my first hike was 65 miles long

My first hike was 65 miles long. Up the side of a mountain.

A year ago, I climbed Kilimanjaro –19,341 feet. I learned some things.

I learned how much other people matter. Trust your guides, believe in your partners.

I learned how important water is. 4 liters a day will keep you alive, hiking through a pouring rainforest can be… interesting.

I remembered how to be an animal. Turning off the brain can be liberating.

I learned how to climb a mountain. Slowly - putting one foot in front of another.

I learned what birds already know. Nothing else lives above 13,000 feet.

I learned to appreciate details. A bowl of warm wash water in a hailstorm can keep you walking for a long time.

I learned that I can change at every waypoint. Human, dancer, dreamer, conservationist, whatever.

I learned that I’m strong. Coming from farm stock is a good thing.

I learned that everything heals. Blisters, spider bites, broken noses.

I learned a little bit of Swahili. And what a beautiful language it is.

I learned that love shows up everywhere. It sometimes comes in the form of rocks and oxygen tanks.

I learned that humans are incredible. Wisdom doesn’t look how you think.

I learned some monkeys like digging up potatoes.

I learned that there are cold deserts.

I learned about ancient glacial lakes. That won’t be there in 50 years.

I learned that I am not very good at indiegogo fundraising. But that there is ALWAYS time to learn…anything.

I climbed to raise money for an African rhino sanctuary. Now is a chance to remember and honor that commitment.

I believe in living. Here are some people saving different endangered animal species: climbforconservation.org | Mkomozi Sanctuary

A year ago, I went for my first hike. I haven’t been hiking since.

But if you have a mountain in mind, let me know. I’m game.

Thanks!