Less Than a Year

by Isabelle Privé

As Andre pointed out in the previous message, we are now less than a year from the start of our expedition. Next year, at this time, we'll be living our adventure to the full and maybe even near the top.
When you think about it, one year may seem long .. or very short! Let's take a look at what we have to do before the big departure.

1. Signing the contract with ExPe; This step will be made this week or, at the latest, in mid-October! The signing of the contract (accompanied by the deposit) marks a significant milestone in our adventure. This is our formal commitment to the Kilimanjaro adventure!

2. Delivery of a health certificate, signed by a doctor, certifying that we can handle high altitudes. We have until December to return the form to Mathieu (EXPE). So that means we all need to see a doctor for a check-up.
3. There's a long vaccination list: tetanus, polio, measles, hepatitis A & B, typhoid, diphtheria, yellow fever, malaria, cholera. Hours of fun! I can't wait to eat all those bugs... mmmmm!
4. Passport. Make sure it's up to date, or, like me, get a new one (no, not everyone has a passport).
5. Equipment. Most of us have our hiking boots. It's a start. We also need: a warm coat, underwear, socks, sweaters ... all without cotton! Sleeping bag for -20 -30, backpack, water bottles, We don't have the list yet but you get the picture ...
6. Training, as a group - fifteen Sundays climbing the steps of Mount Royal are to come, a winter climb of Mont-Saint-Hilaire (to acclimate to the cold). The ascent of Mount Jefferson and part of Mount Washington next summer. Individually - well, for some it's jogging, gym for others. Up the stairs to the office, swimming, walking, cycling, different races ... in short, everything you can do to keep fit.
7. Financing: twenty financing activities - groceries, Casino night, gourmet dinner, chocolate production, Kili Fixes for afternoon craves.
8. Volunteering: we'll continue to give our time throughout the year to Accueil Bonneau, Hôpital Sainte-Justine Children's Miracle Network, Run for the Cure .... our mandate is at least one volunteer activity per month.
When you look at the list, one year, it doesn't seem long at all ... it looks very very short!


Translated by Pamela Gauvin