CWL: Kilimanjaro and beyond by Barry Finlay


  • book blurb –
"If you're the kind of person who can usually find any excuse to talk yourself out of a great idea, this book is the inspiration you need to get out of your comfort zone and make things happen." Helen Osler, author of Cameras of Kilimanjaro, Australia 
It is January 16, 2009, and 60 year-old BARRY FINLAY and his son CHRIS are propped against a rock, struggling to draw a breath on their treacherous climb up Mount Kilimanjaro. Their destination is tantalizingly close, yet the weather and -- more importantly -- their health will determine the end result. Barry's backpack holds a Canadian flag with the names of over 200 donors mobilized by the climbers back home. The donors have contributed to providing classrooms and clean water for desperately deserving school children in Tanzania. For Barry, this is a life-changing physical, mental and spiritual adventure. Follow along as he and his son strive to climb one of the World's Seven Summits, meet the children who will benefit from their fundraising, and come to an understanding that one or two people really can make a difference. It is a journey that leaves the two with the lasting impression that nothing is more satisfying than reaching a goal and giving others the opportunity to achieve theirs.
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  • reviews of book:

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5 stars Engaging, Honest, and full of personality, September 22, 2011
By
Atma - See all my reviews
This review is from: Kilimanjaro and Beyond (A Life-Changing Journey) (Paperback)
Barry Finlay broke out of his comfortable retirement to find that the life on the other side of the mountain is inspiring; that smiles, strength and perseverance can change futures, opportunities and generations. Climbing a mountain - Kilimanjaro was but a small part of his journey.Laugh out Loud, and a rollercoaster of questions, this book is honest, funny and truly written from the heart.
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5.0 out of 5 stars Experience a life-changing event without leaving home., August 30, 2011
By
finiston - See all my reviews
This review is from: Kilimanjaro and Beyond (A Life-Changing Journey) (Paperback)
After reading the first few chapters, I knew this would be a book I would have to read in one sitting, if possible. I was engaged from page one and tried to imagine going through the same preparations and planning as Barry and Chris described in order to give themselves the best possible chance for success.

Fitness training, medical examinations, including consultation with doctors experienced in foreign travel, miles of hiking and biking, immunization shots, so much more than just buying backpacks, boots and warm clothing.

This book is truly an adventure shared with the reader. It is written in unpretentious human style, with lots of humour and all the details of life on a mountain exposed. It also gives some insight into the culture-shock that is Africa, the people deprived of almost everything we take for granted yet happy and generous to visitors.

The amenities already in place through the generosity of Barry and Chris's supporters in their fund-raising efforts, the borehole and the classroom in the Mwanza area of Tanzania, and the visions for future improvements, are described near the end of the book and one is left with the certainty that they will be successfully implemented. Such is the determination of Barry and Chris Finlay.

If you would like to know what is required to one day stand on top of a 19,000 foot mountain and at the same time improve the lives of some of the people near the bottom of it, you have to read this book!
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o    Rating: 5/5

o    GREAT READ!!!
o    Marc Davey
o    3 weeks ago
Finished this & it was grand! You felt like you are along for the climb, feeling the awe of seeing Kili...the effort, the challenge, the detail of the surroundings--- the glaciers, the Crater. Live your dream & there is so much more you will discover...read this & it will stay with you...I sure do. It is truly an adventure of a lifetime...something that anyone could retell to their children's children. Breathtaking...oh yes, you feel that too! LOL
o     
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o    Rating: 4/5

o    Harvey Davey
o    4 weeks ago
As the cover suggests, this book is "honest, funny, very engaging and truly written from the heart". Barry, a retired accountant, and Chris, a working accountant, happen to be father and son. The adventure they embarked on took on extra depth thanks to their relationship. If one wants to know how to physically prepare, plan and carry out a successful adventure to the top of Africa's highest …+ read moreAs the cover suggests, this book is "honest, funny, very engaging and truly written from the heart". Barry, a retired accountant, and Chris, a working accountant, happen to be father and son. The adventure they embarked on took on extra depth thanks to their relationship. 
If one wants to know how to physically prepare, plan and carry out a successful adventure to the top of Africa's highest peak, this is an excellent how to book. 
However, they did not just climb Kili - they went beyond. They had a cause which motivated them when the going got really tough.
The book will be inspiring for many.

Kilimanjaro and Beyond, Inspiring, Full of Laughter, Honesty and Questions!

Alysha Atma Salem-News.com African Affairs Correspondent
"...honest, funny, very engaging and truly written from the heart" - Alysha Atma Salem-News.com (From book cover)
Kilimanjaro and Beyond
(PORTLAND, Ore.) - “I had never intended to set out on a journey to change my life. As far as I was concerned, my life was just fine the way it was. However, someone once said that life begins at the end of our comfort zone.”
Barry Finlay broke out of his comfortable retirement to find that the life on the other side of the mountain is inspiring; that smiles, strength and perseverance can change futures, opportunities and generations. Climbing a mountain – Kilimanjaro was but a small part of his journey.
“Perhaps the word “climbed” doesn’t sufficiently describe it, as we have also scrambled, struggled, clung, slipped and slid.”
Laugh out Loud, a rollercoaster of questions, “Can we really do this?” This book is honest, funny and truly written from the heart.
“…how, as ordinary people in our small way, we can make a difference in the lives of others if we have the desire to do so and with a little perseverance. We attempt to demonstrate the power that one or two individuals can have by mobilizing friends, family and others to work together for a common cause.”
For Barry, education is that common cause; one of the keys to solving many of the world’s problems. After climbing Mount Kilimanjaro, Barry and Chris visit two schools in Mwanza, Tanzania confirming their desire to continue to step outside their comfort box, fundraising past two goals to ensure that the children there receive the education they deserve.
“Two surprising words popped into my head. Admiration and optimism. You can’t help but admire the children who were smiling and making the best of what they had, which was obviously very little, and I was optimistic that with determination and a little hard work, we could give the children a chance to gain an education and become major contributors to their society.”
Through various fundraisers, the least of which was the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro, Barry and his family raised enough to build a classroom at a primary school and to drill a well at a pre-school. But the work continues.

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