Dear Friends,
I have arrived at my base in Moshi. It is the Keys Hotel. Very fancy colonial tropical style with swimming pool. Luxury for me. I will stay here tonight and also the night of the 21st when I return from Kilimanjaro. I hope, God willing, I can return with the prize of the first of the Seven Summits and a personal altitude record. If I reach the summit I will claim 1,000 mts higher than I have ever been before. I will take with me the ASAP T-shirt for the summit photo, God willing.
Later I must meet with two South African fellow climbers who will, along with the guide and porters, comprise the team.
I got some new sandals to use on the pre-snow approach trek.
Best Wishes
Andy
Tuesday, 14 February 2012
LEADERSHIP TEMPLATE
Dear Friends,
My leadership template will be cronstructed from a number of source examples:
1. Abraham Lincoln - He taught himself military strategy from scratch only after the Civil War began.
2. Teddy Roosevelt - The great outdoorsman and man of courage and ideas.
3. Ronald Reagan - The Great Communicator who was modest and genial.
4. General 'Stonewall' Jackson - Great man of faith and courage.
Best Wishes
Andy
My leadership template will be cronstructed from a number of source examples:
1. Abraham Lincoln - He taught himself military strategy from scratch only after the Civil War began.
2. Teddy Roosevelt - The great outdoorsman and man of courage and ideas.
3. Ronald Reagan - The Great Communicator who was modest and genial.
4. General 'Stonewall' Jackson - Great man of faith and courage.
Best Wishes
Andy
REACHED MOSHI = KILI ATTEMPT
Dear Friends,
I have reached Moshi, base camp town for climbing Kilimanjaro. My try to climb the mountain is on. This afternoon I will check into the KEYS MAIN HOTEL which will be base and gear dump while I am on the mountain. We set off on the Whiskey route tomorrow morning. I will have two companions from South Africa as well as the guide, cook and porters. It is not cheap to climb Kilimanjaro. I expect to be here only once, so it is now or never to the seven summits bid.
Itinerary:
14th - Meet at the Keys Hotel in Moshi - dinner + overnight.
15th - To Machame camp
16th - Shira camp
17th - Barranco camp
18th Karanga Valley camp
19th - Barafu camp
20th - Summit bid + Mweka camp
21st - Return to Keys Hotel
22nd - Check out
Best Wishes
Andy
I have reached Moshi, base camp town for climbing Kilimanjaro. My try to climb the mountain is on. This afternoon I will check into the KEYS MAIN HOTEL which will be base and gear dump while I am on the mountain. We set off on the Whiskey route tomorrow morning. I will have two companions from South Africa as well as the guide, cook and porters. It is not cheap to climb Kilimanjaro. I expect to be here only once, so it is now or never to the seven summits bid.
Itinerary:
14th - Meet at the Keys Hotel in Moshi - dinner + overnight.
15th - To Machame camp
16th - Shira camp
17th - Barranco camp
18th Karanga Valley camp
19th - Barafu camp
20th - Summit bid + Mweka camp
21st - Return to Keys Hotel
22nd - Check out
Best Wishes
Andy
Sunday, 12 February 2012
ACROSS THE SERENGETI
Dear Friends,
Today, Sunday 12th February 2012, I crossed the Serengeti National Park by bus to arrive in Arusha town. The bus ride began in Musoma at 5:30 am and took 12 and a half hours. The journey was broken by a few 10 min stops to enhance the coffers of the National Parks service. $50 entry fees per Park were added to the bus ticket price. On route a tyre punctures and the bus people spent one hour changing it. I survived the ride with only a packet of biscuits and a can of Cole.
There were many wild animals to be seen. This included my first Wilderbeest. Stupidly I was dozing when there was a Lion to be seen. Many Zebra, Elephant, Giraffe. Antelope and Ostrich. I am getting used to see animals in the wild now. The Maasai I have seen so far are not as impressive as the Samburu. Will see.
Tomorrow I will set out to cycle to Moshi town.
Best Wishes
Andy 'Chacha'
Today, Sunday 12th February 2012, I crossed the Serengeti National Park by bus to arrive in Arusha town. The bus ride began in Musoma at 5:30 am and took 12 and a half hours. The journey was broken by a few 10 min stops to enhance the coffers of the National Parks service. $50 entry fees per Park were added to the bus ticket price. On route a tyre punctures and the bus people spent one hour changing it. I survived the ride with only a packet of biscuits and a can of Cole.
There were many wild animals to be seen. This included my first Wilderbeest. Stupidly I was dozing when there was a Lion to be seen. Many Zebra, Elephant, Giraffe. Antelope and Ostrich. I am getting used to see animals in the wild now. The Maasai I have seen so far are not as impressive as the Samburu. Will see.
Tomorrow I will set out to cycle to Moshi town.
Best Wishes
Andy 'Chacha'
Saturday, 11 February 2012
IS HE A WITCH DOCTOR?
Dear Friends,
Yesterday, Friday 10th, I cycled from Tarime to within 18kms of Mosoma. Daylight defeated me and I thought it best to call it a day at the first opportunity of a wild camp. My idea was to wait out the night in my gortex bivi-bag. In these warm conditions it is comfortable to use sans sleeping-bag.
I found an enticing Lake, maybe 175 mts in circumference. One or two people milling about collecting water in their buckets. I pushed the bike around the Lake to a secluded spot, I thought. However I soon drew a crowd of 20 or 30 people who oggled me as I ate some malt loaf. I met english speaker Edward. One lady wanted to know if I was a 'Witch Doctor'. She was concerned I may 'do something to the water'.
Edward advised me of a local guest house and led me to the village. I checked in for $4 for the night. I bought a Tusker beer for myself and one for Edward.
The whole day I had eaten on a little bread, banana and biscuits. I was kept going by numerous sugary sodas along the road. The road was up and down. The highlight was crossing the bridge over the MARA river. I saw a couple of log canoes on the bank. The MARA is one of the two rivers crossed by the mass migration of the Wilderbeest.
Before going to bed I was caught on the hop when I was asked if I wanted company for the night.
Best Wishes
Andy
Yesterday, Friday 10th, I cycled from Tarime to within 18kms of Mosoma. Daylight defeated me and I thought it best to call it a day at the first opportunity of a wild camp. My idea was to wait out the night in my gortex bivi-bag. In these warm conditions it is comfortable to use sans sleeping-bag.
I found an enticing Lake, maybe 175 mts in circumference. One or two people milling about collecting water in their buckets. I pushed the bike around the Lake to a secluded spot, I thought. However I soon drew a crowd of 20 or 30 people who oggled me as I ate some malt loaf. I met english speaker Edward. One lady wanted to know if I was a 'Witch Doctor'. She was concerned I may 'do something to the water'.
Edward advised me of a local guest house and led me to the village. I checked in for $4 for the night. I bought a Tusker beer for myself and one for Edward.
The whole day I had eaten on a little bread, banana and biscuits. I was kept going by numerous sugary sodas along the road. The road was up and down. The highlight was crossing the bridge over the MARA river. I saw a couple of log canoes on the bank. The MARA is one of the two rivers crossed by the mass migration of the Wilderbeest.
Before going to bed I was caught on the hop when I was asked if I wanted company for the night.
Best Wishes
Andy
ME TO CROSS THE SERENGETI
Dear Friends,
I am broadcasting live from Mosoma in northern Tanzania. I reached this town at 9:00am this morning Saturday 11th February 2012. I have now purchased a bus ticket to Arusha. God willing, tomorrow I will cross the Serengeti National Park and the Ngorongoro Crater Controlled Area. Uncrowned King of Africa may bag the remaining two of the big five. Lion and Cheetah. I already have Buffalo, Elephant and Rhino. I have a window seat on this spectacular journey through Africa. Bus to depart at 5:30am tomorrow morning.
I am living the dream because I had the guts to do so. Follow me, all who seek.
Best Wishes
Andy
I am broadcasting live from Mosoma in northern Tanzania. I reached this town at 9:00am this morning Saturday 11th February 2012. I have now purchased a bus ticket to Arusha. God willing, tomorrow I will cross the Serengeti National Park and the Ngorongoro Crater Controlled Area. Uncrowned King of Africa may bag the remaining two of the big five. Lion and Cheetah. I already have Buffalo, Elephant and Rhino. I have a window seat on this spectacular journey through Africa. Bus to depart at 5:30am tomorrow morning.
I am living the dream because I had the guts to do so. Follow me, all who seek.
Best Wishes
Andy
Friday, 10 February 2012
ANDREW 'CHACHA' in Tanzania
Dear Friends,
This morning I was dubbed ANDREW 'CHACHA' by the KURYA TRIBE. 'CHACHA' mean to watch & look as an an explorer. It is a great honor for me.
I am also the first ever visitor to the Tanzania Synod of the Methodist Church.
In the UK you can simply call me the MAHATMA or GREAT SOUL.
It is 8:55am Tanzania time, I am broadcasting from Tarime in northern Tanzania. I will begin my cycle to Musoma shortly. 74kms, should be fun.
Best Wishes
Andy
This morning I was dubbed ANDREW 'CHACHA' by the KURYA TRIBE. 'CHACHA' mean to watch & look as an an explorer. It is a great honor for me.
I am also the first ever visitor to the Tanzania Synod of the Methodist Church.
In the UK you can simply call me the MAHATMA or GREAT SOUL.
It is 8:55am Tanzania time, I am broadcasting from Tarime in northern Tanzania. I will begin my cycle to Musoma shortly. 74kms, should be fun.
Best Wishes
Andy
Thursday, 9 February 2012
IN GOOD HANDS
Dear Friends,
I am in the good hands of Bishop Leopold and Rev Stephen in Tarime in northern Tanzania. They greeted me and gave me hospitality.
Tomorrow I am going to cycle from Tarime to Musoma a journey of 70 kms. Should be fun.
On Saturday I will get a bus into Serengeti Nat Park and beyond to Arusha and Moshi. Moshi for the 'Whiskey' route up Kili.
Catch you later.
Best Wishes
Andy
I am in the good hands of Bishop Leopold and Rev Stephen in Tarime in northern Tanzania. They greeted me and gave me hospitality.
Tomorrow I am going to cycle from Tarime to Musoma a journey of 70 kms. Should be fun.
On Saturday I will get a bus into Serengeti Nat Park and beyond to Arusha and Moshi. Moshi for the 'Whiskey' route up Kili.
Catch you later.
Best Wishes
Andy
THANKYOU TO MY FRIENDS IN KISUMU
Dear Friends,
I would like to thank my friend Rev. Beatrice of Mombassa and recently Kisumu for hosting my sojourn in Kisumu. She was brilliant and looked after me well. Her cooking is excellent. Thanks also to the whole Methodist Church community in Kisumu. Particularly Chairman William who worked tirelessly on my behalf. To my adopted sons in Kisumu I say good luck this year and God willing I will see you next year. My good friends Kingsley, David and especially little Gift Emanuelle. It is Gift who was afraid I would eat him. He is two and a half years old. Hopefully next year we will go fishing on Lake Victoria after I travel down from the north.
Best Wishes
Andrew
I would like to thank my friend Rev. Beatrice of Mombassa and recently Kisumu for hosting my sojourn in Kisumu. She was brilliant and looked after me well. Her cooking is excellent. Thanks also to the whole Methodist Church community in Kisumu. Particularly Chairman William who worked tirelessly on my behalf. To my adopted sons in Kisumu I say good luck this year and God willing I will see you next year. My good friends Kingsley, David and especially little Gift Emanuelle. It is Gift who was afraid I would eat him. He is two and a half years old. Hopefully next year we will go fishing on Lake Victoria after I travel down from the north.
Best Wishes
Andrew
IN TANZANIA - IT IS DIFFERENT
Dear Friends,
A couple of hours ago I crossed in to Tanzania. It is different to Kenya. Less english spoken, one or two outstretched hands. More traditional mud huts by the road. Different currency to get my head round. Ive changed $270 to Tanzania Shillings. Border crossing was easy. Just cycled 18km to the town of Tarime. In Tarime I am scheduled to meet Bishop Leopold of the Methodist Church.
I must strike out hard tomorrow to get close to Serengeti Park entrance at Ikuma Gate. There is the chance tomorrow to visit Julius Nyrari museum. Will see.
Best Wishes
Andy
A couple of hours ago I crossed in to Tanzania. It is different to Kenya. Less english spoken, one or two outstretched hands. More traditional mud huts by the road. Different currency to get my head round. Ive changed $270 to Tanzania Shillings. Border crossing was easy. Just cycled 18km to the town of Tarime. In Tarime I am scheduled to meet Bishop Leopold of the Methodist Church.
I must strike out hard tomorrow to get close to Serengeti Park entrance at Ikuma Gate. There is the chance tomorrow to visit Julius Nyrari museum. Will see.
Best Wishes
Andy
Wednesday, 8 February 2012
OBJECTIVES in TANZANIA
Dear Friends,
I could be out of internet for next day or so. Will be setting out at 5:30 am Thursday (East Africa time) to get to the Tanzania border post. Then I will be traveling as a free spirit on the road again. I will have about 3 weeks or so in Tanzania. Objectives in Tanzania:
1. To log Tanzania as a new country to me
2. To clock up some bicycle miles
3. To cross the Serengeti
4. Maybe visit Ngorongoro Crater
5. To meet the Masai warriors in their true surroundings
6. To make contact with Wild Frontiers Ltd.. on the ground
7. To attempt to climb Kilimanjaro via the 'Whiskey' route.
8. To have a slug of Whiskey on the summit
9. To broadcast from the summit.
10. Possibly to cross the Masai Steppe, maybe
11. To cycle in Dar es Salam and so bag another Capital city
12. To reach Zanzibar by ferry.
Best Wishes
Andy
I could be out of internet for next day or so. Will be setting out at 5:30 am Thursday (East Africa time) to get to the Tanzania border post. Then I will be traveling as a free spirit on the road again. I will have about 3 weeks or so in Tanzania. Objectives in Tanzania:
1. To log Tanzania as a new country to me
2. To clock up some bicycle miles
3. To cross the Serengeti
4. Maybe visit Ngorongoro Crater
5. To meet the Masai warriors in their true surroundings
6. To make contact with Wild Frontiers Ltd.. on the ground
7. To attempt to climb Kilimanjaro via the 'Whiskey' route.
8. To have a slug of Whiskey on the summit
9. To broadcast from the summit.
10. Possibly to cross the Masai Steppe, maybe
11. To cycle in Dar es Salam and so bag another Capital city
12. To reach Zanzibar by ferry.
Best Wishes
Andy
CAN I BROADCAST FROM THE ROOF OF AFRICA?
Dear Friends,
My dream is to start the Seven Summits. Can I reach the summit of Kilimanjaro in the next two weeks or so? If God wills it, I can, very much so.
I have the excellent company of RAMBLERS WORLDWIDE HOLIDAYS and WILD FRONTIERS Ltd of Johannesburg. The prospects are good. It will need guts and determination and luck and force of will. But victory is at hand. I just have to reach out and grasp it like an apple from the tree.
Can I broadcast by mobile phone from the roof of Africa?
Best Wishes
Andy
My dream is to start the Seven Summits. Can I reach the summit of Kilimanjaro in the next two weeks or so? If God wills it, I can, very much so.
I have the excellent company of RAMBLERS WORLDWIDE HOLIDAYS and WILD FRONTIERS Ltd of Johannesburg. The prospects are good. It will need guts and determination and luck and force of will. But victory is at hand. I just have to reach out and grasp it like an apple from the tree.
Can I broadcast by mobile phone from the roof of Africa?
Best Wishes
Andy
WOULD-BE RAIDER ON THE ROOF OF THE WORLD
Dear Friends,
There is such a thing as the Seven Summits. God willing, I can go to Kilimanjaro and if permitted I can strike the summit and set a new personal altitude record in the process. I must reach Moshi by the 15th, with God's help. I will be raider on the roof of Africa. One of the Seven Summits could be in Andrew's pocket in two weeks time, God willing.
Thankyou to RAMBLERS WORLDWIDE HOLIDAYS of the UK and WILD FRONTIERS LTD of Johannesburg, South Africa. M. of RWWHs I owe you a debt beyond imagination. You believed in me when others did not.
God willing, 'Whiskey' route here I come. I love the mountain environments. The Whiskey route is the finest most beautiful on Kili.
Best Wishes
Andy
There is such a thing as the Seven Summits. God willing, I can go to Kilimanjaro and if permitted I can strike the summit and set a new personal altitude record in the process. I must reach Moshi by the 15th, with God's help. I will be raider on the roof of Africa. One of the Seven Summits could be in Andrew's pocket in two weeks time, God willing.
Thankyou to RAMBLERS WORLDWIDE HOLIDAYS of the UK and WILD FRONTIERS LTD of Johannesburg, South Africa. M. of RWWHs I owe you a debt beyond imagination. You believed in me when others did not.
God willing, 'Whiskey' route here I come. I love the mountain environments. The Whiskey route is the finest most beautiful on Kili.
Best Wishes
Andy
THE YEAR OF LIVING DANGEROUSLY
Dear Friends,
For me 2012 will go down in history as 'the year of living dangerously'. We have:
1. Across the Equator to Zanzibar
2. Communing with Cheetahs
3. Possible close encounter with Lion
4. Possible new altitude record on Kili, God willing.
5. Crossing of the remaining Tour de France Cols. The Galibiere, Izourd, Alp du Huez and Mt Ventoux. God willing.
6. RAGBRAI ...500 mile crossing of Iowa in baking summer heat of the mid-west.
7. Possible Polish Tatra trek
8. Taming the slide show audiences.
9. Travelling to the bandit country of northern Kenya.
10. Drinking blood with the Samburu.
11. Meeting the snakes of East Africa.
12. Charming the audiences of Ross - A Dramatic Portrait.
13. Travelling cattle class with the budget airlines.
14. Making friends with the Maasai warriors.
Best Wishes
Andy
For me 2012 will go down in history as 'the year of living dangerously'. We have:
1. Across the Equator to Zanzibar
2. Communing with Cheetahs
3. Possible close encounter with Lion
4. Possible new altitude record on Kili, God willing.
5. Crossing of the remaining Tour de France Cols. The Galibiere, Izourd, Alp du Huez and Mt Ventoux. God willing.
6. RAGBRAI ...500 mile crossing of Iowa in baking summer heat of the mid-west.
7. Possible Polish Tatra trek
8. Taming the slide show audiences.
9. Travelling to the bandit country of northern Kenya.
10. Drinking blood with the Samburu.
11. Meeting the snakes of East Africa.
12. Charming the audiences of Ross - A Dramatic Portrait.
13. Travelling cattle class with the budget airlines.
14. Making friends with the Maasai warriors.
Best Wishes
Andy
KILIMANJARO ON THE HORIZON
Dear Friends,
God willing I can attempt to reach the summit of Kilimanjaro at 5,800 mts. Highest peak in Africa. Highest free standing peak in the world. One of the fabled seven summits. I will try my hardest to reach the top. It will be tough, it will be painful, it at times will be agony. I know these feelings well. I do not fear them. God willing I will go for that summit and set a new personal altitude record. Breaking the record by 1,000 mts.
I hope to go to the summit with a fine company called WILD FRONTIERS Ltd. of Joburg, South Africa. With thanks to Michael H. at my company of RAMBLERS WORLDWIDE HOLIDAYS of Lemsford, Welwyn Garden City in the UK.
My attempt will be from the Tanzania side on a route known popularly as the 'Whiskey' route. It is the most scenic route on Kili. Maybe, I can broadcast by mobile phone from the summit, God willing, we will see.
Will reach northern Tanzania tomorrow by noon. There are many challenges still to face before Kili is reached. I pray God is with me and He will guide me to The Way.
Best Wishes
Andy
God willing I can attempt to reach the summit of Kilimanjaro at 5,800 mts. Highest peak in Africa. Highest free standing peak in the world. One of the fabled seven summits. I will try my hardest to reach the top. It will be tough, it will be painful, it at times will be agony. I know these feelings well. I do not fear them. God willing I will go for that summit and set a new personal altitude record. Breaking the record by 1,000 mts.
I hope to go to the summit with a fine company called WILD FRONTIERS Ltd. of Joburg, South Africa. With thanks to Michael H. at my company of RAMBLERS WORLDWIDE HOLIDAYS of Lemsford, Welwyn Garden City in the UK.
My attempt will be from the Tanzania side on a route known popularly as the 'Whiskey' route. It is the most scenic route on Kili. Maybe, I can broadcast by mobile phone from the summit, God willing, we will see.
Will reach northern Tanzania tomorrow by noon. There are many challenges still to face before Kili is reached. I pray God is with me and He will guide me to The Way.
Best Wishes
Andy
Tuesday, 7 February 2012
STROKING A FULL GROWN CHEETAH
Dear Friends,
This morning I went with Rev. Beatrice to the Impala Sanctuary. It was extraordinary. $15 to enter for a non-Kenya, 150 KNS for a national. It proved to be great value for money and time.
I saw two Ostrich close up, and I now know that my ambition to ride on an Ostrich is very much possible. Where and when, I am not sure. But, God willing, it will happen in Africa at some point in the future. I saw how powerful and strong they are. I think I could do it. I will have to undergo some training, but it is possible.
We saw Water Buffalo, Lion, Leopard, Monkey etc. The highlight was going into the pen of the Cheetah and stroking their head and paw. There was two Cheetah. They were very relaxed, but you must keep them busy mentally. The Cheetah is the big cat of least danger to humans. We took photos and video.
Later we walked among Impala antelopes. Very beautiful animals.
A priceless outting for us to treasure in our memory.
Best Wishes
Andy
This morning I went with Rev. Beatrice to the Impala Sanctuary. It was extraordinary. $15 to enter for a non-Kenya, 150 KNS for a national. It proved to be great value for money and time.
I saw two Ostrich close up, and I now know that my ambition to ride on an Ostrich is very much possible. Where and when, I am not sure. But, God willing, it will happen in Africa at some point in the future. I saw how powerful and strong they are. I think I could do it. I will have to undergo some training, but it is possible.
We saw Water Buffalo, Lion, Leopard, Monkey etc. The highlight was going into the pen of the Cheetah and stroking their head and paw. There was two Cheetah. They were very relaxed, but you must keep them busy mentally. The Cheetah is the big cat of least danger to humans. We took photos and video.
Later we walked among Impala antelopes. Very beautiful animals.
A priceless outting for us to treasure in our memory.
Best Wishes
Andy
WILL MOVE IN THE NEXT 24 HOURS VERY QUICKLY
Dear Friends,
Whether it be by boat, or bus, I will move very soon on route to Tanzania. Keep watching this space.
Best Wishes
Andy
Whether it be by boat, or bus, I will move very soon on route to Tanzania. Keep watching this space.
Best Wishes
Andy
AIRCRAFTSMAN SHAW IN NORTHWICH - 1934
Dear Friends,
Research into 'Aircraftsman Shaw in Northwich - March 1934' is coming along well. We believe we have an eye witness, alive in Northwich, who saw and waved to Lawrence as he sailed down the River Weaver on board the 'Aquarius'. This gentleman is now 90 years old. I will interview him when I get home to UK.
Best Wishes
Andy
Research into 'Aircraftsman Shaw in Northwich - March 1934' is coming along well. We believe we have an eye witness, alive in Northwich, who saw and waved to Lawrence as he sailed down the River Weaver on board the 'Aquarius'. This gentleman is now 90 years old. I will interview him when I get home to UK.
Best Wishes
Andy
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