What Goes Up Must Come Down
Michelle Ansley is back from the heights of Africa's Mount Kilimanjaro. We're glad she's
home safe and sound and so proud of her accomplishment and the money she has
raised for Quantum Leap Farm. Almost $10,000 has been raised so far from generous donors who have been inspired by her extraordinary effort. (You can read the story of her adventure in the emails she sent from Africa by scrolling further down this page.) We hope you'll join Michelle in fundraising for Quantum Leap's At EASE Law Enforcement Program. Gifts toward Michelle's Mount Kilimanjaro Climb will help underwrite Law Enforcement and other First Responders' participation in our unique peer to peer program for stress management. Make a secure donation right here.
Michelle Ansley Climbs Mount
Michelle Ansley Climbs Mount Kilimanjaro to Raise $1.00 Per Foot
for Quantum Leap Farm
(scroll down to read Michelle's emails from Africa!)
Michelle Ansley, a recent proud graduate with a degree as a nurse practitioner, is looking for a big challenge before settling into her career. She's decided to take the 21st Century version of the Grand Tour--to go abroad and see the world. But Michelle, a seasoned marathoner and triathlete, wanted her version of the Tour to be a bit more strenuous than most. That's where Mount Kilimanjaro comes in.
Michelle has a long history of volunteerism, starting with AmeriCorps in the early 2000s. In 2003, AmeriCorps introduced her to Quantum Leap Farm in Odessa and Michelle has been helping the Farm ever since. She comes to Quantum Leap whenever her busy schedule allows to assist children and adults in Quantum Leap's therapeutic equine programs.
During her trip, Michelle wants to help Quantum Leap Farm in a whole new way. On April 15, she flies to Africa to begin preparations for her 19,340 foot climb. Michelle is inviting friends and supporters to help her raise $1.00 per foot. Donations to Michelle's Mount Kilimanjaro climb will help fund participants in the Farm's program for Law Enforcement Officers and other First Responders. Make a contribution now at the Make a Donation button below--and let us know your gift is for Michelle's climb for First Responders.
As a medical professional, Michelle knows that the emotional well-being of First Responders is often overlooked. With the recent tragic events in the Bay Area,
many Officers are experiencing primary or secondary post-traumatic stress which can lead to Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. Quantum Leap Farm's At E.A.S.E. Law Enforcement Program focuses on early intervention and prevention of the Disorder, enabling First Responders to continue their very important work of saving lives.
Michelle says that whenever the thought of her climb up Mount Kilimanjaro feels daunting, she reflects, "Knowing that I am raising money for Quantum Leap Farm and its incredible programs will help me to get to my goal--"The Rooftop of Africa."
Quantum Leap Farm wants to thank Malcolm Out Loud TV for showcasing Michelle and her Mount Kilimanjaro climb at their studios in Tampa on Tuesday, March 29. Click here to see Michelle on the show before her climb: malcolmoutloud.tv/index.php?shw=269&seg=c And here she is after her successful
summit: http://www.malcolmoutloud.tv/index.php?shw=291&seg=b
Read Michelle's emails from Africa:
Tuesday, May 3, 8:00 a.m.
Hi everyone!
Well, I am writing you all a day early because...I made the summit a day early! Basically, I felt good on the second day, so my guide said that it may be better to go on up because sometimes people start to not feel good if you wait around. Seeing that there was not a lot for a girl to do at 12,000 ft except sit around and be cold, I thought it was an excellent idea. I'll fill you in on the first three parts of the trek when I get back. I guess I was a woman on a mission!
That said, this was by far one of the most challenging things I have ever done in my life. It was a phenomenal experience, and I am happy to have done it; however, that 7 summits crap is for the birds. There was a span of about 36 hours where I was going on maybe 2 hours of sleep. We started the trek for the summit at 12:30am May 2 (local time). It was cold but it was more the sleep deprivation that was killing me at the time. I kept telling myself one step at a time and that I could do anything for 6 hours (which was the expected time to the summit). Well, after a few steps, I would start to panic and think I couldn't do it. Then, I would decide that it took too much energy to panic so I would be ok for a bit. It was tough...ascended almost 4,000 ft in 7 km. Very steep at times! It was probably better that it was dark so that I couldn't see what I had ahead of me.
We reached 18,638 ft around 4 am, a place called Gillman's Peak. I was so tired at this point, but my guide gave me some coffee and literally force fed me some of my energy bar. It gave me a small burst of energy, but I nearly faded at about 18,900 ft. I wanted to take a picture of my guide's watch which showed elevation and call it quits. But my guide was excellent, and we kept going. We made the summint at 5:30 am May 2 (only 5 hours)! I was the second person to summit that day. I cried, for a multitude of reasons, but I was so fatigued and yet happy, that I couldn't help it. My guide didn't know what was wrong with me. There were four men up there and me, the sobbing female. Classic! I stopped the tears long enough for a few pictures. My hands were freezing so we didn't stay long. I started crying again on the way down. My head already hurt badly so the crying didn't help. On top of that, I was trying to hold in the sobs which meant
holding my breath...wouldn't recommend doing that at 19,000ft. The trip down took about 2 hours...literally straight down.
When I got back to the camp, I was numb. Every body part hurt to touch. Had the worst headache of my life. I wanted to change my clothes but couldn't move very fast and was afraid that the guy I was sharing the bunk with would be back as I was standing there naked. It was a crazy experience.
We rested for 1.5 hours (but I was too cold to sleep), had a little food (wasn't hungry), and headed down the mountain. My guide wanted me to take two nights to go down since I had paid for the 6 days, 5 nights but again nothing for a girl to do at 12,000 ft. Also, the idea of a warm shower, warm bed, and cold beer was far superior. I talked him into going down to the first camp at 8,500 ft yesterday. That means I hiked from 12:30am until 5:00pm on two hours sleep and about 2.5 hours of rest. I think I was sleepwalking towards the end.
I am back at the hotel now. Enjoyed pizza (Tanzanian style) and a beer for lunch. Headed to the pool right now with the guy that made the summit just before me. It is a good day!
Since I have an extra day, I think I am going to head to Nairobi a day early. I hear that there is a giraffe and elephant park/sanctuary that is pretty cool. I am definitely ready to come home now!
Thanks for all of the well wishes!
Cheers!
Michelle
Thursday, April 28, 11:30 a.m.
Hey Everyone!
After quite an adventure getting here, I am at my hotel outside of Moshi. Basically, the transportation getting here was kind of set up for me, but I
was not given too many details. I just kept saying that I was with a tour company and things "have been arranged." I sat in the front seat of the shuttle
sans seatbelt from Arusha to Moshi which made for an interesting drive. I was told that I would be taken to a "tourist hotel" in Moshi. Well, the
driver/company had no idea who I was, but they agreed to take me. I mentioned the tour company that I believed I was with and they just said," ok."
When we got to Moshi, my driver said that I was supposed to take a taxi but he would take me because the hotel is not in the city center. So the two
of us head out of town on these crazy, rocky dirt roads by fields and through "neighborhoods." I was quite unsure at this point as to where I was going,
but finally we arrived at a surprisingly nice hotel. Luxurious compared to my last two weeks! Honestly, I think the driver was supposed to take me here,
but got me for an extra $3.50. Didn't mind paying anything at that point!
So I have met my guide, and as of right now, it is just me in my group! There is always the chance that someone will join in the next 12 hours or we may
start with another group, but basically, I have a private trek. Crazy because this would usually cost quite a bit more money. I knew it was the low season,
but wow! And for little old me, I get my guide (named Crispin), 3 porters, and a cook. Obviously, I do not need that many people, especially since they
are not carrying tents and such, but it is their livelihood. I am sure they are counting on tips at the end of trek, and being that I am a sucker...
We leave tomorrow morning around 8:30ish. I have already sorted my things and am pretty much ready to go. So on that note, I am going to go enjoy a
Kilimanjaro lager by the pool and wait until dinner is served at 7:30pm. I could get used to this lifestyle:)
I'll be in touch next Wednesday night!
Take care,
Michelle
Wednesday, April 27, 11:30 a.m.
Hi all!
Well, we have a free afternoon, so three of us hopped in a dalla dalla to
head from camp into Arusha, which is about 18 miles. What an experience! A
dalla dalla is kind is like a taxi/shuttle/bus. Basically, it is a 12ish
passenger vehicle/van, but at one time, we had at least 30 people in this
vehicle! Everyone was quite surprised to see white people in the dalla
dalla telling the driver, "Wow, white people." They wanted to charge us
$0.33, but we felt generous and gave them $0.66.
The Serengeti is amazing! Not only was it awesome to see the wildlife, but
the landscape is breathtaking. The colors of the sunrises/sunsets were
unbelievable. We had some resident buffalo camping with us, literally
within yards of our campsite. It was pretty funny the first time they
rumbled, and we all just looked at each other as we sat around the campfire.
At the time we didn't know they were buffalo but our guide informed us, and
then we saw them in the morning. Heard lots of hyenas among other things
during the night. We did get to see all of the "Big 5," which includes
elephants, lions, leopard, buffalo, and rhino. I also saw hippos, cheetah,
gazelles, antelope, wildebeest, zebra, warthogs, baboons (yes, Michael there
was a strong resemblance to you), giraffe (yay!:) ), and many colorful
birds. The wildebeest, zebra, and some gazelles are starting to come
together for the migration. There were thousands all together. Phenomenal!
Can't wait to share my photos!
Tomorrow is all about the logistics of meeting up with my next group. I do
think I get to sleep in a bed tomorrow night, and I am looking forward to
that. Then, Friday is the big day! I will summit on Tuesday morning my
time, which will be about 11pm-12am Monday night for you. So when you are
all toasty warm in your beds that night, you can think of me freezing my
butt off.:) If I get a chance I'll email you tomorrow night to fill you in
on what I learn about my climbing group.
Hope all is well!
Hugs,
Michelle
Wednesday, 4-27-11 7:00 AM
She is magnificent! Yesterday, I was like a kid waiting to spot Santa and his sleigh on Christmas. Around every corner, I would spot a mountain
in the distance and question, "Is that Kili?" Finally, after 12 hours of driving, I saw her soaring brilliantly up and through the clouds. Mt.
Kilimanjaro is an unbelievable sight..., and holy cow, it's way up there! It is hard to believe that I will be climbing my way towards the peak
in a week.
If there was one thing that I could bring back with me, it would be the drives. I wish I could record them. Pictures would not do it justice
and images move too quickly to catch them on camera. The sights, sounds, and smells are breathtaking (the smells can literally take
your breath away at times). I am not too fond of the cities, although interesting, but I am in love with the countryside and rural towns. The
landscape is absolutely beautiful. I thought I might study some on the long truck ride yesterday, but I couldn't pry my eyes from the scenery.
Even after about an hour of sleep the previous night, I couldn't bring myself to nap and possibly miss something.
The driving is crazy. I saw a little boy get hit by a van in Zanzibar, luckily he was ok, but the driver barely stopped afterwards. Yesterday we
saw a burning bus. Everyone reportedly got out safely, but the luggage was gone. The bus was smoldering. They just let it burn to the
ground before somehow removing it from the road. Crazy! And this was not the first burning vehicle my truck has seen.
We go into the Serengeti tomorrow for three days/two nights. We camp out in the open. My group did this one other time in another game
park somewhere and had an elephant walk through the campsite. How fun!:) After that, my group will leave me early Thursday morning,
and I will make my way back to Moshi via taxi and shuttle. And then the climb begins on Friday. Hopefully, I will have access to the
internet on Thursday, otherwise I'll write you all after the climb from Nairobi. Mom, I will try to call you before the climb on Thursday,
probably midday your time.
Hope all is well!
Hugs,
Michelle
Tuesday 4-19-11 9:00 AM
Jambo!
I met up with my group on Saturday night. All very nice! There are 18 of us now plus 2 guides (who are both Kenyan), but three of the women
will be leaving in 2 days. There are a few Australians, Dutch, an Irishman, a Scot, and then the rest are British. All of have be traveling/volunteering
for many months/weeks, and have been traveling together for the past 2-3 weeks. So I am still the newcomer. They range in age from early 20s to mid-30s.
My trip is by far the shortest of everyone here.
No one else in this group is doing Kili, so I still don't know who I will be climbing with at this point. I was impressed with myself when the guide said
that I packed "light.":)...That being said, I wish I would have brought a few more things.
I have been in Zanzibar since yesterday morning. It is beautiful, but I am ready to go back to the mainland. Honestly, Mexico is much the same as far as
the beach goes. The weather has been on and off showers for all of today. I did get my hair braided yesterday, and I was able to enjoy a short run on the
beach today. I am enjoying meeting the locals. All very nice and impressed on meeting an American since not many of us venture this way.
We go back to Stonetown tomorrow for the day, and I am looking forward to doing the spice tour. Once we leave here, I think we have a few days of driving
and spending some time in a couple of cities before heading to the Serengeti. I can't wait!
Not sure when I will be back on the internet but will keep you updated when I can. Hope all is well at home!
Kwaheri,
Michelle
I have managed to learn a few Swahili words:)
Saturday, April 16, 10:00 a.m.
Subject: I'm here!
After way too many hours without sleep, I've made it! I'm enjoying my first
beer sitting on the steps of my Banda, which is on the beach and 15 ft from
the Indian Ocean. It is all open air....Banda, shower, bathroom etc.
Beautiful! I'm going to love sleeping with the sound of the water only steps
away, although I'm going to wish I hadn't forgotten my flashlight. Oh
well...that's what happens when you wake up at the time that you are to be
leaving for the airport. Oops!
Luckily there is an awesome ocean breeze. The taxi ride from the airport was
brutal...imagine Florida in august with no air conditioning, no breeze, and
in the sun. And you all know how I sweat! The cold shower when I got here
was delightful! Can't wait to share more! I'll email when I can!
Hugs,
Michelle
Ps: Ali, my feet and ankles are as swollen as yours!