garry Pies scrap into grand final beating Hawks by three points. Saved by umpires. Chris Scott apears to have Geelong Cats playing like Lions so no sure thing Pies will make it 2 in a row. In the rugby league grand final, Manly to play NZ Warriors. It has all the appeal of a Crows Port derby - who cares. Talking about who cares, the Rugby World cup meanders from scrum to line out, round robin to quarter finals, tweedledee to tweedledumb. How is Rome Vic?

Vicki Dean Hello everyone, Arrived back in Nairobi today having spent the last 3 weeks on safari staying in remote camps. I have been sending SMS to Tim via Henry and Helen's Iphones when we've been able. Sorry to have worried you unnecessarily. We've had a great time locating and identifying animals of many different species. Sam our last guide was full of knowledge across all species and made the days fun and very interesting. However we have probably had enough African massage for now (bumping around in the back of a four wheel drive!). I hope to load some photos up later on - there are only 2 computers in the hotel. The tipping drives you nuts - have to bear in mind that the staff are paid peanuts and relying on tips to top up their income. Peoplel race to grab your bag and before you know it you are tipping somebody else. We visited a Masai manyatta (compound). A subsistence life which revolves around cows and cow products. Henry and I joined in their dancing (to the best of our ability which wasn't great). I think some practice may be required. FYI Kenya is 8 hours behind Adelaide. We are off to Rome at midnight on 16 September. What a contrast that will be. Will need to get into gym as not possible to walk around the parks for fear of running into a lion, leopard, cheeta, hippo, rhino, hyena, jackal etc etc. However I will miss the wide open spaces of Tanzania and Kenya and friendly welcoming people. Helen had her birthday at Ashnil Tented camp on 13/9 - what a party. All the dining room staff came out in full chef regalia, singing, clapping, blowing horns to deliver the birthday cake to Helen. It was wonderful fun. Love to everyone at home and many thanks for best wishes. John, we will bore you for months with stories of adventures and misadventures.

John Griffith Congratulations Vicki and to Henry for what you achieved. Terrific preparation and a courageous climb in amazingly difficult conditions. I am in awe! Hope you enjoy a thoroughly relaxing wind-down for the rest of your trip. Chris D is coming around on Thursday night so I'll try to give you and update on Beth, who is home and doing OK. Best wishes - stay safe. John G.

garry hawthorne Hi Vic, should we consider asking Martin Sheen to reprise his role in Apocalypse Now and journey into the heart of darkness to find you? BTW St Kilda cruxified by umpires in elimination final against Sydney. Now no team left with much chance of stopping the 'Pies from making it 2/2.

Kym Yep, I think we're about due for a new update!! :)

Garry Hey Vic, Monitoring this site is like watching cheese go mouldy. Where are all the photos, blogs, stories etc. And should we call Interpol?

Garry Hi Vic, What's happening? Immediately Andrew Hilditch (SA) sacked as head Australian cricket selector, they win a test match. Go figure.

Martin Congratulations Vicki a fantastic effort to get to top. Enjoy your safari - would love to see those wild animals up close take plenty of pictures. Jo in gay Paris now and having a great time too.

Garry Will report to your mum that all is well and that Interpol can stand down. Trust you consoled Henry with a few rousing chorses of "share a bucket with a friend". Good of Rob to congratulate you. Working for a big firm, you'll appreciate he needs to charge by the word so handy he kept it to two short sentences.

Rob Congrats Mum! Do you have any photos to upload?

Vicki Dean Hello everyone. Henry and I arrived safely back in Arusha yesterday having had the most exhausting hike of our lives. I made it to the summit of Mt Kili after 8 hours of relentlessly uphill hiking. The last 2.5 hours were through glacial scree which was like hiking through beach sand uphill. I was supposed to arrive at the scree before dawn so that it was frozen solid however was late so it had turned to soft rubble. The view from Stella Point was magic at 5700 mtres above sea level. The best part of the whole week was surfing through the scree on the way down, have never been so dirty in my whole life. Unfortunately Henry had to turn back half way up the mountain, had suffered with gut rot for the first few days and found himself dehydrated and unable to keep going due to exhaustion. Very disappointing given all the planning and hard work. We have three nights in Arusha which is comfortable, really enjoyed the hot shower last night - my hair took 4 goes of the shampoo to come good. Met some beaut people, our group consisted of 3 Aussies, father and son Dutchman, father and son Canadian, 1 Texan. The Texan had the most to say followed by the Canadians. The Dutch father had to turn back after the first day and the Canadians after the second day. Henry and I did not have altitude sickness. Have really enjoyed meeting the local Tanzanians who worked as guides and porters etc. We were told the guides were paid $US 7 per day, the porters something less than this. They rely on tips to top up their income. What a s***ty system - to work that hard and be paid so little. It took 35 Tanzanians to get us through the hike.After the 3 days in Arusha we are off on safari - ie lots of sitting in a jeep and eating. Sounds good to me. Thanks very much for your comments. Love, Vic

garry Hi Vicki, Reported to your mum all is well and that Interpol can have the day off. Also the Crows won a game of footy-remarkable really.

Martin G'day Vicki, think your hiking now so hope all goes well. Please note updated email address. Don't know anything about protocol for blog - just searched your name and found this. So trust this works. Fantastic looking trip from itinerary. Look forward to hearing from you again.

garry Nb Lindsay asks if Waddy Point Fraser island is on your itinerary. If so, he says he could meet you there. Otherwise, no chance.

garry Hi Vic, Agree with Kym. Cant imagine many being fitter than you. Bazza's computer not working (he bought a lemon) so I'm giving he and grandma updates. This way grandma isn't hassling everyone to contact Interpol to establish your whereabouts each day. If they are swedes or dutch in your group trying to show off, Bazza suggests enquiring which side they were on. Jo flys to Europe this time next week. Me, Im going to work :--(