I will aim to update this blog on a daily basis once my trip begins but due to uncertainty surrounding power and internet access in Tanzania and on the mountain this may not be possible.

I aim to add pictures and chart my progress as I push for the summit, I have decided to set up a JustGiving page in aid of Secret World Wildlife Rescue. This is a centre close to my home village of Stawell that focuses on assisting and rehabilitating wildlife which is close to my heart.
Please consider even a small donation at my JustGiving page which can be reached here:

http://www.justgiving.com/Peter-Garrett2  
       
Over the last 12 months I have been busy trying to acquire all the kit from the kit list that Badger Adventures has sent me, I also took on a second job as a driving instructor to help me pay for the trek and all the kit and equipment required. This has left me with very little time for my devoted wife Kate or my beloved Border Collie Jess, I have hardly spent any time with them over the last 6 months.

Now with the trek only 25 days away I have 98% of the kit I need, all my admin is complete and it's just about training now for this challenge. I am doing spinning 5 days a week for cardio improvement along with regular running, I am doing the 30 day ab and squat challenge for leg and core body strength. Despite all this how I manage with the altitude sickness which will surely affect me is something I will have no idea about until I get there.

I hope over the coming weeks you will enjoy this blog, please offer your suggestions if you have them as I have never attempted one before, I'm a newbie.
Lastly as I sit here in the comfort of my living room, the dog playing with a hair roller (despite me spending a small fortune on toys at Pets at Home) and the wife watching 'The Voice' my thoughts are anxious excitement about the challenge that is only a short time away. I wish you good health and happiness in 2016 and invite you to tackle your own challenges head on throughout this coming year.