We are a father and son team embarking on a 6-day climb of Kilimanjaro followed by a 5-day safari.

I currently live with my family in Huntsville, Ontario, Canada. We’re in a beautiful area, Muskoka, known for its hundreds of clean lakes with rocky shores, rolling maple and pine forests, and golf courses. Lot’s of golf courses … two or three for every man, woman and child. Sadly, I don’t golf.

I currently work as a program director for Summit Training and Development, a top notch provider of team and leader training.  Previous careers included Outward Bound Instructor, classroom teacher and training consultant.

I’m a runner. I am among the fortunate few, I think, who love to run. But, after more than 40 years of it, certain parts of my body are definitely showing wear. This climb may be a bit of a test, actually. I also love canoeing and Nordic skiing which, fortunately, do not seem to test the joints in the same way. I’ve done some mountaineering and rock climbing but not for many years. It was fun though.

I’m embarking on this adventure as I turn 56 and it is one of those things on my “list”. If you’ve watched the movie ‘The Bucket List’ you know what I mean.

I was born in Huntsville Ontario and have lived here my entire life. I am currently 17 years old, turning 18 in late august. Although I have embarked on several canoe camping trips, my experience in expeditions, especially those involving extreme conditions, is very limited. My longest hike has been in the Canadian Rockies, up and down a mountain in one day. My travel experience however, is likely above average considering my age. I have traveled to many different countries including Australia, Thailand, France and more, as well as across Canada.

Like my father I enjoy running and Nordic skiing. Next year I plan on returning to Huntsville High School before going off to university for engineering the year after.

Some people may wonder what drives a 17 year old to go to Africa and climb a mountain. Unfortunately, I can’t give a definitive answer to that question. I believe it is in part to absorb the culture, and in part to make memories that will last, after all, I love to travel. However I think it is also because it is a challenge that has been set before me, something that I could back down from but choose to attempt regardless. There is something about conquering an aspect of nature such as a mountain that brings one closer to it, and allows one to remember what it means to be human.