We’re here and ready to go!
Hi everyone. I’ve been thrilled and moved by all the messages of support we’ve received over the last few days, and particularly pleased by the pieces of new music we’ve been sent. Thank you so much.
Every single one had something great to offer, and I really hope we can attach them to the videos while we’re on the mountain - technology permitting.
I’m writing this late at night in the hotel in Arusha, where we’re frantically packing and preparing all our gear for day 1 of the climb tomorrow.
We didn’t have the easiest journey over with flight delays, ‘challenging’ customs issues and luggage which made its own relaxed way here, but, apart from that, we’re getting there, and it’s going to be wonderful to be actually outside and walking.
There’s a real sense of anticipation within the group, which is marvellous to see, and a real sense of achievement of even getting this far.
We’re hoping to do a video blog tomorrow night, if we can’t tonight, but do keep posting and writing. You’ve no idea how much the group are taking heart from your support.
Cheers
Michael
July 6th, 2008 at 10:36 pm
Some Canadian friends of Greg Rinaldi writing here - we’ve been eagerly anticipating this project for all involved - the climbers and the crew! We’re excited to see the progress you all make and look forward to the culmination of all the hard work and preparation when you reach the summit!
Our prayers and thoughts are with you through your journey - looking forward to reading/hearing some updates over the days to come!
July 7th, 2008 at 8:31 am
It is really good to receive your updates, but I feel a bit selfish as it does seem difficult to contribute any meaningful comments in responding…you must be experiencing something very special and I can look on and imagine - which gives me a great deal… as I sit here eating my banana and sipping my cup of earl grey in the comfort of my home… I try and imagine what you might be up to, where you might be, the sense of achievement etc…it does give me a little window on somewhere else that appears differently in my minds eye, because of your blog, and I enjoy that…if that makes sense? Cats here are playing mad, as they do, doctor who regenerated into the same doctor and the English summer is raining…writing does require time and then gives time to reflect on much more, so go the blog, up the mountain onwards… thinking of you lots xx
July 7th, 2008 at 11:33 am
Well done, everyone. It sounds like you’ve overcome the travel difficulties, and are ready to go. I’d like to wish you all the best of luck on your adventure.
July 7th, 2008 at 11:13 pm
Michael, I had to take some student contemporary assessment resit exams today, so there I was in the dance studio where you wrote All the Garden Gold, taking the class, using nearly all your class music, so as I tried to say in my previous comment, there I was in ‘Walsall’ trying to picture you climbing with the group and wondering what other fab music you would write. Could you make sure there are some 7’s and 5’s and a bit of a good swing feel too!!!!!! Seriously it will be interesting to listen to the rhythm of Kilimanjaro once you have sourced it…I bet sleep is hard as there will be too much sound in your head , I bet the stars are great too.
July 8th, 2008 at 5:20 pm
Great initiative — best of luck, and keep rockin’!