30 July 1999

The first half of an incredible journey has come to an end. From high on Africa, we have now descended to around 900m asl and will shortly be driving to Kenya for the second half of our expedition.

As I sit here, I can reflect on the most amazing incidences of courage and determination I have seen in a long time. During the past week, we have been witness to some of the most extraordinary feats of heroism from members of our group who have had to overcome personal hurdles and physical obstacles placed there by the highest mountain in Africa. It has proven to once again be a mystical and irrefutable fact of Africa and life, that those who are not afraid to venture to the limits of their abilities, are most likely to grow in the face of adversity, to a point where they can be openly humbled by themselves.

High on Africa is going very well. Dawie and I have had a chance to gather our thoughts on Mt. Kenya and we have both agreed that the expedition has taken on a different meaning for us having succeeded in clearing the first obstacle. There is no longer the subtle thoughts of the next mountain and there is no longer something else to replace the inevitable. Mt. Kenya starts tomorrow.

Our next transmission will be from Kenya as we will spend our first night in Nairobi, capital of Kenya.

As Kilimanjaro recedes into the rising mist, I'd like to once again congratulate every single member of the Kilimanjaro section of High On Africa. You have made us realise that the spirit of Africa and the relentless striving to higher things, are both noble and inseparable. Thank you.