EXPEDITIONS

“My wife Annie came with me on the Kilimanjaro adventure with the intention of climbing to the summit with me. She also cherished the dream of touching a high-altitude peak, but with two essential conditions: avoid technical challenges and avoid the cold. Kilimanjaro fit both bills.

“On the fifth day of the climb, we left camp around quarter after midnight. Our goal was to be at the summit in time for sunrise. The icy wind, which had blown relentlessly since our departure, was really slowing Annie down. I found a cave and we took shelter inside. She huddled up to me and I did my best to warm her. For about two hours we waited, contemplating the stars. Then a red sun rose over the Kibo crater and we began to feel the warmth of the sun on our faces. The gentle heat gave Annie back her strength. We could see the summit and she set off with determination, her objective within her sights! Two days later, we were at a little villa in Malindi on the coast of the Indian Ocean. Annie was swimming, smiling and content. She had savoured her moment at the top, but I think she was savouring the swim in 35ºC weather even more!”