond). Doubts and fears only mount when you are about to accomplish something amazing. Yes, you are about to do something amazing.
Wads, I was showing my kids the video on your website last night and talking about your climb and the fact that you are now on the ground in africa. we will tune in daily to get any news we can and I only wish I was with you on this incredible adventure. with love, the Huffards
best of luck man, nice to meet you at Kelly’s ride
drink a few tuskers for us midd kids when you’re done!
Chris,
What an inspiration and so VISIBLE in my mind. The Lukrich clan will be following your journey and cheering you on from here. Hoping you find what you’re looking for.
Kendal
Chris,
I’m Bob’s cousin and you might remember that we had dinner in Park City with Ginger last winter. The very best to you and the team. I’m looking forward to reading the blog each day. Hope Bob brought something other than flip flops to hike in:) The best,
Marge
All of us are cheering for you, Chris!
Carol (your Mom’s “favorite” cousin), Art, Kurt & David
Cheering you on from Half Moon Bay, CA! Cannot wait to follow the journey, which I know started ages ago, but will culminate on you at the peak in just a couple of days!
Chris, just caught your story on CBS around 2:30 a.m. – couldn’t sleep due to pain from my old accident injury (in 1984) – I was instantly intrigued by your story and looked up your website. I’m drawn to follow your story and pray for your success. I pray for God’s blessing on your climb and your entire team and mission that you will be a wonderful example of drive and ambition to all paraplegics! God be with you all.
Chris,
Thinking of you on the morning of your climb. John, Johnny and I have enjoyed reading your blog leading up to this big day. All the work and preparation will be worth it. We are sending you positive energy from Park City knowing your determination and strength will pull you through. You are a true inspiration to all!
love and hugs,
Laura
Welcome to TZ Chris and One Revolution Team!
Your newfound fans will be following from our backyard in Moshi. Will contact you around the 30th to arrange a meeting with my Swahili teacher…meanwhile, your fans on this continent are behind you too!
Best, Diane Bowe
Hi Chris,, The “Team” in Crested Butte wishes you the BEST of luck,,starting with the arrival of your Rigs and gear!! We are all watching and wishing for the best ! Looking forward to the next update!
Be Safe !!
Scott Gillman
Hi Chris,
Glad to hear you all made it safely…hope the rigs and Dave’s gear have made it by now! We’re thinking of you as you start the climb today, and will watch as you progress. We wish you a safe and successful journey up the mountain! Please send Dave our love too.
Hugs from your cheerleaders in CB,
Sarah, Ellie and John Alan
The bad news is the Yankees clinched last night. The good news is Sox are still up 6 in wild card and V-mart extended his streak to 21 games. He is heating up at the plate just in time for the playoffs. Beckett goes tonight, one more tune up before they start to count double. So if you start to feel pressure like everyone is watching you and you are the center of everyones thinking and we are all tied together in some collective emotion which only ends well with your success, GET OVER YOURSELF, we still have a Pennant to win, their are other important things in the world. I hope this motivational message helps you sleep better.
Oh, one other thing one revolution at a time brother… Per aspera ad astra (Through difficulties to the Stars)
Andre
PS:I translated the quote because they probably did not make time for Latin at Middlebury,
Hi there. I’m one of the peeps from the UK who met you at Safari Lodge in Arusha. Just catching up on your blog now, reading it in reverse order (hope the climb is going well).
Laughed out loud when I read in this post that you were hoping for “quality rest” in Arusha. Sorry for all the noise our group made at the hotel after we had finished!!
Good luck, and kudos!
Awesome job, you are an inspiration to all that apsire to move beyond there current position of what is possible. Thanks for being such a stud.
Your Juice Plus team,
Sean