Podcast with Erica Davis, First Female Paraplegic on Kilimanjaro’s Summit

We caught up with Erica Davis for an interview following the premiere of the documentary, Through the Roof. Erica’s positive outlook, humility and amazing successes continue to inspire us, even post-climb!

Listen to the podcast below to learn more about this Thomson trek; Erica’s specialized off-road wheelchair; how she and fellow challenged athlete, Tara Butcher, stayed motivated during the climb; and Erica’s future plans and goals.

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Posted at 6:44 pm in Kilimanjaro | Permalink | 2 Comments

May 12, 2010

Kilimanjaro Documentary Premiere

On the evening of January 31, 2010, Erica Davis – the first female paraplegic to summit Mt. Kilimanjaro – witnessed a Tanzanian sunset at “The Roof of Africa” (19,340′) that she will never forget. Thomson Safaris is honored to have been a part of this trek and to have helped Erica and her team from the C.H.E.K Institute reach their goal.

Last weekend, Through the Roof, a documentary about the climb, premiered in Carlsbad, California. The film received great reviews as well as a standing ovation! Click on the image below to watch the documentary trailer.

www.throughtheroofmovie.com

Coming soon to the Thomson Safaris blog:
an exclusive interview with Erica Davis!

Posted at 12:28 pm in Kilimanjaro | Permalink | Post a comment

February 9, 2010

First Female Paraplegic to Summit Mt. Kilimanjaro

We are so proud of challenged athletes, Erica and Tara, and their crew from the C.H.E.K Institute! As promised, we have some photos to share with you from their inspiring trek. Derek, the team coordinator, adds a final reflection: “A couple quick thoughts on what we just did. First and foremost which sticks out in many of our minds is something that will never be able to be taken away from Erica or even us, the first female paraplegic on the summit of Kilimanjaro. I have written it many times or said it but the faces of those coming down, absolutely defeated in exhaustion, seeing us going up, was absolutely priceless. Most people just stopped and starred and were like “how in the hell or why in the hell are you doing that”. Well the truth is, why not. Erica was great and never got mad or down, and neither did Tara for that matter. Both girls gritted their teeth, and kept climbing. But both of those girls were going to make that summit. And they did. It was freezing, high and just absolutely exhausting, but they did it.”

Check out some photos from the inspiring trek!

click thumbnails for larger image

Posted at 7:24 pm in Kilimanjaro | Permalink | 4 Comments

February 1, 2010

C.H.E.K Climbers Summit Kilimanjaro

We just received word that ALL of the C.H.E.K Institute climbers made it to the summit! We can hardly contain ourselves and send a big congrats to the climbing team. We will post photos as soon as the signal from the mountain allows; you’ll definitely want to see the images of this very inspiring and successful climb!

Posted at 9:26 pm in Kilimanjaro | Permalink | Post a comment

January 27, 2010

C.H.E.K Trek Report: Day 2

Today is the second day of the climb for the C.H.E.K Institute trekkers. They are headed out of the rain forest and up to 12,000′ where the landscape will change dramatically; they’ll trek through tall grasses, heather and volcanic rock to their next camp. The weather on Kili is cooperating (they expect a very warm day today) and they report that they are working hard but doing great. Derek, one of the trip coordinators said, “It is truly amazing to see the look in the eyes of those coming down and seeing what we are attempting. This is truly special. Thank you for you support.”