This was the day we, and all of our fellow trekkers, had been waiting to arrive for so long. Our flight to Nairobi is leaving London Heathrow at 2000, that leaves a whole day to re pack and weigh our rucksacks, load up on carbs and enjoy as much hot running water as we can.
This will be the last lay-in we have for a few weeks, so inevitably we are both awake early! In the middle of sending Lisa a good morning text I receive a “Happy mountain day” text from her…the excitement and anticipation is too much. This was then followed by “crapping hell it’s really here”… realisation setting in for both of us. We then call each other to make airport departure plans and simultaneously pop our first malarone (anti-malaria) tablet together.
On checking the group Facebook site which has been very busy during recent days mainly with everyone posting worrying about packing within the weight limit … it is unusually quiet. I guess everyone is already on their way to the airport, or like me, running around Boots making sure I have enough batteries and baby wipes.
We were the lucky ones in the group in that we didn’t need to leave for the airport until 1600. We arrange to both be ready for 1200 so we can enjoy a leisurely afternoon together. Us ready early?Surely not? It was more like 1300 when I arrived at Lisa’s to tear her away from her creature comforts.
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| Ready to go |
After weighing our luggage one last time, (it was over, but we were also over it by now and if our bags were heavier than the 12kg park limit something would have to stay at the hotel), we were ready. All that was left to do was watch day time TV and eat pizza until it was time to leave for the airport.
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| Our boots pre-trek - so shiny and clean |
On arriving at Terminal 4 we immediately spotted a large group of blue tshirts. Being that we were local to the airport and therefore in theory should be there first, it was only right that in true Lyndsey and Lisa fashion we were last to arrive. It was great to see some familiar faces from the briefing day and Lake District weekend. No Jonathan – we weren’t late because we were lost in the car park, we were watching Jeremy Kyle.
This is where for the first time we met our groups’ leader, Geordie. He immediately began handing out tickets and tents, at least someone was organised, everyone else was either wandering around with a lost expression on their faces or over excited.
At check in you could see everyone eagerly watching the scales as their bags were weighed – and then working out in their minds what items would have to be left at the hotel in Arusha. Little did we all know that in a few hours this would be the least of our worries; the weight of the luggage that arrived the other end was pretty much zero!
We all went our separate ways and agreed to meet up next at the gate. Once through security we were easy to spot. The Serious Fox Team stocking up on carbs and caffeine in Garfunkals, Lisa and I, along with Emma and Leanne, topping up the supplies of chocolate in every shop possible and Marvin trying to calm Steve’s flying nerves.
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| At the gate - excited to be finally going |
Our flight was then called and with a few last texts to friends and family we were on board and on our way to Nairobi. Our Tanzanian adventure finally beginning.....
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