7 Summiteer -- I am not!

After further research, it appears there are multiple versions of the "seven summits" lists. While there are slight variations -- there are a few constants, such as the inclusion of Everest.

"Everest: Beyond the Limit" is currently on the Discovery channel and I am completely perplexed as to the attraction of climbing this mountain? While today I sit here dumbfounded -- and pretty hellbent on not becoming a "Seven Summiteer", I can't help but wonder...will I change my mind in years to come?

Why bother?

The tallest mountains on each of the seven continents includes:

1. Everest in Asia (29,035 feet)
2. Aconcagua in S. America (22,834)
3. Denali in N. America (20,320)
4. Kilimanjaro in Africa (19,340)
5. Elbrus in Europe (18,510)
6. Vinson Massif in Antarctica (16,066)
7. Kosciuszko in Australia (7,310)

There are many who set out to climb each of these -- but why? Is it to be part of a small group who has accomplished the same feat? Is it to have, and hopefully reach, a goal whether it be physical or mental? Or is it something else?

I never really thought about it before signing up for Roadmonkey's 2010 trip to Tanzania. Recently, however, I began to reflect -- to figure out why I wanted to do this, as I knew there was more to it than my love of travel and desire to explore every corner of the earth.

I am goal oriented, so the idea of having something to work towards -- and hopefully achieve -- is appealing, no doubt. But I think there is more to it this time.

This past decade has been hell--regarding every aspect of my life. I feel that the next one won't be anything like the one that is about to come to an end (for that I am grateful). This trip, and the journey to the top of Africa's tallest mountain, represents the struggle I have gone through these past 10 years. Yet, despite the hardships, there were moments of beauty and pleasure and joy. And, by persistently taking it one step at a time -- I have been able to get to the other side.

I'm going to do everything I can to reach the summit, and hopefully next June I will succeed. If I don't make it, however, I will know that it doesn't mean defeat. After all, life is really about the journey -- not the final destination.

The Next Adventure -- Kilimanjaro

I didn't pick Kili -- it picked me.

A few years ago I started following the development of a new travel company. Had I started such a company, it would have the same philosophy -- adventure travel with a heart. Seeing Roadmonkey's first successfully completed Kili expedition, I knew I had to get on board for the next one.

June 2010 we are going to take the Lemosho route which is one of the newest, thus more rugged and less littered trails. As such, we'll have a greater chance of seeing wild animals, which would be a treat.

Before signing up for the trip I didn't really know what I was getting into. The more I read, the more I realize that - this trip isn't a joke. I'm going to have to prepare. From getting the proper meds to taking my workout routine up a notch, I can't lose focus these next six months. After-all, I want to reach the ultimate goal -- of making it to the summit.

I now have my scripts and started using the 'incline' feature on the treadmill. While these are merely baby steps, as Lao Tzu said, "The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step."