Hi from Shira 2

< Newer | Older > Thu, 02/19/2009 - 16:29 — joi

Karen in front of KiboDATE: February 19, 2009

LOCATION: Shira 2, 12,500, cloudy and very pleasant

Matt here

Loving life today. Todays walk was wonderful, inside a crater on a plateau. Fueled by love notes from friends and family. Unfortunately Ryan went down today. He had been feeling
queasy off and on and we had to decide if going up was wise. It had been a hard couple of days for him and the decision was very hard. It was especially hard for his sister and good friend to part with him We will be in contact with him by phone. He will find something interesting to do around town or maybe safari but is safe and doing okay.

Marty and Phyllis are lonely, send them emails loved ones.

ps. 08ers- 9ers went one step higher then you did on your acclimitization hike. But this is not a competition, Matt just wanted you to know.

We are having a great time with your support. It is amazing to hear from so many.

Messages

WOW! Desi and Alex

DesisMom — Thu, 02/19/2009 - 16:37

Holy Moly! What a gorgeous site. What a long long walk and none of it flat! Think of all the fun stories you'll have to tell! Fun, well, maybe heroic? Miu went crazy last night -- I've never seen her so active! Speedy Gonzalas! Pumpkin and I just sat there and took it all in. Your toaster oven has a new shine. Mothers! Can't live with them and wouldn't be born without them! I've been passing the site into to my friends, Lawrie, Vicki, Nan and Dori -- so if you hear from any of them you'll know who they are. MUCH LOVE Mom

Karen!

Marisabennett — Thu, 02/19/2009 - 16:39

You're sure getting a lot of face time girlfriend! Did you knock everyone else out of the way? We LOVE seeing you and knowing you are okay. You are amazing! XXOO Marisa

Marty and Phyllis

hleblond — Thu, 02/19/2009 - 16:46

This is Karen's crazy friend Heather (she can tell you all about me). I felt bad for the lack of love you have been receiving so I thought I would send some your way (I have enough to go around). Your accomplishment - just getting to Africa is amazing - let alone gearing up to climb a mountain. I saw how hard Karen trained and prepared for the trip - I am sure your situation is no different, Marty and Phyllis and all other hikers. Keep your head high and know that your trip symbolizes so much for so many people. Nothing about your trip there is easy yet you set your mind to it and are executing the plan. Congratulations for the determination and drive you have to be able to reach your goals in life. Some people just think about it and you guys actually put one foot in front of the other and do it, you make it happen – with no excuses. Me personally, I would see one bug or critter or a shouting monkey and I would run screaming all the way back to New York! Best of luck to you all. Our hearts and prayers are with each of you as you climb the mountain and return safely to your loved ones.

Wishing all of you strength, endurance, good cheer!

marciafs — Thu, 02/19/2009 - 16:48

Our best to Kili Climbers from Rochester! Extra hugs to Bonnie. Ron & Marcia Summers

Karen W

hleblond — Thu, 02/19/2009 - 16:55

Can't wait to hear all about your adventure when you return (Marty and Phyllis already know I'm not adventurous from my previous post) so I have to live vicariously through you! I would like to know if there is a five star hotel at each of these fabulous stops you are experiencing while approaching the summit of Mt. Kilimanjaro? You know, someone to spritz your face when you get hot, a full service spa to help the aches and pains, a top chef to cook your food, etc. Oh, that's right. Probably not! Enjoy the rest of your trip. I see your progress on the wall chart here and you are getting CLOSE! Love, Heather

Hey Crazy Climbers!

partruc — Thu, 02/19/2009 - 17:22

Keep up the good work, you're making great progress. Sorry to hear about Ryan - Kili does not discriminate!
Marty and Phyllis - do me a favor: I think I left my watch at the summit. Could you look for it for me? Thanks!
To all - hang in there, drink LOTS of water, rest all you can and enjoy the good and the bad because when it's all said and done, IT'S ALL GOOD! When you exit the mess tent tonight after dinner, look up at the beautiful starlit African sky. All those stars represent the names on your banners. They are looking over you and providing you with the strength go on. Remember, they are the reason you are there, so make 'em proud!
Paul the '08er

Gooooooooooooooo 09 Team

LAllen — Thu, 02/19/2009 - 17:24

Thinking of you every day. Following along brings back so many memories. We are with you every step of the way. Don't forget to write in your journals as much as you can to capture the moment. My fondest memory at Shira was the porters singing to us and Yusef sharing his wisdom. Stay strong and be there for one another. Marty and Phyllis-you are amazing!! You are incredible role models for all. My mother say's hello.

Lori 08'

HELLO!

sredmond — Thu, 02/19/2009 - 17:41

Hello to both of you! I hope that your trip over was pleasant, that you are acclimating just fine, and that you are enjoying what looks to be beautiful sights and views! I am thinking about you here, in the colder section of NY, and wishing you great success on your adventure! Be nice to each other ;) I can't wait to hear all about it!

For Keith

PSymanski — Thu, 02/19/2009 - 17:58

Hey Keith ... You better come back with a lot of photos because I want to see it all!!! We are chugging along getting teams on board for Kick Off, getting the website updated with cool stuff, making a video for Kick off etc. All good stuff. Keep climbing! and smile!!!

Hey Matt

CWilcox — Thu, 02/19/2009 - 18:16

The '08 Machame group rules. But it's not a competition, we just wanted you to know ;-) Seriously though, I'm very sorry to hear about Ryan. Take him to the East African Cafe when you get back to Moshi; he'll need some consolation. I sincerely hope all the rest of you make the summit. Especially Marty and Phyllis; what a victory that will be. Bonnie, Rick and Terry - we're rooting for you guys. Keep thinking Hakuna Matata, imara kama simba.
Carroll '08

Karen, great picture

pattylewis — Thu, 02/19/2009 - 18:52

Karen, what a great picture of you this morning. Phyllis & Marty, we know what your saying about the cold. Remember to toss a couple of those hand warmers in the bottom of your sleeping bag at night. We look forward to your pictures and audio each morning. Keep the faith, we all know you can do it. Love, Jack & Patty '08

keith-daddy

ErinKD — Thu, 02/19/2009 - 19:06

HI DAD!!! GREAT JOB!!!
What like 4 days til summit?! your doing wonderfully! It was great to see a picture of you yesterday. I made it home last night okay..although the weather was terrible..I hope you will be one of the people writing or doing to the audio update soon!
love you
Erin

JO from Buffalo

kellicravey — Thu, 02/19/2009 - 19:47

Just a quick note to tell you...yes we still miss you! Heard from Donna that the kitties are doing great! Cleveland is keeping your parents busy!

I am sure all of your hikes and hours of rollar bladding are paying off! We love you very much!

Climb on!
Your buddy Kelli

PS....your Monkey is great too!

For Marty & Phyllis: Sooo good to hear your voices, Mom and Dad!

jeffreykorn — Thu, 02/19/2009 - 19:59

Sooo good to hear your voices, Mom and Dad! There was a flurry of messages amongst those of us down hear at sea level when we heard Bonnie's report that there had been some challenges along the way. Can you blame us for worrying just a little? :-) So relieved to hear your voices with their usual enthusiasm and vitality. It sounds as if you're appreciating every moment. I admire you both, and am so proud!
News from Home: Sam just got his braces! I'd love to send you a picture of your grandson and his metal-mouth chompers, but we'll have to be patient for your return. Pictures from the bar mitzvah have just arrived — can't wait to share those, too! David is spending most of his free time learning to play his new electric guitar — he's loving it! We had dinner with Pete and Leigh two nights ago, who are awed by your undertaking, and send their love.
So sorry to read that you've been feeling lonely. I had actually posted two messages (or so I thought) in response to earlier updates. Turns out I had only *previewed* them! Anyway, be sure to catch the posts from yesterday, in response to the previous audio update. And now that we have the technical gremlins licked, you'll be hearing from us more frequently!
Sending you big WARM hugs to ward off the evening chills. WE LOVE YOU!
Jeff, Lori, Sam, David... Rachel, Jeremy, Daniel, Joshua, Miriam, Rebecca... Steve, Gail, Eliana... And ALL of us who are thinking of you and cheering you on with every step!

You Go Girl!!! With your cute face!!

dabruzzo — Thu, 02/19/2009 - 20:52

Hey Boo,

Love seeing your face and pretty smile! You look fabulous in your buff! Keep swimming, just keep swimming!!! Use that lucky fin of yours! See you soon! Luca and Gabby send lots of kisses to you! Love, Deen xoxoxoo

Matry, Phyllis, and Bonnie

thomaskilimanja... — Thu, 02/19/2009 - 21:07

Great to hear your voices. Now you are staring at the Barranco Wall and had a tough day hiking and if feeling good a visit to the Lava Tower. Keep on trekking, I know you can do it, and remember I'm right behind you.. Sorry to hear about Ryan.

Tom

Good Luck to All

thomaskilimanja... — Thu, 02/19/2009 - 21:16

When you leave the tent at night (I know you do, unless you have the Char Jar) look up at the stars and when you find the big dipper you will know we are beneath it, proud as hell and cheering you on.

Mama bear

Sharon

mmcginnity — Thu, 02/19/2009 - 21:57

It is so much fun to hear about your progress. Enjoy. Take it all in. Have fun! Love, Molly

Love to karen

jdaniels — Fri, 02/20/2009 - 01:40

Dad missed not getting your birthday phone call this morning, but the picture took its place and was worth 1000 birthday calls. We are following your journey every day and get excited for you with every update. We loved the picture. Laura printed your picture and it is hanging in the kitchen in the Villages. Go girl!!!!!!!! Love
Laura, Joanne, Mom, Dad, Uncle Leo and Aunt Sally and Gary

Matt

cflanigan — Fri, 02/20/2009 - 02:06

We went to the summit today! OK it was only Swain Mt but we thought of you alot! Wish we were treking with you instead of taking the chairlift!! The stars here have been brilliant but can't compare with what you are seeing from the Mt. Take it all in and remember! Cold without you - hope Rick enjoys snuggling!! Hot tub and wine with #1 & #2 was great last night - bet you'd love a long soak about now!! With you every step of the way!!! 143 Char

What a beautiful photo!!

cdavidson — Fri, 02/20/2009 - 04:28

What a beautiful photo!! You guys are fantastic, keep up the good work. Your almost there. Love ya Keith. Celeste

Hi Jon

HarriettR — Fri, 02/20/2009 - 04:43

We women did a major trip today, but nothing compared to yours. We hiked Petroglyph Park, went through Acoma Pueblo, then did the Jemez Mountain back road through the Zia and Jemez Pueblos, to Jemez Springs where we arrived just as the springs closed. On to Bandolier and Los Alamos, ending at Gabriels. It was a fun day and a full one. We thought of you and sent good thoughts on and off all day as you climbed higher and higher toward your goal. Happy climbing, Jon. We're sending you all love and wishes for a beautiful sight at the top. Love, Hat

Marty and Phyllis

HarriettR — Fri, 02/20/2009 - 04:46

Hi Marty and Phyllis,
We are all thinking of you with love and admiration as you make the trek to the top. Keep up the good work! Enjoy, Harriett

Marty and Phyllis

etccanf — Fri, 02/20/2009 - 13:43

Hi guys! We had lunch with you at Giraffe Manor just before your flight to Tanzania. Have been following your incredible adventure. Way to Go!!! We just know you'll make it. You've got the SPIRIT! All the best! Lin and Phil Canfield

wine

linda-1 — Fri, 02/20/2009 - 14:01

To ALL 09'er's- savor each moment, no matter how difficult it seems now, the memories will be forever. Terry- i'm thinking about you-
Marty and Phyllis your attitudes are truly inspiring! Matt- don't worry we didn't drink ALL the red wine, we had to leave enough for our next "hot-tub" get together with Char! THis adventure WILL change your lives- prayers for all of you, one step at a time.
linda #1

Daddy

cflanigan — Fri, 02/20/2009 - 17:27

Dear Daddy, we miss you very much and hope you are having a lot of fun. I had swimming today and we worked on the butterfly and holding our breaths under water. It was a lot of fun. Im sewing an adorable sundress for Annalie and one to match for me. Aubrey is going bowling tonight and having a sleepover, Ahhhhhh pray for me!I have dance tonight with Hannah because Kayla had a little cold, but don't worry. Me, mom, Aubrey, Kayla, Logan and Aunt Alisa went skiing last night it was so much fun but really really really cold, and windy. Today is Logans birthday and is getting his permit. The roads are not safe with him driving. Just got the e-mail you sent us thanks and we all love you very much don't forget to put one foot in front of the other and good luck.

Love Teagan

Hi Matt

PatrickRobinAnnalie — Fri, 02/20/2009 - 18:45

It's strange to think about summit night coming up soon...so many memories come flooding back...remember, you did it once and you can do it again. Almost there.
Love,
Patrick and Robin

HI MATT

MaryAPal — Sat, 02/21/2009 - 17:06

Greetings from sunny Ft. Myers from Riedmans & MAP. wE ARE FOLLOWING YOUR PROGRESS with interest & rooting & praying for all of you!
Love, MAP

To all

PatrickRobinAnnalie — Sat, 02/21/2009 - 20:16

Almost there. Can't wait to talk with you later by phone. You are all in our hearts. And think about this: When you come back and face a challenge, you can always say, "Hey, I climbed Kili. I can do this." Done that many, many times. Love, Robin