Kilimanjaro - here we come again!

Well, its that time of year again....the Live Out Loud Adventures annual Kili Climb for Kids is just around the corner! Yes, next Sunday January 9th ten of us will depart from Toronto international airport bound for Tanzania and, eventually, the rooftop of Africa! Stay tuned to this site for regular updates as the 2011 team attempts the summit.

The Mountain had the last word!

"Well, well, well. A teachable moment indeed. We got to 5600m to find a 8m wide crevasse, 30meters deep and at least 1km long. Our snow school 101 never covered crevasse crossing!! We were 200m from the summit climbing in a blizzard and we all felt great. But this was it - we could go no further. We had been warned of this danger when we arrived at the refugio on Monday. Apparently the ladder across had collapsed due to shifting ice and the crevasse was widening. News filtering back from other climbers confirmed the worsening conditions. Everyone was aborting and those attempting had a few horror stories to tell. Suddenly the climb's success was not about the summit but an appreciation for mountaineering and the fact that the mountain always has the last word. We all did great - not a headache in the group. We stared into the crevasse and felt lucky to be alive. Summiting suddenly seemed so insignificant - we had climbed as far as the mountain would take us and for that we were grateful. Angus has been an amazing teacher. We know more about mountain climbing than we ever dreamed of and the friendships we have renewed and the culture we've absorbed have enriched us all.

There are old climbers; there are bold climbers; but there are no old bold climbers. Today we chose to return safely to the hut and our families so that we could climb another day.

We're back in Quito looking forward to a 'refreshing' beverage. We're off to the world famous Otavalo market tomorrow and home on Friday.

Hugs to you all."

15,000 ft and climbing!

"Hola -
We're heading up to Cotopaxi right now where we'll be dropped off with our carefully selected trimmed down supply of essential belongings. We'll trek up to our refugeo to a height of 15000ft where we'll make camp. From here we'll walk up to the glacier an hour away to acclimatise and practice walking with crampons and taking them on/off. We have one night at the refugeo (a bunker like hut), we'll practice a little more and then rest up for our night (alpine) ascent on midnight Tuesday to Wednesday 7am. So for now it's 'adios, see you later alligators'. There will be no reception until Wednesday - we LOVE you all and talk about you incessantly. Keep Well.
XOXO hug hug kisses kisses"

Getting ready for Cotopaxi

"Hello Loved Ones!
Well we're out of the tents and into a hacienda - quite the transition. We were picked up from our campsite in the morning and driven to a hacienda in the town of Machachi. The hacienda is a charming old railway hotel - a perfect place for us to recharge for our Cotopaxi climb. We showered, ate, and organized our equipment (crampons, harnesses, ice picks) and asked Angus and Joaquim lots of questions. The next few days is such a new experience for us all - I guess that's one reason why we're here: to explore the unknown. Tomorrow we head for Cotopaxi and spend the night in a refugeo, a mountain hut at the base of the glacier. Our spanish phrase of the day is 'estamos listas' - we are ready!
Goodnight all."

Me gusta mucha!

"It's nice to have reception again.
We're on Day 5 of our 'trek of the Condors'. It's our last night camping much to our delight. We've all become very proficient at putting up and down our tents, drying clothes, and living in tight quarters. It rained all night but miraculously stopped at 6am just as we were stirring. We walked to a pass at 4200m and then descended into a valley where we said goodbye to our team of arrieros (horse handlers). Our bags were put on a pickup truck and taken to our final campsite in the Limpiopungo Valley. We spent the last hours of sunshine sitting by our tents staring up at Mt Cotopaxi - our first real sighting. We start 'snow school' tomorrow. Everyone is healthy and spirits are high - we're loving the adventure. Our spanish phrase of the day is 'Me gusta mucho!' - I like it so much!"

All is well in the foothills of Antisana

"The Senoritas send greetings!
All is well in the foothills of Antisana. Today was our longest hike reaching our highest elevation. We started the day with sunshine and exercises led by our guide Joaquim. Then we began a never ending ascent into the polylepis forest where we spotted puma tracks among our muddy trail. The rain came down as we ate our lunch of fig and cheese sandwiches (surprisingly delicious) but like the weather of the past few days, it cleared up to reveal the magnificent Antisana volcano with a rainbow arching above. Hiking along the foothills of the Antisana rocky peaks was a real treat after the uneven terrain in the morning. When we arrived at what we thought was our campsite on the Antisana River, our tents, donkeys and 'cowboys' were no where to be seen. It was 5pm and getting dark - for a while we were the lost senoritas. However just when we thought we might have to start our own campfire, the cowboys (arriaros) on their horses came to our rescue. Our campsite was nestled in a valley alongside the river and was a welcoming site to behold.
Adios"

Donkeys and Bulls

"Hi Friends -
By the time you get this message we will be on Day 5 of our 'trek of the Condors'. It appears that much of our trek is in 'no service' areas - not much of a surprise given the many surrounding volcanoes.
Day 3 was stunning. We walked through a plain full of bulls - donkeys and dogs by our side providing protection, and condors flying above giving full meaning to the trek's name. Ahead lay Sincholaqua - an extinct volcano - revealing its explosive history with its caldera, scree and craggy peak. We camped at the base of a highland hacienda after 5 1/2 hrs of walking at an altitude of 4000m (13,2000ft). Everyone is well and strong. We miss you all and we're so grateful for this unique adventure. X0X0"

The Trek has Begun!

"Buenas noches!
The conditioning has begun. We were dropped off at our starting point where we said hello to the 5 mules that will carry our bags for the next 6 days. We donned our wellingtons and headed up into the Andes. It was hard going - lots of narrow muddy paths, tall grasses, uneven footing and river crossings. We almost christened ourselves the 'mud slingers' until Teri got 'sucked' into a mud bath upto her hips. 'Suckers' then became our laughing name. All is good. We are now resting in our tents at the base of volcano lake at 3,650m. The food so far is delicioso. Word of the day is muy bien (very well)."

Raining Cats and Dogs

"Hola miamigos,
It's raining cats and dogs as we pack for our 6 day Trek of the Condors. Toured the old city of Quito and went to the equator where we balanced eggs on nail heads.
We'll leave Quito tomorrow morning, trek for 6 days at altitudes of 13,000 to 15,000ft, have a day of rest at a Hacienda, and then head up to Cotopaxi for 2 days of ice climbing school before our alpine (midnight) ascent up Cotopaxi.
We're bracing for bad weather but the saying goes as such: 'If you don't like the weather in Quito just hike 5km in any direction and it's bound to change.' Here we go!"

Arrived Safely!

"Buenos Dias,
We arrived safely in Quito last night after a fairly easy day of travel compared to Kilimanjaro. It was nice to have only a one hour time change, to have the same 110 voltage, to have hot and cold water and to see the currency is the universal USD. We had a light dinner of empanadas, pitas and guacuamole and starting to learn our first critical Spanish words - por favor, gracias, and buenas noches. We'll have a day of acclimatization in Quito (9700 ft) and then begin our Trek.
We're working on our team name - it will take a while for our story and identity to reveal itself. Stay tuned."

Andes here we come!

Only one more sleep!

Tomorrow the Ecuador team, all past LOLA Kili climb for Kids climbers, are flying to Quito to begin their two week adventure in this beautiful country - trekking, mountaineering, and experiencing the beauty of the Andes and the andean culture, it's music, language, food and crafts. Have a great trip, laugh lots, climb hard, sleep well and make sure you try the cuye! (that's their local dish - guinea pig!)

Mt. Cotopaxi team getting ready!

Well the countdown has begun....the Mt. Cotopaxi team is counting down the days until they depart from sea level and fly to 10, 000ft! Yes, Quito is almost at 10,000 ft elevation. Where's the diamox?

Sleep well team.....you'll need it!

Post Expedition Blues

Rumour is that the Kili 2010 team is suffering post expedition blues - missing each other, the mountain air, the challenge, the purpose, the camaraderie... and Pam's nightly charting! (inside joke). I gather most of them are also doing a lot of 4:00am tv watching as well. Good to have you back team!

Summit Success!

We all did it!!! Justfinished and we're now looking at a big platter of spaghetti as we 'recover' for our final leg of the day- a 2 1/2 hour walk to our final campsite at Millenium (12,000ft) where coke and beer can be found!!

The group is in fine form - yes headaches abound but spirits are high. The weather has been terrific. The sky was clear, moon was shining, and a light cool breeze kept us on our toes. We donned our Canadian seuss hats (courtesy of Leanne) and smiled for the camera in front of the Uhuru 'top of Africa' sign. So love to you. Things in Africa are .... Akunamatata!

Alison and Angus

Ready for the Summit

Hi my friends,
Well we're here at Barafu camp resting at 15300 ft. It's glorious and sunny with clouds drifting through us every now and then. Our group of 13 is poised and ready to go - knapsacks are packed, snacks are stuffed into pockets for easy access, our 2litres of water have been treated and spirits are high. No real altitude sickness to speak of. Our Olympic moment is upon us. We'll set out at midnight prepared for -10 to -15 degrees (just like skiing in Ontario we keep telling ourselves). We love you all. You're closer to us than ever before.
Alison

Summit Looming....

"Jambo,"
We've been out of range for 36hrs while camping at Shira and Barranco. Weather has been great and one climber has shown signs of altitude sickness. We're now at Karanga Camp (13250ft)having scaled the mighty Barranco Wall (aka breakfast wall). Despite anxieties re: height and rock cliffs, everyone now claims today was their most exciting. Angus has managed a shave, we've adapted to outdoor toilet routine, with bowel movements being a source of daily comic relief. Spirits are high as the full moon rises tonight and as we prepare for tomorrow evenings 11pm assault.

"Kwaheri,"
Alison xoxo"

The Climb Has Begun! Post from Alison

"Hi Everyone - greetings from 9,800foot. We arrived at the Machame Camp after a 5 hour walk through the rainforest. It felt good to get going, to start applying our walking step and to overcome anxieties. Weather has been good, spirits are high. We woke up to a stunning view of Kibo. Onwards to Shira Plateau." - posted by Alison Wiley

And they're off!

Just heard from the group. They have had a good start. They spent the day in Moshi yesterday. Moshi is a small city at the base of Kilimanjaro. This is where the Amani Children's home is located. They spent the day preparing for their climb by doing a practice hike, and getting together all of their gear. They finished the day with a team pizza dinner (carbo loading!). Today they are off to Machame Gate, the start of their 8 day mountain trek. The sun is shining....

Update from the Kili Climb for Kids team!

"We arrived safely with bags and health in tact. We woke up to a sunny day with Kili in full view. Did our practice hike, packed our bags and will head shortly into downtown Moshi for Italian food. We love you all."

Kili Climb for Kids 2010 Team On Their Way!

Well, I just said goodbye to Angus as he headed off to Pearson airport to join co-LOLA staff member (and my sister) Alison and the rest of the 13 member 2010 team. They are in for a long flight - 8 hours to Amsterdam, 4 hour layover in Amsterdam, and then the final leg to Kilimanjaro airport in Moshi, Tanzania. They won't arrive in Tanzania until later tomorrow. Moshi is 8 hrs ahead of us in time. They will transport to the lovely Kilemakyaro Lodge, http://www.kilimanjarosafari.com/, and then spend the following day preparing for their ascent of Kilimanjaro, organizing their gear and acclimatizing to their new environment. I am hoping to receive either a text message or email from Alison in the next 2 days with an update. Once I receive this, I will post it on the blog.

The 11 team members plus 2 guides have been preparing for their adventure over the last 6 months - running, hiking, cycling, & lifting, learning about gear, layering systems, and efficient hiking/trekking techniques and mentally preparing for their challenge. Most importantly, they have been raising funds for the Amani Children's Home in Moshi, www.amanikids.org . Over the last two years, Live Out Loud Adventures climbs have raised close to $200,000 for the Amani Children's Home. If we add in the efforts of this year's team, the amount will be well over $200,000. Congratulations team! Take care over there -our thoughts are with you!

LOLA Blog is Now On Our Website

Just wanted to let you know that you can find our blog also on our website at http://www.liveoutloudadventures.com/

If you want to follow a friend or loved one while they are on their LOLA adventure, just go onto the website and you will see updates.



Happy blogging!

Summit Night Training - Jan. 14th

We had a great night of summit training last night, trekking in our gear through the wilds of the Rosedale Golf course. The entire team showed up in their summit gear. We sorted out our gaitors, turned on our headlamps, adjusted our trekking poles, consumed chocolate and lifted our spirits - Kili/Kibo here we come! Thanks for making the effort to attend. Thanks to Alison for hosting us. Sleep well, eat lots, take care of yourselves. See you at 3:00pm next Sunday, Jan. 24th, terminal 3, KLM counter, Pearson airport.

Angus - head guide, Kili climb for kids 2010

Kilimanjaro 2010 climb - Jan. 24th - Feb. 5th

11 women, 2 guides....the countdown has started. Just over ten days until departure. The team has been training and preparing for the climb for the last few months - running, spinning, lifting, and hiking, gathering equipment and gear, preparing for summit night and raising funds for the Amani children's home, http://www.amanikids.org/

This Thursday, January 14th, they will gather at Alison Wiley's (LOLA owner and in house fitness trainer) house for a "summit training" session. Led by Everest climber, LOLA owner and guide Angus Murray, the team of 11 will do a night hike fully decked out in their summit clothing. This is a last chance for the team of intrepid climbers to check their gear and their clothing systems.

Good Luck team Kili 2010!

Welcome to the Live Out Loud Adventures Blog!

Welcome to the Live Out Loud Adventures (LOLA) blog. Live Out Loud Adventures is an adventure-based, experiential education company inspiring adults and youth to live intentionally through purposeful outdoor experiences in Canada and around the world. You can check out our website at http://www.liveoutloudadventures.com/

Live Out Loud Adventures is owned and operated by Alison Wiley, Sarah Wiley and Angus Murray. You can learn more about who we are by going to our website.

On these pages we will share with you stories and reflections from our trips as well as the occasional thought or musing about "living out loud." Feel free to jump in and share how you choose to LIVE OUT LOUD.

When we asked friends and family how they choose to "live out loud" we got lots of interesting responses. Some of our favourites are:

- Living out loud to me means having a willingness to drop everything and take advantage of the serendipitous moments that call one to wonder, delight, new perceptions, interactions;

- For me, living out loud has to do with a lifetime of purpose, joy and of a commitment to service;

- I live out loud by trying to do the things I have always dreamed of doing;

- I live out loud by engaging others in active, outdoor and experiential community play.

How do you LIVE OUT LOUD?

What have you always DREAMED of doing?

Jump in and join the conversation!