Kilimanjaro and Beyond
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.
Kilimanjaro and Beyond was named by Reader Views in 2012 as the best inspirational/spiritual book and best book on an environmental issue. Barry and Chris were finalists in the Eric Hoffer First Horizon contest for best new authors and Barry was named one of the top "50 Writes You Should Be Reading" by the Authors Show.
The Story Behind This Book
When I was researching the possibilty of climbing Kilimanjaro, I would have benefited from books on the experience of climbing the mountain. I found there were mostly technical books. I found none that combined the climb with fundraising activities. I felt there was a need to be filled and that the experience of my son and myself could be useful to others who face mountains of any kind, whether they are large pieces of volcanic rock or simply day-to-day challenges.