"Everyman's Everest"

Here's an article from the Wall Street Journal about climbing Kilimanjaro.  Don't be deceived by the title of the article...they go on to say that only 40% of people who attempt to summit Kili actually make it.  Granted, that's a higher success rate than Everest, but still doesn't make it seem easy by any stretch of the imagination.

Everyman's Everest

I'm headed to Asheville, NC this weekend for a soccer tournament...I hope I can find time to get a short hike in between games!  That might be wishful thinking...

Until next time,

Sad things going on in East Africa...

Some crazy stuff is happening in Somalia.  Things there are as bad as they have been, ever.  They are in the midst of a massive drought, the worst drought they have seen in 60 years.  Currently, Southern Somalia is under the control of a radical group with ties to Al Queda.  Right now, it's considered the most dangerous place in the world for aid organizations.  So, they're in the middle of a drought, major famine, disease is rapidly spreading, and aid groups have fled because of the danger.  500,000 people are starving.  Literally starving.

Photo from NY Times

People are fleeing as much as they can into KENYA, where they are receiving some aid.  But it won't be enough.  This will be a disaster.  Pray for Somalia.  And the people. And the rebels. Pray for the aid groups and the doctors who are there risking their lives.  Pray for the U.N. so that we can get more aid, and food to the area.  Pray for rain. Pray for Kenya, so they can give as much aid as possible.
Photos from the NY Times
NY Times Article: "Somalis Waste Away as Insurgents Block Escape From Famine"

Female Hiker Breaks Record on the Appalachian Trail

So, a woman now holds the speed record for hiking the Appalachian Trail. Rad!

NY TIMES ARTICLE