Wild at Heart Safaris

During the morning of the 18^th of September 2009, a group of 21 women arrived at the International Airport of Namibia. Their aim was to walk 100 kilometres in the desolate but ruggedly beautiful Damaraland. Funds raised by this ambitious trek will be used to assist less privileged people in the UK to gain economic independence by setting up their own businesses.

Following is an account of this walk as seen through the eyes of Kobus Alberts, guide of Wild at Heart Safaris.

One by one the women that would join us on the trek came through the sliding door at the International Airport of Namibia. Fiona and Lynne, the organisers of this event were known to me, so the greeting was full of smiles and happiness to see each other again. As the other ladies came to join the group I could see different reactions in each face. There was confidence, Kate comes to mind. There was bewilderment, Mel comes to mind, and so it continued.

All 21 ladies eventually got onto the coach and the journey towards the Ugab River started in all earnest. At about 16:00 the coach arrived at the designated meeting place. Faan Oosthuisen of Kaurimbi Expeditions was waiting for us. Disembarking from the coach everyone got into Faan’s truck, and the next part of the journey started. About 6 Kilometres from our first camp, everyone disembarked and walked into camp.

Crossing plains covered mostly in gravel the group made good time, and all arrived alive but tired after their long trip.

Camp consisted of pitched tents, bright green toilet tents, and the kitchen next to the truck.

Clifton and Kennedy were busy preparing dinner, while the ladies got a chance to acquaint themselves with their surroundings.

After a lovely dinner, a general discussion was held on the route and how it is laid out. Albert Hays, our esteemed medic for the trip then had an in depth discussion about general health and hygiene in and around the camp.

As luck would have it, we were visited by a large Solifuge (Roman spider) as well as a splendid scorpion specimen, while sitting around the camp fire.

The first full day of walking started after a warm up session. The dune fields that lay ahead would be the first obstacle for this trek. As the group traversed the dune field, snakes and other interesting insects were found and discussed. Trees and other plant species were discussed as we came upon them.

At the first water break Faan left us a box with a Puff Adder inside. It was a very good specimen and very docile. Everyone got a good look at the Puff Adder before it was released into the wild again. As the day progressed the dunes became slightly higher and the day became slightly warmer. Walking to the top of the last high dune before lunch break, there was mostly silence in the group, as everyone was concentrating hard on their breathing and on keeping on walking.

Lunch was had under a canvas canopy and was a welcome relief for most of the ladies.

Leaving at 14:00 again, the heat was really on. At about 14:30 the temperature stood at 41 degrees Celsius. Due to the lack of any shade whatsoever, we had to keep walking, and eventually this heat took its toll.

Just below the next ridge the group found a tree with enough shade for about 8 ladies. Several ladies were not feeling too well, suffering from heat exhaustion so Albert decided to call in the roaming vehicle to assist us. “Mustang” Sally was one of several very strong walkers that had to bow her knees before the heat of Namibia.

The rest of the group continued walking, and found our camp for the night pitched under the shade of a huge Mopane tree. 

That night Albert had his first “clinic” of the trip, which were well visited by the ladies. Slowly but surely blisters were appearing. Luckily the ladies that had been evacuated during the afternoon were now in much better shape after a rest and the chance to cool down, so they could carry on with the rest of the trek.

The 2^nd day of walking started off by following a dry river course and then veering off into the mountains. A small hill was climbed to get a better view of the surrounding area. During this period several game species like ostrich, giraffe and oryx were spotted. The way to lunch would take us over a huge plain, which eventually will end in the hills before the Goantagab River.  Kate and Alex veered slightly off the designated route, but after realising they were totally alone in Namibia, eventually made it back to the group. Some believe they were just too keen and got lost others think that it was the guide’s little practical joke to send them in the wrong direction.  Who knows? (Laughter is food for the soul.)

After lunch we tackled the hill country. These “badlands” are very rugged and littered with sharp broken stones and rock. Luckily for us the weather played along, and a cool breeze from the West kept everyone cooler. On exiting the “badlands” we crossed a wide plain towards some granite outcrops on the horizon. The camp was splendidly hidden from view, so it came as quite a surprise when the ladies turned another corner and lo and behold, there was the most stunning camp they could ever have imagined.  The evening was overcast and a few rain drops were felt later in the night.

The last full day of walking lay ahead. The terrain would be the most challenging the group would experience so far. Contouring along mountain ridges, crossing dry river valleys was the order of the day. At one stage the group were slowly gaining height to a relatively high mountain ridge. Once on top of this “crocodile back ridge” the view was just spectacular. One could see for 360 degrees, yet see only the wildness of Damaraland. This was the time to take a few moments of stillness to reflect about the trip, reflect on the ones you love, and to reflect on life in general. For a few minutes every single person sat alone with his or her thoughts. The greyhounds of the soul were running free in this desolate, yet very beautiful place in Namibia. (Ironically the peace was rudely interrupted by 2 vehicles passing by, the only sign of other humans they had seen during the whole trek.)

Lunch was ready on our arrival, and everyone had a good meal. The last bit of the last full day started 13:45. Once again the weather was playing along, and it was overcast most of the day. Thankfully for us, because now we would venture into very rough country.  After having an earnest talk to the group about what lies ahead, we set off. Following mountain ridges we slowly made our way towards the Ugab River. We went down a very steep incline, and every single one of the ladies made it down. For a couple of metres we walked in a river bed, and then we climbed the next ridge. In a straight line from where we started and once we were out of the river bed again, it was only 50 metres. In total we must have walked about 2 kilometres to gain those 50 metres, but that is what walking in Damaraland is all about.  Finally, way down below, we could see camp, but to get there we once again had to go down a very steep hill. Walking in front of the group I could only imagine the number of “daggers” that were thrown in my direction. There were several very loud utterances of despair, probably anger, but once again every one made it down, alive.  Once inside camp, there was a tangible feeling of relief . Everyone was laughing a lot, there was amazement on other faces, and the anger soon turned to delight and pride.  That night around the campfire, the adventure of the day was relived and told by everyone.

The last half day saw us covering 15 Kilometres to the finish line and the coach back to Swakopmund. That evening everyone was unrecognisably “scrubbed up” and all enjoyed the Gala evening and sharing stories and memories.

100 Kilometre in 3 days and 6 hours. Not too bad at all I must admit. To have seen and experienced this committed trek across Damaraland, made me realise how much life there is to be lived.

Well done to Lynne and Fiona for organising this amazing event, and keeping up morale when it was most needed. Congratulations to the 21 ladies who each embraced their own Namibian Challenge, all for the good cause of Fredericks Foundation and to make a difference to the lives of people less fortunate.

Kobus Alberts

A Namibian | Wild at Heart Safaris

We are now over half way in our UK event season and we thought you’d like to know the latest from our recent events.  We still have Just Bike, Oxfam Trail Trekker Ireland and Maggies Night hike all up and coming so we can’t quite relax just yet.  We have jotted down some feedback from the two Barclays events in Manchester and London raising funds for UNICEF and the Capgemini Wild Challenge for the Prince’s Trust.

Barclays

Take one small step walk, Manchester 2009

 On Friday 4^thSeptember 75 walkers gathered in Castlefields arena for a 10 mile walk around Manchester city centre in aid of UNICEF education projects in Rwanda.  As it rained outside walkers prepared for their challenge under the shelter of the marquee and ate hot food from the stalls.  Live music was provided by the African group Group Lokita and they were accompanied by the African dancers ‘Afrocats’.  The walkers, including a fundraising gorilla and an enthusiastic frog, set off into the night at 7pm.  Having visited check points at Trafford Town Hall, Salford Quays, Albert Square and the Urbis the walkers started to arrive back to Castlefields from 10pm and all were back by 11.30pm.  The night was a huge success with walkers going forth despite the rain and the wind to raise funds for UNICEF.   

Barclays

Take one small step walk, London 2009

 On Friday 4^th September 75 walkers gathered in Potters Field, Central London for a 10 mile walk around the city in aid of UNICEF education projects in Rwanda.  As it rained outside walkers prepared for their challenge under the shelter of the marquee and ate hot food from the stalls.  The start was seen off by Rugby legend Matt Dawson and 6 Music presenter Gideon Coe. The walkers set off into the night at 7pm.  Having visited the sights and the challenges the walkers started to arrive back to Potters Fields from 10pm and all were back by 11.30pm.  The night was a huge success with over 400 walkers taking part.

Capgemini Wild Challenge 2009

 This weekend aw the third annual Capgemini Wild Challenge for Princes Trust. The race starts on the West Somerset Coast and weaves a spectacular route through the countryside to the South Devon Coast. Through 100 miles the teams take on orienteering, running, kayaking , mountain biking and many other challenges.

The event raised over £250,000 for the Trust and a record 210 participants took part. Event organisers Across the Divide would like to thank all the landowners and other supporters who generously helped make this another hugely successful challenge.

Know anyone gearing up for Komen for the Cure’s Arizona November 3-Day Breast Cancer walk? I’ll bet! It’s not cheap to register (gotta’ bring in a minimum of $2,200; Registration is $90) and it takes its toll, walking 60 miles a day. Yeah, I typed 60. Sixty. Mamma mia. But everyone I’ve met who has done this has felt incredible. It was life changing. And you don’t go from zero-to-sixty. You begin training, like so: Beginner Walker Training

Curious about more information? Here’s where you go: The Phoenix 3-Day

To Register, click here

Or, if actually walking isn’t for you, no worries. You can still help out! Have a look at this link for Crew & Volunteer Information:
Crew and Volunteers

Have you heard of the American Syringomyelia & Chiari Alliance Project? Me neither! But check this out:

The AZ Syringo & Chiari Support group is hosting the 2nd Annual Miracle Race for Mylee Grace on Sunday, September 20th, 2009 at Kiwanis Park in Tempe, Arizona. The event will consist of a 2 mile charity walk and activities after the main event. (100% of the proceeds for the race to to the Alliance Project.)

Check out more information here: MyleeGrace.com

To Register, go here: FirstGiving.com/cmsm

Location – SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 20TH:

View Larger Map

~All the best to Sara and Mylee Grace. I hope you all come out for this walk and enjoy the festivities!

Chiari Malformation (CM):

From ASAP.org:The Chiari malformation is an abnormality in the lower part of the brain called the cerebellum. There are several different forms. The most common type is the Chiari I malformation (CM) which this article addresses. Less commonly, it may be known as Arnold-Chiari malformation, tonsillar herniation or tonsillar ectopia. Most cases of Chiari are congenital, meaning they are present from birth.

In normal anatomy, the cerebellar tonsils are located just above this line called the foramen magnum. But in an individual with Chiari, the tonsils hang below the line (herniate) into the spinal canal. The degree to which the tonsils extend can vary tremendously.

Syringomyelia (SM):

From ASAP.org: SM is a chronic disorder involving the spinal cord. The condition occurs when cerebrospinal fluid (normally found outside of the spinal cord and brain) enters the interior of the spinal cord, forming a cavity known as a syrinx.

This syrinx often expands and elongates over time, destroying the center of the spinal cord. As the nerve fibers inside the spinal cord are damaged, a wide variety of symptoms can occur, depending upon the size and location of the syrinx.

Participant safety is paramount to Across the Divide and we are continuing to monitor the situation with regards to swine flu and its potential impact on our overseas events. At the time of writing the Foreign and Commonwealth Office is not advising against travel to any of the countries in which we operate however, should this advice change we will ensure that both charities and participants are kept informed, and will work with you to make suitable alternative arrangements.Please note that some airlines (most notably British Airways and Virgin Atlantic) will prevent passengers from boarding the plane if they are suspected of carrying the swine flu virus, and that medical screening facilities have been introduced at some international airports. Across the Divide strongly recommends that anyone suffering from flu-like symptoms prior to departure contacts the National Pandemic Flu Service (please refer to the website ) for advice.

Please refer to the Foreign and Commonwealth Office website for further information regarding swine flu overseas and do not hesitate to contact us on 01460 30456 should you have any further concerns.

Due to huge demand we have managed to secure some more seats on our Great Wall of China Challenge in April 2010.

Our China trek offers a truly unique experience. Not only is it a chance to visit one of the world’s most impressive historical sites but also, as a result of our local contacts, it offers a rare opportunity to trek and camp in a remote part of rural China and to experience local life in its most unspoilt state. In order to maximise the opportunities for interaction and learning about the local history and culture, a team of local translators support all our treks in China.  Join us now on this amazing charity challenge.

JUST EVENTS

Here are just a selection of some of the Just Charity Challenges we are running in 2009/2010

Just Bike is rapidly approaching, now just over 3 months away! We have over 20 charities actively promoting this event and lots more signing up.  Remember you can cycle for the charity of your choice and choose either the 50km or 100km route.  Find out more at Just Bike.

Just Walk 2010’s date has been set, 15 May 2010 and is promising to be our biggest one yet.  We are expecting over 1000 walkers so get yourself signed up on either the 10km, 20km, 40km or 60km route,  choose your charity – then away we go, it’s that easy, book your place now.

UK Three Peaks Challenge 21-23 August 2009.  An iconic British Challenge, as participants scale the three highest peaks in England, Wales and Scotland.  In total you will climb over 11,000ft of mountain within the target time of 36 hours – a lifetime experience and one to be immensely proud of.

Vietnam Trek 27 February – 8 March 2010.  A stunning trek in the remote region of Sapa.  Beautiful scenery and the chance to experience the culture of the local tribes makes this a fantastic challenge for any fundraiser. 

Pike Peak 19 – 29 November 2010.  This is a challenging trek through the most beautiful and remote parts of the Himalayas.  Our route is off the beaten track and allows access to hidden monasteries.  A wonderful sense of achievement as you reach the summit of Pike Peak.

For more details on the Just Events click here overseas or UK

Across the Divide managing director Mark Hannaford has just recently returned from carrying out a site visit to the east African country of Malawi

Malawi in one of the poorest nations in the world but inhabited seemingly by some of the world friendliest – their catch phrase is that they are the ‘sunny heart of Africa’ and my experiences seem to bear this out.   The scenery also exceeded my expectations with a great deal more variation than I expected from high but accessible mountains to verdant tea plantations as well as numerous small traditional African villages easily matching most people’s expectations of the ‘real’ Africa.   It is also a highly traditional country with a well established network of missions dating back to Livingstone’s age of exploration engaged in a wide range of community initiatives along with a number of enlightened tourism operators who have also established a wide network of charitable or CSR projects – one of Across the Divide’s area of growth.

There are a number of excellent trekking areas in both the south on Mount Mulange and to the north of the country near the Ntchisi  Forest Reserve which has the additional benefit of being only two hour’s drive from Lilongwe and which will, with further investigation, yield some excellent and worthwhile projects.   A wide range of water sports are available on Lake Malawi including multi day kayaking trips.  

Will we be including Malawi in out list of destinations – yes you bet we are.

Many thanks for to the Malawi Tourism Marketing Consortium for helping making the  in-country arrangements.

We have a new exciting job opportunity come up within our UK Events Team, for a challenge events coordinator.

The role is to assist the UK Events Director to plan and manage your own portfolio of UK based challenge events. You will be working within a team covering all details regards the creation, planning and delivery of a wide selection of charitable and corporate challenge events. 

The candidate must capable of managing projects, be able to walk and cycle for challenge route planning work, must have excellent communication skills, both verbal and written, be physically able to manoeuvre equipment when necessary and will need a high level of logistical ability.  A flexible working attitude, conscientiousness, good sense of humour and excellent attention to detail is essential.

Terms and Conditions

Hours – 9 to 5.30 with some out of hours and weekend work, especially during the summer season.  Leave entitlement – 20 days (restricted during peak periods).

Main Office Functions

 Planning and delivery of UK event series including:-

• All correspondence and liaising with authorities and landowners
• Liaison and negotiation with suppliers
• Collating elements of the logistical planning information
• Liaison with customers
• Preparation of presentation materials
• Making site visits, attending meetings and creating working planning documents
• Assisting the UK Event Director with all other aspects of planning and running the UK event series.

 Salary:

Basic salary £18K plus additional weekend work

Out of hours work is part of the job and included in the basic salary, however there is an additional basic daily rate for working on events on weekends. All expenses incurred while on ATD business are reimbursed.

 Location:

You will be based at the Across the Divide head office:

Across the Divide, Thorncombe Barn, Thorncombe, Chard, Somerset TA20 4PP

 The job will involve some planning and meetings work out of the office

 Please send CV with a covering letter to;

 Tony Ford, UK and Europe Director tony@acrossthedivide.com

Closing date for applications is Friday 5^th June 2009

We had such a fantastic time at the weekend on Just Walk here are just a few of the comments trickling in:

To date our walkers have raised £9868 so should get to the £10K mark which we are absolutely thrilled about.They all had a great day and some looked very happy by the photos, ending up in a most acceptable pub congratulating themselves on their efforts.  Caroline Brookes at TreeHouse charity

Every one of the Just Walk Team made me feel special all through the event – it was as though I was the only person that mattered to them.  Stevie Parker

But I truly want to congratulate you all on a fabulously arranged event leaving nothing to chance and we felt that you provided everything we could possibly need:  food, safety, company, a gorgeous route, well-signed, amazing back-up and encouragement – even the perfect walking day!  Katie Bizzey

Just had to let you know what a great day (and night) the Sutton Buttons (Rebecca Hawkins, Sue Whittle, Lorraine Backshall and myself) had on Saturday when did the 60K walk for our chosen charities.  We all agreed that the organisation, support and food was amazing.  Even the porta-loo’s were clean and stocked with toilet paper at every Power Station. It was great to see the marshals on route asking if we were OK and praising us for the great job we were doing, every member of the team who we came across at Power stations was so cheerful and supportive – they made us laugh and sent us on our way with a cheery smile and words of encouragement.  The team waiting for us at the finish line and cheering us on was fantastic.  So a big thank you to all the team at Just Walk. Maureen Pye

I would just like to say a big thank you to you all for a well organised walk, we were so glad of each power station and the encouragement that we received from all the staff and medics especially the power station after Bignor hill !!! Hehe although I was pleased that we made the 60km walk in just as it was getting dark cause those woods are quite scary ! I know my uncle would be very proud of us and we raised about £900 for our three charities.  So once again a big thank you.  Sheila, Glenn and Sarah (from Guernsey)

Join us in 2010

Saturday saw the third successful Just Walk  take place in the South Downs, West Sussex.  The one-day walking challenge saw over 700 people walking 10, 20, 40 or 60 kilometres fundraise for a charity of choice.

The event was opened by Olympic medal winner and keen athlete, Acer Nethercott.  Acer said, “Just Walk is a wonderful event. It’s fabulous to see so many people out in the open air, raising funds for their chosen charity. I hope to take part myself next year!”

Across the Divide began Just Walk as a result of continued requests from charities wanting to get involved in fundraising walks, but unable to invest time and money into their own events. To date, Just Walk has raised over £1 million for over 200 charities.

Gemma Phillips, UK Events Co-ordinator at Across the Divide says, “The event was a great success. It was our biggest year yet with a fantastic turn out on a beautiful day. The walk was tough in places but we had some very happy walkers crossing the finish line. Here’s to Just Walk 2010.”

 The next Just Walk event will be taking place on 15 May 2010 and for a limited time only we are offering 10% off all registrations fees – so join us now.

Just Walk takes place on Saturday – it’s our third and biggest year yet with over 800 walkers signed up, which is more than years one and two put together.

You can raise funds for the charity of your choice on this fundraising walk and to date we have had over 300 charities involved raising over £700,000 for worthy causes.

Watch this space Just Walk 2010 launched on Monday 11th May.

Last chance to sign up to Just Walk 2009 – we are closing Just Walk registrations on Friday 1st May so hurry and sign up.

Remember you can raise funds for the charity of your choice and choose one of four distances – 60km, 40km ,20km or the 10km.

www.just-walk.co.uk

We have some really exciting NEW Open Events coming up in 2010. Open Events are ideal for those wanting to raise funds for their favourite charity and are great for smaller charities not able to put on their own exclusive event.

Vietnam Trek – 27 February – 8 March.  We trek in the remote and beautiful region of Sapa, where you get the opportunity to experience the culture of local tribes.

Nepal Pike Peak – 19 – 29 November.  This challenging trek will take you through one of the most beautiful nad remote parts of the Himalayas.

Still time to join us on the following 2009 events:

Finan to Petra Trek, Jordan – 7-14 November 2009.  One of the most spectacular sights in the world has got to the the rose city of Petra. Our fantastic trek ends at this magical place.

Namibia Project – 2-9 October 2009.   A once in a lifetime opportunity to not only raise funds for the charity of your choice but to also help renovate a school for a local community in Africa.

Download your FREE Open Events Brochure.

Hooray for the next Asthma Walk!

Blow the Whistle on Lung Disease

WHEN:April 4th (Phoenix)
WHERE: Scottsdale Civic Center Mall (this is different)
3939 N. Drinkwater Boulevard
Scottsdale, AZ 85251

Registration is at 8am and the walk starts at 9am. It’s a typical 5k (3.2 miles) and as always, there will be music, food, entertainment and information. This year, there’s an emphasis on kids. There will be clowns (yikes!) and a pancake breakfast (carb-o-licious) and activities. You can find more about it at this link: Blow the Whistle on Asthma

Childhood Asthma Symptoms

You can also click to register.

The American Lung Association is hosting this walk.

There will also be an Asthma Walk in Tucson on 4/25 in case you feel like a drive

According to the AZ Dept of Heath, in 2000, about 39% of asthma hospital discharges were for people ages 14 or younger; in 2001 this measure decreased slightly to 35%.

I had a friend growing up who had severe asthma as a kid. She always sounded wheezy. She laughed and coughed together. I thought at age 8 that was just terrible and sounded like the worst affliction. She’d be in the hospital for weeks sometimes. Then when I turned 18 and was fit as a fiddle, I found myself getting allergies in March. Arizona is full bloom in March. I couldn’t believe it, but somehow I too became an asthmatic! Me, and athlete! So, asthma happens. It’s super important to keep an eye on it, be aware of your body and seek medical help when necessary.

Support the American Lung Association and burn some calories while you are at it!

A huge well done to all those on the Comic Relief climb who have just summitted Kilimanjaro.  As you know Across the Divide have an open event leaving for Kilimanjaro in September 2009 and November 2010 but we thought you would like to hear how it really is in this fantastic climb.  Our very own Claire Langford went up Kilimanjaro in 2007 with Cancer Research and here she writes her story.

 One of the expedition leaders has been ripping the innards from the leader files, and we suspect it may be a certain Ceri Williams. Your mission, should you choose to accept it, is to accompany Mr Williams to Tanzania and to find out whether he is indeed the Leader-file-Ripper.

And so it was that I found myself on the Cancer Research UK Kilimanjaro trek with Ceri, Sonya and Julia: my first overseas trip with Across the Divide.

The 7-hour bus journey from Nairobi to Moshi gave us a sense of the scale of the East African plains, and several opportunities to buy some small carved wooden animals. I had imagined that we would see Kilimanjaro looming on the horizon as we crossed the border into Tanzania, but it was not until the following day when we stopped at Mshuwa shop for Coca Cola that I got my first glimpse of Kilimanjaro poking its head out of the clouds.

That afternoon we started our trek on the Rongai route up to our camp at the First Cave. Wildlife spotting for the day included seeing spider monkeys in the trees and great heaps of elephant dung (although, sadly, no elephants) on the path. The trail was extremely dry and dusty, and Sonya and I soon came to realise that a girl can never have too many body wipes on a camping trip on Kilimanjaro.

A few hours later we reached the small cluster of bright yellow Eureka! tents that comprised our camp, and settled down to cream of cucumber soup (for the meat eaters), and cucumber soup (for the vegetarians), followed by fish and chips for everyone. The food on this trip was fantastic, even if the distinction between vegetarian and non-vegetarian was often blurred. On the third night the vegetarians were offered leek and potato soup, whereas the carnivores were offered that well known meat soup – pumpkin.

Just before turning in on the second night our guiding medic urinated on a slope above our expedition leader’s tent, unleashing a tidal wave of wee on its way towards the fly sheet. This pretty much set the tone for the rest of the trip. Sonya became known as Droopy when the Diamox caused her mouth to sag on one side; but got revenge once Ceri began sporting a swollen bottom lip of Bob Marley-esque proportions towards the end of the trek.

The immediate scenery on the mountain consisted of little more than volcanic rock and the odd bit of hardened high altitude vegetation such as the everlasting flower, but the wider views were something to behold. Below us, and beneath the clouds, lay the endless stretches of the Masai Steppe: above us stood the glacier-clad “roof of Africa” with the rugged Mawenza peak glowing red against the setting sun. Tanzania really is big sky country.

At 11pm on the 25^th October we donned our head torches, thermals and down jackets and set out from the Kibo Hut for the summit. Ten hours later, 11 participants and 5 ATD-ers arrived at Uhuru Peak: Africa’s highest point.

After tears, hugs and photos at the summit, we began the weary journey back down the mountain. I put my new Rab kit to the test by sliding down the scree slopes of Kilimanjaro on my bum, and discovered that my trail pants may be wind and water-resistant but they sure as hell aren’t scree-proof. We finally arrived back at the Kibo Hut some 14 hours after we’d left, to be greeted with orange squash, toasted cheese sandwiches and soup. I could have murdered a burger, but you take what you can get.

From the Kibo Hut it was another 3 hours or so to that night’s camp. One of the participants, a sunburnt Scottish chap named Stuart, had the right idea and managed to get himself carted down the mountain on a trolley. It must have been a bone-shaking ride and I don’t think the trolley had any brakes, but full credit to the guy: he was sat at camp with a cold beer in his hand some 2 hours before I was.

I learnt a lot on this trip. I discovered Ceri’s predilection for wearing hot pants (and filthy ones at that); Sonya’s love of pain, gangsta rap and Barbra Streisand; and the fact that one of my man-calves (the right one apparently) is bigger than the other. I also met some truly inspiring people who, having been affected in various ways by cancer, decided to turn a negative into a positive and haul themselves up a sodding great mountain for charity. I had an absolutely fantastic time with a wonderful group of people – many thanks to all concerned. Meanwhile, the search for the Leader-file-Ripper continues…

Claire Langford

Across the Divide’s Flights Manager

Comic Relief  are taking a bunch of celebrities up Kilimanjaro to raise funds for projects in the UK, Africa and throughout some of the world\’s poorest countries.  Across the Divide have an open event  leaving for Kilimanjaro in September 2009 and November 2010 so you too can take on this huge challenge and climb Africa\’s hightest peak whilst raising funds for the charity of your choice.

Last year I tried to keep up with all the charity events in the Valley and let you know when and where they were.  This year, I’m posting more obscure stuff: The little stories, the little tips, little products that are helpful, and the little people making a big impact.

For this post, I want to highlight someone who has a big battle ahead:  Chris Brya.  This guy continues to excel and achieve, winning his own battle against obesity and shedding the pounds.  Now he’s a beanpole!  He makes me want to start training.   Next up for Chris, probably the toughest physical challenge he’s ever had, The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society Marathon in Seattle on June 27, 2009.  I encourage you all to check out his training blog, and if you have some spare change, toss him a few dollars.

Chris’s Team in Training page:

http://pages.teamintraining.org/dm/rnrseatl09/cbrya

Chris’s Training Blog:

http://chrismarathontrainingblog.blogspot.com/

Seattle’s Rock ‘N Roll Marathon Site:

http://www.rnrseattle.com/

Go Chris Go!

photo courtesty of Seattle Times

Euro Cities Bike Ride-London-Amsterdam-Brussels 18-22 June 2009 & 17-21 June 2010. Visiting three of Europe’s most vibrant cities this is a tough challenge but what an achievement and experience you will have!
London to Paris Bike Ride 24-28 June 2009 & 23-27 June 2010. This is a classic journey with a unique and challenging way to experience both rural and urban sides of England and France.
Little Tibet, Ladakh Himalayan Challenge 18-29 June 2010. A stunning trek through the magical Buddhist kingdom of Ladakh, passing charming local villages and monasteries offering magnificent views of the Himalayas.
Mount Toubkal, Morocco 1-6 October 2010. A five day challenge with amazing views of the Sahara and Marrakech. Mount Toubkal is North Africa’s highest mountain, so there is a real sense of achievement as you reach the top.
Just Bike The same principle as Just Walk, cycle for the charity of your choice. Three distances to choose from so there is something for everyone.  Registrar your interest for Just Bike.

Just Walk has now over 200 walkers taking part in the event which is 50% up on last years figures.   The event , now in it’s third year offers four distances: the BIG 60km, the NEW 40km the 20km and NEW 10km so something to suit all ages and levels of stamina .   Once you have paid your event fee all the funds your raise go to charity.  You can raise funds for the charity of your choice but if you need help in finding a charity to choose from we have a list of over 40 on the Just Walk website.

So join us on this fantastic event  – 9th May at Goodwood, West Sussex.

Euro Cities Bike Ride-London-Amsterdam-Brussels 18-22 June 2009 & 17-21 June 2010. Visiting three of Europe’s most vibrant cities this is a tough challenge but what an achievement and experience you will have!
London to Paris Bike Ride 24-28 June 2009 & 23-27 June 2010. This is a classic journey with a unique and challenging way to experience both rural and urban sides of England and France.
Little Tibet, Ladakh Himalayan Challenge 18-29 June 2010. A stunning trek through the magical Buddhist kingdom of Ladakh, passing charming local villages and monasteries offering magnificent views of the Himalayas.
Mount Toubkal, Morocco 1-6 October 2010. A five day

challenge with amazing views of the Sahara and Marrakech. Mount Toubkal is North Africa’s highest mountain, so there is a real sense of achievement as you reach the top.
Just Bike The same principle as Just Walk, cycle for the charity of your choice. Three distances to choose from so there is something for everyone. Dates soon to be announced….! Registrar your interest for Just Bike with Gemma@acrossthedivide.com

Just looking ahead to some activities for 2009, and I happened upon a May charity walk:

The Breast Cancer Network of Strength (http://www.networkofstrength.org/phoenix)  is having its Third Annual “Walk to Empower” on Mother’s Day, Sunday, May 10, 2009 at the Tempe Beach Park (good place for dogs, kids, dogs carrying kids).

Address:

Tempe Beach Park, 80 W. Rio Salado Parkway, Tempe, AZ 85281

Map:

View Larger Map

maggie's place

What more can you say? 

The Race for Maggie’s Place 2008 happens Sunday to benefit a unique charity (at least as far as I know) of a community of homes set up to help women who are on the street and also pregnant.  Maggie’s Place provides shelter and support for pregnant moms who are down on their luck.  So really, they help kiddos as well.  It’s a pretty sweet concept. 

family

You can find out more about Maggie’s Place here: http://www.maggiesplace.org/

As far as the race goes, there is a 9 kilometer running race (5.6 miles) consisting of 3 loops representing the trimesters of pregnancy.  There’s also a 3K walk and a Kid’s dash for all you non-joggers. 

You can find out more information and register here: http://www.race4maggiesplace.com/home

Events:   8:23am  – 9K run -

                8:31am – 3K Walk start

                9:57am  – Kid’s Dash (300 meters)

Kiwanis Park
6111 S. All America Way
Tempe, 85283

The race takes place at Kiwanis Park down in Tempe (Note: If I’m not mistaken, this is ASU’s homecoming weekend.  Why that’s significant?  I dunno’.  I’m just sayin’.)

View Larger Map

scruffy

The Arizona Animal Welfare League is having a Walk to Save Animals this Saturday at Tempe Town Lake/Tempe Beach Park/Same place as usual.  What’s genius here is the walk starts at 10am! 

tempe town lake map

There’s a 2k and a 5k walk route, an activity zone for kids, mascots will be present, a pet zone for fluffy’s holiday wish list, some animal demonstrations (like we need more demonstrations in town!), snacks and other stuff.

So, here’s one link to check out information: http://www.aawl.org/events.asp

Here’s where you can register: http://www.aawl.org/AAWLwalk.asp

It’s $25 minimum to participate and ALL proceeds go to the state’s oldest and largest no-kill shelter.  We all know these guys are hurting as their pet population continues to increase, so this is an easy win.

keepers