Shopping Spree - Calculators Needed

By Isabelle Privé

Last night, we had a rendez-vous with our coach-guide-partner, Mathieu Fleury from ExPé, in a sporting goods shop in order to look at the equipment we'll need for the Kilimanjao expedition. At the same time, Mathieu gave us each a file with all the information about the trip - from obtaining a visa for Tanzania, to medication and vaccinations, to details about each day of the trip. Enough to fill our dreams for the next 10 months!

We were able to visit the entire shop and see all the equipment necessary for such an endeavor. Cotton is to be avoided at all costs and the many-layered fashion is essential. That means a thin layer, an intermediate layer and a Goretex style coat, as well as a down-lined coat for the evening. We really appreciated Mathieu showing us all the alternatives in a complete range of prices.

Another step completed in our preparation As our guide says, it's time to turn our words into actions.

We all left with our calculators in hand. Those of the Kili team who are shopping specialists are already working hard to find the best deals.

One thing is certain, Father Christmas is going to receive 19 lists very, very soon.









  Translated by Pamela Gauvin

Hiking on Mont Brassard

By Isabelle Privé

On Saturday, October 15, Team Kili-2012 got together on Mont Brassard which is in the Sept Chutes Regional Park, Lanaudière.

Environment Canada forecast 13 degrees, rain and winds gusting up to 70 km/hour. A perfect test for us and our equipment.

And what a day we had! Wind and rain. We even had hail. Put your hands together for Mother Nature for providing perfect conditions to challenge us. Put on your hat and gloves, take them off again, take off your jacket .....oops, put it on again, it's raining. We can't stop for long - when you're walking you get hot, when you stop, you freeze. Watch out for puddles, be careful where you put your feet.

The great thing about a day like this - the wonderful surprises. A ray of sunshine; a family of grey jays eating out of our hands; breathtaking views; laughter; helping each other; the satisfaction of succeeding. And last but not least - a good supper together afterwards.

Thanks to Julie for introducing us to this magnificent mountain which surprises us at each bend in the path with its views, its waterfalls and its lakes.

Translated by Pamela Gauvin

Point of No Return

By Isabelle Privé


Team Kili-2012 has just passed an important mile-stone.

October 15 was the cut-off date for joining the Kilimanjaro adventure. It's now official and the members of Team Kili-2012 have reached the point of no return.

Out of 33, the remaining 19 members will leave for Kilimanjaro next September.

Our thanks to all those who have travelled part of the way with us but, for different reasons, are unable to continue. A special thanks to Geneviève and Julie for their important and assiduous implication. They reached their personal pinacle. That too is part of the journey.

Pour the rest of the team, the first part of the journey is over and we are beginning the count-down to our departure - for real!

Translated by Pamela Gauvin