Top of Mount Kilimanjaro – October 2002

Standing on the top of Africa is an incredible experience. It is one of those unique times in life when you don't need anybody to congratulate you – you own the moment. I climbed Mount Kilimanjaro via Machame route, known by the locals as the "whiskey" route, with my friend Susan Maupin. It took us five days to get to the top (19,340 feet) and another two to climb down. Hiking up Mt. Kilimanjaro, one passes through five ecosystems, beginning in the rain forest and ending in the artic zone.

The hardest part of the journey was the final ascent, where we began hiking in the bitter cold, thin air of midnight to arrive at the top (pictured here) by mid-morning. I cried when I got the top. Climbing Kilimanjaro was the hardest physical challenge of my life, but one that has inspired me to climb other "personal mountains in life," such as working on my doctorate at Harvard.


Patagonia – February 2005

Patagonia, which spans southern Chile and Argentina, is an absolutely gorgeous part of the world. I was thrilled to experience the beauty of it son a three-week backpacking trip with my friend, Susan Maupin. We began our trip hiking "circuit" trek of Torres del Paine National Park in southern Chile. This was my first full backpacking trip, where we carried our food, water, stove and tent, which was quite different from my prior "slackpacking." For ten days, we hiked from camp site to camp site, passing magnificent lakes, breathtaking mountain views and many lush valleys.

My favorite part of Torres del Paine Park was crossing over the pass, about half-way around the circuit. After hiking for hours through log-filled mudslides and climbing over boulders, we were greeted by the most magnificent glaciers rising up before us; I felt like Dorothy discovering Oz!!! Patagonia is truly one of the most beautiful places I've ever visited and I look forward to exploring more of it in the future!

Tips for "Traveling on a Thread":


Book your accommodations in advance – Inexpensive yet safe & clean accommodations can be found on hostel websites and booked in advance; YMCA's and YWCA's also provide great budget accommodations abroad.


Bring food - Energy bars, dried/fruit nut mixtures are easy to pack and great to have on hand when you don't like what's offered on a menu…or want to spend extra time in a museum.


Bring a sturdy water bottle - Fill it up at taps and water fountains along the way. It saves you money and is environmentally-friendly.


Bring your own medical kit - Band-Aids, pain relievers and other medicines can be very expensive when purchased abroad. Carrying your own kit saves you time, money and ensures the medications you take are appropriate for you.



Tips for shopping on a "Thread":


Thrift shops – Church- and charity-based thrift shops offer fantastic bargains, great selections and benefit local communities.


Flea markets - many markets feature old and new, antique and trendy items. They are great places to buy gifts for people back home.


Museum Gift Shops - these offer a wide-variety of arts & crafts from the area, frequently take credit cards…and you don't have to bargain!



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