Most Inspirational Moment
Sadly I didn't quite make the summit, but there were plenty of inspirational moments nevertheless. Stunning views every day, the first sighting of the summit on day 2, having a birthday cake (with candles) baked for me by the chef at 4000m, the dedication and friendship of the guides, beautiful sunrises and sunsets, and just getting to the top of some of the hills when suffering from altitude sickness.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Abraham was the ultimate professional. Calm, efficient, organised, friendly, with a cheeky sense of humour, he had eyes in the back of his head and was always watching to make sure everyone was OK, and quietly sorting problems without fuss, though never interfering. I can't imagine anything would rattle him, and you really couldn't ask for more in a guide. Special mention also to all the assistant guides: Nicholas, Saidi, Joseph and George for their incredible dedication, friendliness, passion and expertise, in particular on summit night when many people were struggling and could not have made it to the top without them. Joseph quite possibly saved my life that night.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Don't worry too much beforehand - all your questions will be answered during the trip, and the guides have everything down to a T. However, do make sure you are prepared mentally and physically: do some fitness and practice walks first, make sure you're organised, practise with your walking poles, rucksack and so on so you're not constantly faffing with equipment and holding people up. While lack of fitness won't necessarily stop you getting to the top, the fitter you are the more you'll enjoy the trekking in general. The days are mostly quite short and the distances covered small, but the altitude does make it challenging and tiring for the unfit. Hire the sleeping mats (trust me on this). And do be prepared for some very cold evenings. A really warm down jacket and 4 season down sleeping bag are an absolute must - do spend the money (or hire them). Make sure you have both a hydration bladder (difficult to drink frequently enough otherwise), and also 1-2 litre water bottles. Some days you'll need at least 3 litres of water during the day, and on summit night the bladder will freeze unless you can put it in your jacket pocket (as I did) or have insulated tubing (even then it may still freeze). Don't stress too much about the Diamox issue. Whatever anyone tells you, the research about its use prophylactically is still unproven either way. Some of our group who successfully summited took it, some didn't, some took it halfway through. Do your research, make a decision, but either way, if the guides think you need to take it, they'll tell you (and if you don't have any, they'll provide it).You don't need a yellow fever vaccination or certificate if you're on the group flights. Despite many comments on here to the contrary, I never bothered with gaiters once - didn't have a need for them (the first 2 days were muddy, but I was wearing shorts). If you don't normally wear them, I wouldn't bother. You'll be dirty anyway after a week without washing.
