HOW IT ALL GOT STARTED

Hello and thanks for visiting my climbing blog!

My name is Scott and I live in Atlanta, GA. I always had an interest in climbing mountains, but never really knew how to get started. In January of 2005, the company I was working for decided to open an office in Memphis and I volunteered to move and help get things kicked off. When I arrived in Memphis I only knew one person, whom I met a few years prior at a wedding, so I gave him a call. He agreed to meet me that evening, but couldn't stay out late because "...he was heading to Africa the next day." Upon meeting him that night, I learned he was leaving the next morning to try his hand at climbing Kilimanjaro.

The next morning, I was talking to my mother and telling her about the conversation from the previous night. During this conversation she asked me if I realized my Uncle Steve had been a climber for years. "No," I responded. She gave me his phone number and the following weekend I made a call to a relative I hadn't spoken to in years. Little did I know how much that call would change my life!

In the 6 years since, I've been to Africa (Tanzania & Kenya), Russia (Moscow & Mineral'Nye Vody), Mexico, Georgia (The country, not the state), and South America (Chile & Argentina), summitted Mt. Kilimanjaro, Mt. Elbrus, and Mt. Rainier, made two attempts at Cerro Aconcagua, an attempt at Ixta, made quick stops in London and Quito, Ecuador, met an endless number of extraordinary people, and developed a new relationship with my uncle.

The blog entries, pictures, and details below are my attempt to share my adventures with the rest of my friends and family. I hope you enjoy!

Tuesday, November 1, 2011

Almost time!

48 hours before departure!

Unfortunately, I haven't been as active with the blog for this climb because Ive had a million other things going on. However, I will try to post quite a bit in the next few days as I head to Mexico.

Training is finished, outside of a long run tomorrow, and I feel really good. Haven't had crap/fast food, soda, or alcohol since September 3rd, and I trained for a shorter amount of time (2 months) for this trip. I didn't lose as much weight (only 7 pounds), but I feel just as good and that's what I wanted because I think I lost too much strength before the last Aconcagua climb.

The only thing left to do tomorrow is pick up all my snacks, drugs, and then pack. Its nice going on these midrange mountains because I have all the gear so shopping is kept to a minimum.

Our team is 9 strong plus 3 guides, so it should make for a good group. Ill post more about the team when I meet everyone on Saturday night (If we have Internet).

Off to bed. Butterflies starting - I love this feeling!

Onward and upward,
SZ
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