In this episode of the Rise and Wander podcast, I’m interviewing Jess, a participant of the Kilimanjaro trip. Jess shares her inspirations for joining the expedition, her extensive outdoor and hiking experiences, and details her rigorous training regime, which included high-altitude hikes, and weight and endurance training. We discuss the journey's challenges, notably the inclement weather and the group's camaraderie during the climb. Jess highlights how the experience has shifted her preference from solo hikes to group adventures and emphasizes the importance of preparation and realistic goal-setting for those aspiring to tackle similar challenges. She also shares memorable moments including snow on summit day, the bonding among the group, and the emotional experience of reaching the summit