In a few weeks, I’ll be traveling to Tanzania. It’s what is technically referred to as a “long-ass” trip, flying from Redmond to San Francisco to Doha and finally to Arusha. But not really finally, because then I hop in a taxi to Moshi, another hour away, where finally… FINALLY… I’ll meet up the other 12 good people climbing with me.
I’ve put together my packing list (your feedback welcomed) and reviewed it with a fellow Six-Pack of Peaks Challenger and Kilimanjaro alums Jason (watch the interview).
Summit Day
I leave for Tanzania in three weeks from today. We begin our 7-day trek on the Machame Route on Sunday, January 18th and our Summit Day starts in the wee hours of the morning on the 23rd, which is in…
I have three weeks to finalize my packing and wrap up my training.
“The word adventure has gotten overused. For me, when everything goes wrong – that’s when adventure starts” – Yvon Chouinard
Planning for Adventure
I don’t know if anyone has stumbled into an adventure up Mount Kilimanjaro. It’s the sort of adventure that requires loads of advance planning; budgeting expenses, booking flights, training, even meeting with my doctor.
Undoubtedly there will be surprises on this adventure. When experiencing anything for the first time, every step unveils something new and often unexpected, no matter how many YouTube videos you’ve watched or trip reports you’ve read.
Taking on an adventure like climbing Kilimanjaro requires a level of planning. It’s mostly a matter of prioritizing what matters to you. While plenty of people claim to love “outdoor adventure” (whatever that means), fewer take the necessary steps to prioritize adventure as part of their month-to-month, week-to-week, and day-to-day lives.
It’s part of why I created the Six-Pack of Peaks Challenge. The challenge involves committing yourself to adventure. Planning hikes that may require a full day (or two) up mountains that will test your body and spirit. There will be surprises, but you won’t stumble into completing it without at least a basic plan.
Cheers to an adventurous 2026!
Where is adventure calling you in the year ahead?