This is the second part of the interview with Kraig Becker. Read the first part below.

How did you prepare for this trip/adventure?

The safari didn't require any special type of preparation or training. However, in order to get ready for Kilimanjaro, I increased my normal workouts quite a bit. If anyone is considering a Kili climb, I'd recommend getting in great cardio shape. Running, riding a bike, even nice long walks will help prepare you. I was pretty much doing some kind of cardio each night in the last month leading up to the trip.

On weekends I'd head out to a hiking trail and spend four to six hours going for a hike. It's important that you get use to having to hike for those kinds of period of time, and get use to wearing a daypack with your necessary gear. Also, make sure you have good boots that are completely broken in. Your feet will thank you.

The unfortunate thing for me, living in Austin, Texas, was that I couldn't train at altitude. Austin is about 700 feet above sea level, and you start your Kili climb at about 4500 feet. If you can train at altitude, it will help, as you never know how your body is going to react until you start to go up.

What influenced you to take this trip?

Honestly, I've been thinking about this trip for four years now. I saw an IMAX film by David Breashears on Kilimanjaro and I was fascinated with the thought of trekking and climbing the mountain. I think I went home and started researching it right after seeing the movie. A few circumstances prevented me from going earlier, but it was well worth the wait.

How did this trip change you as a person?

For one, I made some very good friends while on this trip, and I'm hoping we'll stay in touch and possibly travel together again in the future. We all had such an amazing time and one of the things I'll always think about when I look back on this trip is the people I met and the bonds we formed while traveling.

Traveling in a country like Tanzania also makes you stop and realize just how good we have in the United States. It's a poor country with out all the amenities we have and yet the people work hard and lead happy, full lives. While traveling on the Serengeti we encountered the Masai tribes, who still live life much the way they have for hundreds
of years. It is a simple existence, but had the things they needed and shared strong familial and tribal bonds. Many Americans could learn something about going without all of our modern conveniences.

What's your next adventure? Where and why?

I haven't decided yet. Right now I'm leaning towards going to Nepal or perhaps somewhere in South America, such as Argentina or Peru. I like to visit places that are a little more off the beaten path. Preferably with mountains.

It's funny how I've been barely home a week, just getting back into my daily work routine, and I'm already hatching plans for me next adventure. Once you get that travel bug, it's hard to shake.

Lastly, name three items/gadgets essential to the outdoor lover and why.

Hmm... this is a tough one. Anyone who reads my blog knows that I'm a gear nut. Trying to narrow it down to just three items can be difficult.

First, I'd say you need a good pack. The size should be appropriate to the type of trip you are taking and it should be comfortable to wear for extended periods of time. For me, it also has to be hydration ready, so your water is close at hand at all times. My friends will also tell you I have a thing for packs. ;)

Second, a great pair of boots. If you're feet aren't happy, the rest of you isn't going to be happy either. Once broken in, they can last you for years. Really, this is an item that you shouldn't look to scrimp on, as it can truly make or break your experience in the outdoors, whether that's just going for a day hike or going for an extended backpacking trip.

And third, I can think of a lot of things to put here, such as a good compass (not a GPS device) and the ability to use it. Or good rain gear, as you never know when you're going to get poured on. But after trekking on Kili, the one that sticks out fresh in my mind is a good set of trekking poles. I personally haven't been using them long, but the stability they offer on uneven ground is great, and on Kilimanjaro, they were essential for not only the steep climbs, but also scrambling over the rock scree. Even descending, when your legs are tired, they proved invaluable. I doubt I'll take a long hike without them again.