The final day had arrived. There was only one other team at camp and they were completing the last few kilometres in a vehicle. Alex explained that the risk of dangerous animals is high on this final section so most people drive. There was limited space in the vehicle, Alex had discussed with the ranger and we had approval to walk the final stretch. "We are concerned for you, ladies need their personal space and I am worried you will not be comfortable squashed with all these

It was early and I could Samson's voice saying "Amy are you inside, are you okay?" followed by him vigorously shaking my tent. This was not the usual gentle peaceful wake up call I had become accustomed to. "I need to untrap you Amy" he said as the shaking continued. I was half awake and unsure what was happening. He began to unzip my tent saying "Look Amy, we ordered a surprise for you - you went to sleep in Kenya and woke up in Canada!" I could hardly believe my eyes as I l

I began to hear shuffling around camp at 2.30am as the two other teams were getting ready - the sounds of endless zips, clips and sleeping bags being stuffed. I attempted to get more sleep but could not settle again. My alarm went off at 3am and I began layering up for the summit ahead. Alex had told me he wanted me to smother my toes, finger tips, nose and cheeks in vaseline as it provides extra insulation and protects from wind burn on your face. I laughed to myself at his

I slept perfectly though the night, luckily not disturbed by any rabies infected dogs or angry buffaloes. After breakfast, Alex led me out of camp following a steep incline. The altitude had already progressed to over 3000m which was clear with my elevated breathing. The mountain was quiet, with only one other team at the camp overnight. Alex would announce, "study time" when we encountered a new plant species and begin listing facts. Half way through his explaination of the

My alarm sounded at 6am and I struggled to emerge from the mass of pillows I'd wedged myself between. I moved around my room slowly and sleepily, checking I'd got all the essential kit in the right bags. Gerald assisted me with my luggage which had now increased to 3 bags, as I'd be leaving some items behind that I needed for the remainder of my adventure. I checked out with Mary and she offered for me to extend my stay at a reduced price, which frankly was tempting. My driv

Not all adventures begin as you dreamt. I stood staring in despair at the word "cancelled" that appeared on the flight departures board at Heathrow. It was now 11pm having waited here since 2pm for a flight scheduled to depart at 5pm. The flight had been delayed, the board increasing the delay by manageable hourly increments until the inevitable cancellation was announced. Naturally I catastrophised the situation, the irrational thoughts catalysed by my tired state. A flood o