MOUNT KILIMANJARO

G'day friends & family,

Just wanted to say a quick hello from papagayo, on the tanzanian coast--more to come when we return!!! Tomorrow we may take a boat to zanzibar then to our next destiantion further south, insted of riding on the bus!!

Our time on Kilimanjaro was absolutely amazing. establishing long-lasting friendships with the kids was definitely one of the highlights. our first day we met all the kids who would be going on the hike. we treated them to sunglasses off the street (to protect from kili's sun) then walked with them around town, visiting some of their homes and families. Sheban, Neema, Anna, Vayan, Paul, & Emmanuel were the most amazing kids.

Elizabeth and I kept saying to eachother: "how can people, with so little & such a difficult upbringing, be so happy & so strong, and why is it that some people who have so much can be so miserable?" All of the kids had unique stories, which they shared with us. Also, their smiles were the biggest and brightest we have seen on anyone in awhile--we will go into more detail later.

Apart from trying to speak swahili, climbing kili was one of the hardest things I have ever done. The altitude was brutal, and starting the ascent to the summit on the last day at 12AM was a shock to the system.

The real joy of the trip was the tanzanian youth--watching them & learning from them all the time. We all fell in love with their stories, their eager determination, & their strong faith. Saying goodbye was difficult.

THE CLIMB HIGHLIGHTS:

1. Staying on our guide's farm at the base the first night, including running down the paddocks to a waterfall & a swim
2. Setting out the first day & getting rained on--arriving to camp wet but in good spirits as we had hot water to bathe with and hot tea and coffee
3. waking up each morning with a knock on the tent and one of our porters asking if we wanted coffee or chai (their tea)
4. seeing first hand the struggles of everyone--especially the kids--fending off the cold and the tiredness
5. seeing kilimajaro for the first time on day two, as the sun rose in the east and illuminated the snow fields of kilimanjaro out our tent window.
6. Learning from the kids--each day was dedicated to a life skill "topic," including goal-setting, confidence, peer pressure, & role models
7. the commeradery between every porter/guide on the hike and all of us, we were 'Together'
8. Tupo Pamoja!!!! we chanted a song each day with the kids, tranlated "we are together"
9. Every day we arrived to camp, the tents were set up & our porters & crew were singing and dancing--we always joined in
10. we had 38 crew members, from cooks to porters!!!
11. perserverance--ALL BUT 1 CHILD MADE it UP THE HILL & ALL BUT ONE OF US DID TOO!!
12. sunrise over kilimanjaro at 6:30am when we finally got to the first summit, gilman's point
13. We weren't sure who would make it, including us, and were so excited to see the two young tanzanian girls make it to the top.
14. team work--for the 6.5 hour summit climb at 12am, everyone was struggling--kid's were freezing, weak, and tired. between our camera man from SOUTH AFRICA, to Tait and the guides, we made sure the stayed warm, fed, motivated, & hydrated--not an easy thing to do when we all were tapped out as well.
15. Elizabeth having to go number two, at 2am, at about 17,000 feet--she did it, don't know how
16. seeing two of the kid's carry on to the final summit--uhuru peak--and watching them playing with the snow and staring at the glaciers.
17. of course it was a great feeling to make it too, as well as see my wife go all the way. I had a major headache from gilman's to uhuru peak, & just wanted to lay down and sleep. From about 2am onwards, I don't think elizabeth uttered a word, as she was in survival mode


In summation, the trip has been amazing. we all miss our kids tremendously, but have vowed not to say goodbye, but to say "until later," as we know in our hearts we will return to TANZANIA soon.

We thank all of you who have supported & prayed for us--together we made it. TUPO PAMOJA!!!!


Many thanks and much love,

Elizabeth and Logan

G'day Friends and Family! We will not bore you with excuses why 100s of blogs have not been posted recently....please forgive us! Now, let's get into it! Quite a few visitors have crossed the "pond" to come adventure with us, which has meant the world to us! Just a bit from each.....

(1) The Pintos' Pilgrimage Down Under
Ann Marie and Frank visited for Thanksgiving. Enjoying the Thanksgiving feast after a day at the beach was an anomaly for us all. A few other highlights from the Pinto's journey included: (I)witnessing AMO's 10 foot leap in the air as a large black snake crossed the trail whilst hiking in the Blue Mountains (II) Frank catching a few waves with Logan (III) the boys disappearacne on the rented kayaks whilst the girls waited patiently in the calm waters (we later learned that against the warning by the staff, the boys challenged the open seas which resulted in both boys cap-sizing in their boats and Logan cracking the tip of his on the rocks). Can't say that it surprised me much as I'm quite used to Logan "challenging" nature/ authorities.

(2) The Galleher's Sleigh Ride Across the Atlantic
Our first Christmas abroad was one to remember. Liz's folks came to Australia for a 2-week adventure. Not only did we get a chance to show them some of our favourite spots--Royal National Park, Blue Mountains National Park, Bondi to Coogee Walk, the Spit to Manly, North Head, and the Harbor Bridge Climb, as well as an Opera House performance--but we left the state and headed to far north Queensland. Two nights in the Port Douglas vicinity afforded us the opportunity to see the Daintree Rain forest, including the Mosman river and gorge (complete with rope swings and encounters with Aboriginal children spear fishing for Christmas Dinner). A short ferry ride off the mainland transported us to Dunk Island--an amazing Voyages Resort. For 5 days we snorkelled, sailed, hiked, played tennis & ping pong, and truly relaxed. The Gallehers--George specifically--assured us of a return visit.

(3) The Williams' Set Sail for Aussie Land
With bikes (for Logan and me), zip fizz, cliff bars, and batteries galore, the Steve and Linda arrive, ready to explore. The first adventure included a bike trip to New Zealand, along the Otago Rail Trail. Each day we awoke to a terrain dotted with heaps of sheep, apple & pear trees, rolling hills, and luscious grass lands. We stayed in B&Bs in tiny towns (one with a population of 11) and found delicious fare and wonderful Kiwi hospitality wherever we roamed. Nasby, a town where we stayed for 2 nights, boasts the only town in the Southern Hemisphere with an authentic curling rink. Of course, we had to attempt this Olympic sport. I froze and had to take several breaks from the game :) but we enjoyed learning the value of "sweeping"! Day 5, we swapped the bikes (with sadness) for our hiking boots. We did a portion of the Ropeburn Course and boarded a boat to experience Milford Sound, which was stunning. For Easter and Logan's Birthday, we loaded the surf board and boogie board on the car to catch some waves on the remote central coast, 5 hours north of Sydney. After 5 weeks, the Williams left this country, with a true appreciation for the landscapes, cuisine, and Aussie lingo!

(4) The Chunder Down Under
We hope you can stomach this segment of the blog. Logan's brother, Dougal, Dougal's wife (Katy) and their little one, Emma (age 1) arrive for their 2 week vacation. On day 4, Emma's stomach virus kicked in, and the barfing started which landed our sweet niece in the ER on day 5. By day 6, the 4 adults were alternating turns in the bathroom to vomit and then laid supine for the day whilst we sipped hydrolyte, Sprite, My Lanta concoctions. We've never felt closer to Dougal and Katy! Luckily, the boys' surfing schedule was not hindered much and we still squeezed in some great runs, hikes, tennis, and fun dinners.

In the last couple of months, Logan and I have both stepped onto US soil. A best friend married, which afforded a great opportunity to see friends and family on the east coast. Logan celebrated the life of his precious grandfather, Doug Kahle, with family at a resort outside of Portland.

We continue to explore the surrounding areas. Look for near-future blogs (we promise, it won't take 6 months!) on our trip to Mudgee, views of the USS Kitty Hawk from a friend's yaght, and our weekend trip to the Blue Mountains for an adventure race (25 Kms/ 15 mile trail run or mountain bike race- participant's choice).....trust me, my body is feeling it today!

We love and miss you all!
Elizabeth and Logan

Settling In

Wow. Long time no blog. You know it has been awhile when you forget your username and password to log in to your blog host.

What can we say? We have been loving Australia and we have begun to settle into some routines. What I won't do is bore y'all with 5 pages of stories and text, for fear that I will be the only one reading it. Instead, please find below some photos of our activities over the past few months along with some commentary.

As usual, you will find the "mini-glossary of terms" at the bottom of the page.

Highlights from the past few months

1. Aunt Elizabeth and Uncle Logan welcome new niece to the Williams Family. Emma Kathryn Williams was born April 15th

2. Logan Breaks Another Surf Board

3. Elizabeth has an around the world work trip that takes her on vacation to Paris, Canada, Boston, Washington DC, then to Oregon.

4. I take a vacation and visit my Family in Oregon--seeing my niece for the first time. Also, we were blessed to see my Grandpa, my Niece Doone, my mate Cyd, his wife Kasha, and their little on Becker. Another thrill was seeing our good friends the Irwins in Portland. Oh, and we hike a 10,000 foot peak called South Sister. Sore for two days

5. Elizabeth and I celebrate our 1st anniversary by hiking and biking in the Blue Mountains. We are super excited because we now have our Mt. Bikes in Australia.

6. My Aunt Jinny Comes to Visit us while Down Under on a work trip, and we hit up one of the nicest restaurants in Sydney called "the flying fish."

7. We take our first sailing trip with friends on the Sydney Harbour. Stopping off to swim and picnic along the way. We row a dingy to shore at the end of the day.

8. Elizabeth, me, and our great friends Tyler and Lisa participate in the Walk for Breast Cancer. It was a great cause and an excuse for me to wear pink. I walked it in flip flops and could barely stand the next day. People really dressed up (guys in bras, breast patrolmen, the whole lot).

9. Logan goes fishing about 2k off the coastline for a buck's party (bachelor party) and throws up for 3 hours straight. It isn't what you think. I have never been so sea sick in my life. While others caught fish, I was praying to the sea gods.

10. Elizabeth consents to letting me buy a brand new McTavish surf board. One of the best made. Elizabeth assures me that it will be the last board purchase I make. I just smile.

11. Our great friends Kara and Ian (Americans) take us to the Hunter Valley for a Jazz Festival. Similar to what I imagine Woodstock was like, but everyone was drinking wine. See the photo of the guy in the cow's jacket below. Good ZYDECO (sp) music at the end. Danced a few songs.

12. We prepare for our first visitors Anne Marie and Frank Pinto for Thanksgiving and other adventures. We will be having a full-traditional Thanksgiving meal, inviting over our good American friends to join us.

13. Elizabeth refinishes an old antique desk that I purchased from a wrecking yard and I re-upholster 6 chairs for our upcoming Thanksgiving Party.

13. Elizabeth continues to bike, run, or walk to work every day

14. This past week Elizabeth has or will have travelled to Brisbane, Melbourne, Adelaide, & Auckland New Zealand.

15. My work is busier than ever. I had my first review and it went very well. Out of it all I have the role of setting up procedures for which our company will base it's future on. No small task.

16. Elizabeth's folks and lovely sister come over in December. We will be taking our first trip to the Whitsundays, and the Rainforest. We may do the bridge climb and will definitely hit up the Opera House for a show.

17. My folks come over in March, after my father recover's from hip surgery. They will be renting a house on the beach for about a month and a half. Who knows, they may move over.

18. We attend a major bbq at one of the nicest beaches in Sydney, the day of daylight savings. Frisbee, bangers (sausages), and a great time with good friends.

19. Elizabeth and I pretty much bike everywhere. Her friends ask her "is logan making you bike?"

20. Logan Blogs for the first time in 5 months


Mini Glossary of Terms

Aussie=American

To Rock Up=To Roll Up/Approach
You're Alright=You're Welcome
Bloody Oath=Isn't That The Truth
And Bob's Your Uncle=And That's It/There You Are (This one may need an example: When giving directions for instance, you would say "take a left on such and such street, then follow it down to the traffic light, take a right on yatta yatta street and "BOB'S YOUR UNCLE.")

We wish all of you well and hope to either see you over here in the next few years or on one of our visits to the U.S.

Cheers Mates!!!

-Logan and Elizabeth

A Chill In The Air

Brrrrrr....

Most likely wherever you are it is warming up. Where Liz and I are it is cooling down. Our sleeping bags--which are acting as our down comforter--are being put to the test. I can barely get away with having the window cracked anymore, without Elizabeth screaching or adding another layer to her already bulky bedtime garb.

But Autumn here is georgeous. A slight breeze, sunny days reaching 19 degrees celcius (66 degrees Farenheit), and a rustle of orange leaves on the ground.

I have progressed to wearing a radiator (neopreme top) whilst surfing and will most likely make the plunge towards a wetsuit shortly.

We have a great surf trip planned for the weekend of June 10 with some friends that will have us surfing long point breaks up the coast.

This weekend we will finally show of our humble abode in Crows Nest. Homemade appetizers and delicious desserts are on tap as 40 or so of our friends here (most of them are Liz's as she is the go-getter). This means decorating and finally drilling holes into our "common" walls in the apartment.

You probably have noticed that Elizabeth's work has picked up substantially since we first arrived--you aren't receiving calls/emails/packages nearly as much eh? That means it is down to business.

As for me, I have gone from tennis to building in the drop of a hat and loving every minute of it. I am not sure how well received my Polos are on construction sites, but they go nicely with my steel toed boots. Thats right Suzie Safety (my mom), eat your heart out!!!

Okay, enough banter. Come visit us. Come one come all!! So far our first visitors are Anne Marie and Frank Pinto from Bethesda Maryland whol will be arriving in November. Any other takers? If you need convincing, please re-read previous blog postings (sorry there are no cliff notes) or take a look at the photos.

Cheers to you all!!


Logan and Elizabeth

Mini Glossary of Terms
Eskie=Cooler
Skooner=Pint of Beer
Rubbish=Garbage
Porta Loo=Porta Poddy (not an enjoyable experience on construction sites)

PHOTO SPREAD

Fall Hits Sydney

G'day from Sydney!!!

I have decided to jump back on the post bandwagon, considering my lovely wife has been doing most of the writing lately.

Australia is constantly surprising us. Fall color is now in the trees and the leaves are all about the streets. This morning it was 9 degrees centigrade, that is roughly 40 degrees for all you Farenheit folks!! It makes it a little chilly for a morning surf, but the Arvo (refer to mini glossary of terms) surf sessions are still nice.

I went to a new spot up the coast from Manly a few days ago and had a great session. The wind was off shore the waves were bigger there than any other place in Sydney. The area is called Curl Curl, pronounced Cull Cull (remember they don't do R's in the middle of words here).

We have driven by this area before and I surfed the south part before, but we really fell in love with it last weekend when Liz and I biked it. We rented cruiser bikes from Manly (3 Speeds) and headed north along the coast. While the hills were quite tough, the downhills along the coastal cliffs were the opposite.

Of course I start rallying mine (doing things that those bikes aren't made for) and found myself elbow deep in grease from fixing the chain every 5 minutes. Well, I catch up to Liz and guess what. She is deep in a conversation with a couple who is pushing a stroller (8 month old inside). Only Liz. They were from England and have since moved here. So, we have yet another group of friends!!

Post bike we grab some sushi, hit our favorite ice cream shop, & play tennis under the lights on a synthetic grass court (sprinkled with sand to help you slide). It has been the first time we've played together in about 2 months and the first time I had been out on the court in over a month.

Needless to say we had a great weekend. I did manage to hit myself in the face with my surf board whilst at Cull Cull. Just a split lip, a fat cheek and a unicorn on my forehead--oh yeah, my board has yet another ding in it too.

Well folks, that is just about a rap. Elizabeth is in Perth for a Parkinson's study, I'm working late nights, and we are planning on going to the Blue Mountains with Elizabeth's new 85 year old friend. I'll delve into that more once our trip is complete.

Chin up,

Logan & Elizabeth

Mini Glossary Of Terms
Scooner=Pint of Beer
Ta=Thanks, Bye
Sultanas=Raisins

The Graduates

As we acquaint ourselves to Australian culture, we note our graduation to “Level 2” in the “Vegemite User” category--defined upon completion of the first container and returning to purchase the next-size-up. Step into our kitchen at breky time, and be sure to note the layer of vegemite spread on toast and sandwiches. Get this, the dark yeasty tasting spread was discovered in 1923, during the War, when the supply of yeast extracts to the country halted. This brilliant man, mixed a few ingredients, held a contest to assist in naming the stuff, and the winning entry, “Vegemite”, was drawn out of a hat!

We promise not to make visitors taste it, but if you dare, be ready, you’ll be toting many containers back to the US on the plane!

We continue to explore the national parks that expand the coastline. A couple of weekends ago, we used our camping gear for the first time! Our tent (thank you Jay and Alyssa) came in handy! Despite Logan’s pleading to sleep under the stars, sans tent, I denied. Sometimes, you just have to say “NO” to Logan! EVER so thankful my conscience kicked for THREE reasons: 1) wild kangaroos hop all around the camp ground 2) we awakened to SHREAKS in the middle of the night, coming from the across the way--apparently a rat intruded the couple’s tent and made itself comfortable inside! 3) during a restroom break in the middle of the night, we witnessed a possum crawling on this fence behind our tent. ENOUGH wildlife to put me SEALED in a tent with NO openings! I followed up with the couple in the morning and confirmed the rodential intruder was a rat! It was the girl’s first (and most likely last )time camping!

We have the footage - Logan actually patted a kangaroo. Wow, we are in AUSTRALIA, if anyone questioned!

The camping experience at Jervis Bay/ Booderee National Park proved brilliant as we saw more of the beautiful and versatile coast/ beaches/ forest and met some interesting people, including a professional 13-year old surfer from Brazil! Logan heard about the “pipe” which is an epoch place to surf, so surely we shall return!

We celebrated Logan’s 28^th birthday at Café Pacifico on Friday night, one of the only Mexican restaurants in the city (how can we blame them? Mexico is not exactly proximal to OZ!). We enjoyed the pumping Latin tunes, fajitas, and margaritas. (Not to worry DC, NOTHING in comparison to Lauriol Plaza!). The surprise party worked out, and Logan was in shock to see all of our friends awaiting his arrival, tucked in the corner!

We wish to award the FIRST (and ONLY thus far) of our friend(s) and family members to PURCHASE tickets to come visit the Williams (ah yes, it’s official) -- the PINTOS arrive in November!!!!!!!! I joked with Lauren that we almost feel sorry for AMO and Frank for having to deal with the energy that is BUILDING in me after not seeing friends or family for nearly a YEAR! Not sure the hugs will end during their trip here! AMO and Frank, WARNING, be ready for the embraces!

Loads and Heaps of Love and Blessings to all y’all!

Elizabeth and Logan

PS The Aussies LOVE the usage of “y’all”