How Melanie Moved Mountains to Achieve Her Dream & Climb Mount Kilimanjaro

10/06/22 • 58 min

Have you ever read something in a book, seen something in a movie or heard a great story from a friend’s journey that captivated you so much that you just HAD to see it for yourself? What is that ONE THING currently on your bucket list? The ONE THING that needs to move up to your Live It NOW list?!

My guest on today’s podcast is Melanie Michaelchuk, a sweet Texan who had a dream to climb Mount Kilimanjaro and just had to go for it! Listen in as she shares how setting the goal was challenging, how much she had to get together to get ready for such an epic adventure, and how she moved mountains to climb it not only once, but twice, and both time after 50.

I hope listening in helps you really think about that one trip or experience or adventure YOU’VE been putting off and that inspires you to do it now.....don’t wait.....as each day we get a little older and we never know what tomorrow will bring.

I picked up hiking in my late 40s and absolutely love it! I have a free download to get you started plus my favorite hiking shoes, poles, packs, sunscreen and more, so check it all out on my website at destinationu.net/hiking or the favorites in our online store. Also consider joining one of our upcoming trips, specially designed for women over 40 and in some of my favorite places!

Previous Episode

How a World War 2 Tour Inspired Sarah to Redefine Her Story and History

Have you ever signed up for a trip - maybe on a bit of a whim - only to find out how significant it would be in helping you redefine your life going forward? Sarah Blake is with me today, sharing how she was inspired by Harry Connick Jr, H Company and a friend to take her first solo trip and historical tour in Europe to check out WW2 sites. The stories she shares about her experiences, the Veterans she met, and the really fun Supper Club are really touching and what I love is that Sarah also recounts how much she learned about herself and how this trip changed her trajectory. How one unforgettable comment from someone she met along the trip changed her perspective forever and helped kickstart her tackling her Live It NOW list.
Sarah Blake is CEO and founder of Sarah Blake Consulting focusing on Emotional Intelligence & Leadership coaching. She works with individuals and companies utilizing coaching, trainings/facilitation, and consulting strategies to reinforce growth. Connect with Sarah at https://www.sarahblakeconsulting.com

I hope you’ll also check out additional info on this historical tour on my DestinationU website plus bonus of some wonderful photos of the trip on the site or in the video version of our interview that will be also shared on YouTube.

Next Episode

How Rachella Kept Climbing to New Heights After 50

Rachella Seeley didn't break a sweat until her late twenties and didn't start running marathons until her thirties, but she found herself increasingly surrounded by incredible women who inspired her to keep moving and to keep setting new goals.
She and her husband and friends traveled to marathons in many wonderful places and she even qualified for Boston and ran it multiple times. She continued traveling and adventuring into her fifties and she learned of a group trying to raise money for a hospital at the base of Mount Kilimanjaro and that was IT. Although it took her a few more years, she made her first trek up the world's 4th tallest mountain at the young age of 55, and absolutely loved it.
She didn't plan to see Mount Kilimanjaro again, but she was inspired by another wonderful but different cause this time. She repeatedly stated that she would support others but that she was NOT going to trek up the mountain a second time.
The cause and the girls won her over and she ultimately decided she had to hike and summit this incredible mountain again....only this time she would be 69, turning 70!
Hear how Rachella believes putting yourself out there and staying active with a bunch of wonderful and like-minded, goal-setting women are some of the keys to creating incredible and once in a lifetime memories.
She shares her stories and will encourage you to go after your dreams, as she believes these are life changing experiences not to be missed...
Check out additional info and photos on our website (www.destinationu.net/podcast-video) or the video version on our YouTube Channel - Wendy & DestinationU - Ageless Adventurers Over 40 - YouTube.